Qingyuan Mountain

Qingyuan Mountain

Qingyuan Mountain is a national scenic area and a AAAAA-level tourist attraction.

Located in the northern suburbs of Quanzhou, Qingyuan Mountain is commonly known as Beishan (North Mountain); it is also called Qiyun Mountain (Cloud-Reaching Mountain) because clouds and mist often shroud its peaks. Covering an area of 62 square kilometers, its main scenic area is just 3 kilometers from downtown Quanzhou. As an extension of the central Fujian Daiyun Mountain range, Qingyuan Mountain features undulating peaks, abundant rocks forming interesting landscapes, and numerous naturally formed scenic spots. Its highest peak is 572 meters, with mountain ridges stretching 20 kilometers. The area is famed for its fantastic rock formations and is known as the “No. 1 Mountain of the Fairyland on the Sea of Fujian,” and is one of Quanzhou’s Four Famous Mountains.

According to the Annals of Quanzhou Prefecture, Qingyuan Mountain was first developed during the Qin Dynasty. During the Tang Dynasty, the “Three Teachings” of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism competed to establish temples and develop the area, along with traces of Islamic, Manichaean, and Hindu activities, gradually evolving into a cultural mountain that embraces diverse religions. Since ancient times, Qingyuan Mountain has been famous for its 36 grotto-heavens and 18 scenic spots, especially notable for Laojun Rock, Qianshou Rock, Mituo Rock, Bixiao Rock, Ruixiang Rock, Huru Spring, Nantai Rock, Qingyuan Cave, and Cien Rock.

The mountain gate at Laojun Rock features a two-tiered zigzag platform, which is a variation of the Yin-Yang Taiji Bagua (Yin-Yang and Eight Trigrams) pattern. In front stands a natural rock engraved with eight seal characters: “The Green Ox Heads West, Purple Air Comes from the East.” The stone gate, adorned with twisted roots and gnarled branches as window ornaments, is full of rustic charm, vividly reflecting Laozi’s philosophy of “revering nature” and giving visitors a delightful sense of entering a transcendent fairyland.

The Laojun Statue, listed as a national key cultural relic protection unit, is a unique artistic treasure among China’s Taoist stone carvings. Carved during the Song Dynasty, it has remained vivid and lifelike despite a thousand years of wind and rain. According to the Annals of Quanzhou Prefecture compiled during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era: “The stone statue is naturally formed; skillful artisans only made slight carvings.” This indicates it is a naturally shaped giant rock resembling an old man, which local craftsmen masterfully carved into the seated figure of Laozi, the renowned philosopher, thinker, and founder of Taoism from the Spring and Autumn Period.

Qianshou Rock, also known as Guanyin Temple, gets its name from the enshrined statue of Guanyin. Located on the left peak of Qingyuan Mountain, the temple features red walls and plain tiles, giving it a particularly fresh appearance. At the center-rear of the main hall sits a Song Dynasty stone carving of Sakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism. The sculpture is exquisitely crafted and strikingly lifelike, representing one of the finest examples of Song Dynasty stone carving art on Qingyuan Mountain. In front of the statue is a Bodhisattva Guanyin with a thousand hands and eyes, whose kind expression is truly enchanting. The murals of the Eighteen Arhats on the side walls display diverse expressions, almost seeming to leap off the wall. The temple is often filled with the sounds of evening drums and morning bells, with incense burning incessantly. In front of the temple, lush pines and cypresses stand amid rugged rocks, creating a uniquely serene atmosphere.

Mituo Rock is one of the main attractions in the Valley of Buddhist Chants scenic area of Qingyuan Mountain. After passing Qianshou Rock and ascending the ancient path via Zhenyi Pavilion, you will reach the gate of Mituo Rock. The gateposts bear a couplet written by Ming Dynasty calligrapher Zhang Ruitu: “On peaceful days, one can gaze into the distance; when viewing fertile fields, one may pause the carriage.” This shows it is an excellent spot for enjoying the view from above, sipping wine, and feeling the breeze. The wooden-style stone chamber of Mituo Rock was built in the 24th year of the Zhizheng era of Yuan Emperor Shundi (1364 AD). Inside the chamber is a Yuan Dynasty stone carving of the standing Amitabha Buddha, carved directly from the natural cliff face. It stands 5.77 meters tall and 2.5 meters wide, with a spiral topknot, lotus feet, the left hand resting on the chest, and the right hand hanging down—its dignified and serene form radiates kindness.

The Three Ages of Buddha are seated side by side in the lotus position on a sunken and raised lotus base. The central statue stands approximately 2.5 meters tall, with the two flanking statues slightly shorter. The statues are well-preserved and all follow the Tubo style: the Buddha’s hair is in spiral curls, topped with a precious ornament. Their faces are wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, with long ears reaching the shoulders, broad shoulders, and slender waists. They all wear right-shoulder-exposing kasayas, with one corner of the robe draped over the left shoulder. The clothing folds are represented by raised relief lines, still clearly visible despite the passage of time. Each statue has a circular halo around the head and body. The central figure is Sakyamuni, also known as the Present Buddha. The left figure is Bhaisajyaguru (Medicine Buddha), or the Past Buddha. The right figure is Amitabha Buddha, the Future Buddha.

The Stupa was built in 1952 on the western side of Mituo Rock in Qingyuan Mountain Scenic Area as the “Tower of Master Hongyi,” housing the relics of the master. The entire stone pagoda blends seamlessly with the surrounding space, cliff inscriptions, and landscaped greenery, appearing even more solemn and reverent, evoking deep nostalgia in visitors. It was designated as a key cultural relic protection unit of Fujian Province in March 1991.

Baizhangping, also known as Zunyan or Xingtai Rock, is located southeast of Qingyuan Cave. According to Minshu (The Book of Fujian), it was constructed by the eminent Song Dynasty monk Kezun, and named for the vast flat rocks extending hundreds of paces around the area. Historically, there were structures such as the “Zhenyun Pavilion” and three stone pagodas. During the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli era, Quanzhou Prefect Jiang Zhili inscribed the three large characters “Baizhangping,” which are quite spectacular.

Qingyuan Tianhu (Heavenly Lake) has a dam crest elevation of 368 meters. It is a double-curvature stone arch dam, 30 meters high, with a crest length of 140 meters and width of 2.8 meters. The total reservoir capacity is 115,000 cubic meters, with a maximum water surface area of 12,000 square meters. Qingyuan Tianhu is not only a water storage project but also a scenic one. The majestic dam, sparkling water surface, and the reflections of forested mountain peaks create a beautiful harmony with the blue sky, white clouds, lake, and mountain scenery.

The Ming Dynasty Stone Chamber, the Ruixiang Rock chamber atop Tianzhu Peak, was built in the second year of the Yuanyou era of the Song Dynasty (1087 AD). Initially a wooden structure, it was rebuilt as a stone chamber mimicking wood architecture in the 19th year of the Chenghua era of the Ming Dynasty (1483 AD). The Song Dynasty stone carving of Sakyamuni inside the chamber was carved from the natural cliff face, standing 4.62 meters tall and 2 meters wide. The Buddha statue is solemn, dignified, and exquisitely crafted. Passing through a cave on the left side of the chamber, you’ll emerge into a suddenly spacious area where three massive rocks resemble three large pythons sticking their heads out of the cave—hence the name “Three Pythons Emerging from the Cave.” In ancient times, a “Wangzhou Pavilion” was built on the mountain cliff platform, offering a panoramic view of the ancient city. The prominent cliff inscription “Wanggui” (Forget to Return) reflects how such breathtaking natural and cultural landscapes captivate visitors, making them linger.

The Ling Mountain Sacred Tombs are the oldest and best-preserved Islamic holy sites in China, located in the Ling Mountain scenic area of Qingyuan Mountain. During the Wude era of the Tang Dynasty (618–626 AD), Muhammad sent four disciples to China: one spread Islam in Guangzhou; another in Yangzhou; the third, Shah Shieh, and the fourth, Wa Gao Shi, preached in Quanzhou, where they died and were buried on Ling Mountain. After their burial, the mountain emitted a mysterious glow at night, leading people to regard it as sacred, hence naming the tombs “Sacred Tombs” and the mountain “Ling Mountain” (Mountain of Spirits).

Bixiao Rock is divided into Upper and Lower Bixiao. From the entrance, looking up, the sky appears as a thin line, hence it is also called “Little Paradise.” The cave’s rock wall is inscribed with the three characters “Tou Bixiao” (Penetrating the Azure Vault). Descending the ladder from the cave entrance leads you into Lower Bixiao.

Address: East side of Qingyuan Mountain Tourist Center, Fengze District, Quanzhou City

Type: National Park, Mountain, Historic Site

Rating: AAAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: About 0.5 day

Phone: 0595-22777675

Opening Hours:

7:00-18:00

Further Reading:

· Second Batch of National Scenic Areas

Mituo Rock

Cien Rock

Laojun Rock Statue (Statue of Laozi)