Canglong Gorge Scenic Area

Canglong Gorge Scenic Area

Canglong Gorge is located south of Laiwu City, at the foot of Lotus Mountain, within a tributary of the upper reaches of the Dawen River. The gorge is several zhang deep, with steep cliffs standing opposite each other. Verdant pines and cypresses twist and intertwine overhead, blocking out the sunlight. The cliff walls feature naturally formed caves—some as spacious as living rooms, some unfathomably deep, and others interconnected. Strange rocks abound, making it highly scenic. The gorge also contains waterfalls, flowing springs, and unique rock formations, with crystal-clear emerald-green water. Sunlight filters through the gaps in the trees and shines onto the water surface, creating a dazzling display of colorful light beams.

After heavy summer rains, the floodwaters rush down violently, with mist rising several zhang high and thunder rumbling for miles, as if a green dragon were soaring upwards. This is the sight known as “Thunder in Cang Gorge,” one of the ancient Eight Scenic Spots of Laiwu. Ancient poets thus wrote: “No thick clouds in sight, yet deep rumbles roar; who’d have thought the dragon’s gorge holds surging waters in store?”

Within the gorge, there are several stone inscriptions from the Ming Dynasty and earlier dynasties, such as “Deep in Peach Blossom Grove,” “Waiting for the Moon,” “Drunken Old Man,” and “Cloud-Wreathed Rock.” The Tianhua Tower of Qi Shijiao, a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations during the Ming Dynasty, is situated on the gorge’s bank. He left behind the renowned poem “Qingxian Ci” here, which remains widely circulated to this day. Throughout history, many celebrated scholars have visited this spot, felt their spirits lifted, and put brush to paper, leaving behind countless timeless verses.

In recent years, to better develop Canglong Gorge, a series of structures have been built, including an ornate antique-style gate with carved beams and painted rafters, exuding grandeur; a stone memorial archway with nine dragons coiled around its pillars; stone pavilions and wooden pavilions; a pair of rainbow-shaped bridges—one high, one low—whose railings are adorned with vivid carvings of two dragons playing with a pearl; and tiered steps that resemble a ladder to the clouds.