Liujialin Village

Liujialin Village

Located in Gaizhuang Subdistrict, Laicheng District, this village sits adjacent to the national 3A-level Lianhua Mountain Scenic Area, boasting uniquely distinctive natural landscapes. Lianhua Mountain, anciently known as Gongshan or Xinfu Mountain, earned its current name due to nine peaks encircling it like a lotus flower. The scenic area features crisscrossing ravines, towering mountains, flowing waters, and breathtaking scenery, with its main peak, Lianhua Jian, reaching an elevation of 994 meters. The area boasts four major signature landscapes: the 26.6-meter-tall, 46.6-ton "Guanyin Bronze Statue," the tallest seated Guanyin statue in China; on summer and autumn evenings after rain, one may occasionally catch a glimpse of "Gongshan Sunset," one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Laiwu, by looking east from the mountaintop; the 170,000-cubic-meter Lianhua Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), whose crystal-clear waters are likened to a "heavenly pool on earth"; and every winter, the "Hundred-Zhang Ice Waterfalls" formed at spots like Yunmen, Hukou, and Lianhua Waterfall, which become a major winter spectacle.

Surrounded by mountains on all sides, Liujialin Village is shaped like a small basin, with the settlement nestled at its base. A glance upward reveals nothing but verdant peaks—the surrounding highlands isolate the village from the outside world, offering visitors a sense of tranquility, detachment from worldly concerns, and transcendence beyond the mundane. The area enjoys picturesque scenery with clear mountains and waters, and to the south lies Lianhua Mountain, which rises over 900 meters above sea level and has since developed into the renowned Lianhua Mountain Scenic Area. Lianhua Mountain, anciently called Gongshan or Xinfu Mountain, derived its name from the nine peaks that encircle it like a blooming lotus. It is also referred to as “Little Mount Tai.” Legend has it that Emperor Wu of Han once sent the alchemist Li Shaojun to build the "Yingxian Palace" here in his quest for immortality, hence the earlier name Gongshan.

The mountain’s highest point reaches 994 meters, and the "Gongshan Sunset" is truly a marvel. Like a mirage, the Gongshan Sunset is fleeting—within the open wilderness, colorful halos may suddenly appear, with radiant sunset hues and pavilions standing vividly in sight. This ephemeral scene captivates viewers, who are transported into what feels like a fairyland.

The main peak of Lianhua Mountain, Lihua Jian, stands abruptly steep, surrounded by nine rugged peaks. Viewed from above, it resembles a massive floral stamen rising upright amidst several petals, as described in a poem: “The stamen juts, petals circle, resembling a lotus; though layered peaks pile up, they remain true mountains.” At the summit of Guanyin Peak, over 900 meters above sea level on Lianhua Mountain, stands a 26.6-meter-tall, 46.6-ton bronze statue of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. With a benevolent expression, Guanyin blesses the local residents with happiness and well-being. The site remains perpetually active with incense, drawing pilgrims from all directions. The echoing sounds of bells and drums, chants, and the curling incense smoke create a solemn and sacred atmosphere for Buddhist activities, making it a significant spiritual landmark.

Viewed from the foot of Lianhua Mountain, the summit always seems shrouded in mist, resembling a heavenly paradise on earth. This natural environment gives rise to a premium variety of tea, known as Cloud Mist Tea, because it is grown on high-altitude slopes and enveloped in clouds and fog year-round. Cloud Mist Tea from Lianhua Mountain has long enjoyed fame and was historically offered as a tribute to emperors, with an aroma that is truly incomparable. In Liujialin, Cloud Mist Tea is an essential experience. During the bustling trade era, merchants from places like Jining and Tai’an, and even those from as far as Hubei, would gather here, filling the streets with horse-drawn carriages and officials.

Address: Liujialin Village, Gaizhuang Subdistrict, Laiwu City

Business Hours: 7:30–18:30

Signature Landscapes: The scenic area boasts four major signature landscapes: the 26.6-meter-tall, 46.6-ton "Guanyin Bronze Statue," the tallest seated Guanyin statue in China; on summer and autumn evenings after rain, one may occasionally catch a glimpse of "Gongshan Sunset," one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Laiwu, by looking east from the mountaintop; the 170,000-cubic-meter Lianhua Tianchi (Heavenly Lake), whose crystal-clear waters are likened to a "heavenly pool on earth"; and every winter, the "Hundred-Zhang Ice Waterfalls" formed at spots like Yunmen, Hukou, and Lianhua Waterfall, which become a major winter spectacle.

Suggested Tour Route: Liberation Pond – Heart-Cleansing Pond – Biliutan (Jade Lotus Pool) – Yuliantan (Jade Lotus Pool) – Tiger Cave – Yuguchi (Jade Maiden Pool) – Love Gate & Wealth Gate – Longtan (Dragon Pool) – Hongliantan (Red Lotus Pool) – Hukou (Flume) – Lianhua Waterfall – Tianchi (Heavenly Lake) – Guanyin Sacred Realm

Lianhua Square Bus Stop – Wanniandui Parking Lot – Xiaoyaoling (Carefree Ridge) – Immortal’s Chess – Sweet Dew Pool – Official Fortune Stone – Miaofeng Mountain – Lianhua Jian (Lotus Peak) – Gongshan (Palace Mountain) – Puzhao Mountain – Happy Forest

Guide Fees: Professional tour guides are available.

Below 30 people per group: 30 RMB

30 or more people per group: 50 RMB

Supporting Facilities:

The scenic area features distinctive farm restaurants where you can sample specialties such as chicken with chestnuts. There are also shopping stalls where visitors can purchase local products like chestnuts and walnuts.

Visitor Service Center: The scenic area has a visitor center that provides guide and consultation services, offers umbrellas on rainy days, and equips facilities such as wheelchairs and strollers for disabled visitors and children. There are also various informational brochures available for guests to read.