Dalian Longtan Mountain

Dalian Longtan Mountain

Longtan Mountain, also known as Longtan Mountain City or Deliying City, has two peaks—north and south. The southern peak stands at 318 meters above sea level, while the northern peak reaches 418 meters. These two peaks stand majestically opposite each other, forming a natural barrier for the mountain city. The forested area is so dense that it blocks out the sun, and wildflowers blanket the slopes, creating breathtaking scenery.

On the western side of the northern peak, there is another slightly lower peak, yet it remains majestic and imposing, acting like a stronghold for the mountain city. To the east, two massive rock formations rise abruptly from the ground, resembling a pair of fangs piercing the sky, hence nicknamed “Big Fang” and “Little Fang.” The mountain is home to ancient city walls, built along the contours of the terrain, stretching 2,240 meters in total. The remaining sections of the wall stand 5 meters high and 3 meters wide, all constructed from stone, dating back to the Wei-Jin to Tang dynasties. The city is surrounded by peaks on its eastern, southern, and western sides, with steep slopes and thick vegetation. There are two gates in the city—one in the east and one in the west. The eastern gate is located at the mountain pass, at a lower elevation where the slope gradually flattens, likely serving as the main passage for people and horses in ancient times. The western gate is situated at a strategic high point, offering a commanding view and serving as a critical route for attack or retreat. Overall, the mountain city twists and turns along the ridges, resembling a flying dragon or slithering snake, presenting a spectacular sight. Though the walls have deteriorated over time and their full structure is no longer visible, the foundations remain intact, and ruins can still be found. Within the city, nestled in a mountain hollow, stands a “Dragon King Temple,” later renamed “Longhua Palace,” which was built during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era. The temple features paintings of landscapes, waterscapes, birds, and fish that, despite the passage of time, remain clearly visible. The original walls and gatehouse of the temple are still preserved. In the courtyard stands a 3-meter-tall bell tower constructed from granite. In front of the temple lies a deep pool known as Longtan (Dragon Pool), measuring 55 meters in length and 25 meters in width. The pool’s depth is unfathomable; it never dries up in drought nor overflows in heavy rain. It is inhabited by schools of fish, shrimp, and turtles. This site is referred to as the “Spiritual Anomaly of Longtan,” one of the ancient “Eight Scenic Spots of Fuzhou.” Longtan Mountain is approximately 1.5 kilometers from Delisi Railway Station. A paved road has been built leading directly to the mountain city and the temples. On the western slope of the old temple, a new Taoist temple named Longhua Palace has been constructed, serving as the foremost Taoist site in southern Liaoning.