Xintai Qingyun Mountain Scenic Area

Xintai Qingyun Mountain Scenic Area

Qingyun Mountain, anciently known as Aoshan, is located in Xincheng

4 kilometers to the east, on the eastern shore of Qingyun Lake, covering an area of 6 square kilometers. The mountain range extends from northwest to southeast. It connects to Qingyun Lake in the northwest. Four peaks are aligned in a row, rising progressively in height. The main peak stands at an elevation of 495 meters. The Qing Dynasty scholar Kong Zhenzhen remarked, “Qingyun is a miniature reflection of Mount Hua.”

The precipitousness of Qingyun Mountain lies in its sudden rise from the ground, standing like a pillar holding up the sky in the eastern part of Xintai. Literati and scholars who passed by all composed poems and lyrics, marveling at its magnificence. “Aoshan’s Sheer Cliffs” is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Xintai. The main structures currently found here include the Three Officials Temple, the Jade Emperor Temple,

and the Lanbo Pavilion. The Three Officials Temple is situated beneath the sheer cliffs of the main peak and was built during the Ming Dynasty. There are 53 steps leading down from the mountain gate, commonly referred to as the “53 Steps of Worship.” Dragon and lion head carvings flank the steps, appearing majestic and imposing. Upon entering the gate, bell and drum towers stand on either side, with side halls to the east and west, while the main hall is the Hall of the Three Yuan. The deities enshrined in the hall form a trinity — the Heavenly Official, the Earthly Official, and the Water Official — collectively known as the Three Officials or the Three Yuan. The Jade Emperor Temple is built atop the mountain peak. Its inner structure is entirely constructed with stone arches, without using a single brick or piece of wood. Locals call it the “Beamless Hall,” and it houses the Jade Emperor. The cliffs of Qingyun Mountain are steep as if cut with a knife, and the mountain is covered with peculiar rocks. Over 30 works by renowned contemporary Chinese calligraphers are engraved on the mountaintop, most of which are poetic masterpieces by historical figures extolling the historical sites, personalities of Xintai, and the scenic beauty of Aoshan.