Maitreya Rock

Maitreya Rock

Maitreya Rock is located on the mountainside of the left peak of Qingyuan Mountain in Quanzhou City, Fujian Province, on a terrace known as “Yixiao Platform.” In the 24th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty (1364), a stone chamber built to resemble wooden architecture was constructed against the rock face. It is 5.6 meters wide, with the words “Amitabha Buddha” carved on the lintel. On the rear wall of the chamber is a high-relief standing statue of Amitabha Buddha, five meters tall, which is a key provincial cultural relic protection unit. Outside the rock are scenic spots such as “One-Line Sky,” “Cloud Terrace,” “Lovers’ Stone,” “Spring Grotto Waterfall Viewing,” and “Master Hongyi’s Stupa.”

The imitation wooden stone structure of Maitreya Rock was built in the 24th year of the Zhiyuan era of Emperor Shundi of the Yuan Dynasty (1364). The Yuan Dynasty stone statue of Amitabha Buddha inside the chamber was carved directly from the natural cliff face. It stands 5.77 meters tall and is 2.5 meters wide, with a spiral topknot, feet resting on lotus petals, the left hand resting flat over the chest, and the right hand hanging down. Its dignified and graceful form, along with its compassionate expression, reflects a serene and kind demeanor. The architectural features of the stone chamber and the attire of the Buddha statue provide important physical evidence for the study of Yuan Dynasty architecture south of the Yangtze River and Buddhist stone carving art. An inscribed stone tablet from the 24th year of the Zhiyuan era of the Yuan Dynasty, located on the right side of the chamber, records: “The Grand Councilor San Danba, Imperial Censor Timur Buqa, Constitutionalist Sun Sanbao, and Assistant Magistrate Shijia Ru donated funds to initiate the project, combining various resources to transform the hall into stone, build a platform, renovate the structure, and further refine the Buddha statue, gilding it...” Within this 193-character Yuan Dynasty stone inscription, 13 simplified Chinese characters appear, which is extremely rare for Yuan Dynasty stelae.

Above the Maitreya Rock chamber, following the “Seeking the Buddha Scripture” path and ascending the steps, under the steep cliff, there is a stone carving of the character “佛” (Buddha) handwritten by Ma Fushu, the Fujian Land Forces Commander during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty. It is hailed as the “Foremost Buddha Character in Fujian.” Additionally, the cliff engraving of the two characters “拜观” (Pay Homage and View), written by the renowned Chinese painter Huang Zhou, shines brilliantly and presents a magnificent sight.

To the left of the front of the stone chamber, beside the cliff face, there stands a huge rock covered with banyan trees. Ancient inscriptions such as “Yixiao Platform” and “Cloud Valley” are engraved here. Standing atop it gives one a feeling of floating as if becoming immortal. Gazing into the distance, the meandering Jin River, the two pagodas towering above, and the new look of the ancient city are all visible.

Walking along the trail from Maitreya Rock to Lotus Pond, you can admire the Tang Dynasty Lin Yun’s cliff inscription “Quanshan Inscription” by the pond. Passing the Lotus Pond, you will reach the exquisitely unique “Cliffside Pavilion” built against the rock. Exiting the “Cliffside Pavilion,” crossing the iron cable bridge, you will arrive at Bixiao Rock.

Qingyuan Mountain

Ci’en Rock

Laojun Rock Statue (Statue of Laozi)