Lotus Mountain Scenic Area

Lotus Mountain Scenic Area

Lotus Mountain Scenic Area is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Lotus Mountain Scenic Area is a national 2A-level tourist attraction and a national agricultural tourism demonstration site, located in the southern part of Laiwu City, Shandong Province. With its lush mountains, beautiful waters, picturesque scenery, the sound of bells and drums, and the continuous chanting of Buddhist prayers, the 900-meter-high summit is home to a majestic bronze statue of Guanyin that seems to touch the clouds. It is a tourist destination that combines natural scenery with religious reverence.

Lotus Mountain is part of the Tai Mountain range, formed by the ancient "Tai Mountain Movement." Due to crustal faulting and uplift, the main mountain massif features steep peaks and deep valleys. It is said to have "36 mountain peaks and 72 valleys." The main peak, Lotus Peak, stands at an elevation of 994 meters, making it the highest mountain in Laiwu. The granite mountain stretches from east to west, covering an area of 17 square kilometers.

Lotus Mountain has a rich historical and cultural heritage. The "Book of Songs · Odes of Lu" records: "The cypresses of Xinfu are intertwined for a hundred li"; in 110 BC, Emperor Wu of Han sought immortality and spiritual enlightenment here. Since the Tang and Song dynasties, it has become a sacred Buddhist site. Ancient relics and sites are found throughout the mountain. Emperors and scholars throughout history, including Emperor Qianlong, Zhang Daoyi, Wang Yingxiu, and Tang Zhongmian, have left behind poems praising Lotus Mountain. Captivating Buddhist and Taoist legends and stories have been passed down through the ages... all contributing to the rich and diverse ancient culture of Lotus Mountain.

Lotus Mountain hosts three major festivals each year: the "Spring Tourism Festival" on the 19th day of the second lunar month, the "Traditional Temple Fair" on the 19th day of the sixth lunar month, and the "Autumn Harvest Festival" on the 19th day of the ninth lunar month, during which visitors can enjoy wonderful cultural performances. Currently, there are six uniquely themed sightseeing areas, with three main touring routes: the eastern route for greenery, the western route for water views, and the central route for thrilling sights, featuring over 100 natural and cultural attractions. Major highlights include:

The Great Guanyin, standing 26.6 meters tall and weighing 46.6 tons, is currently the largest seated Guanyin statue in China. It attracts numerous worshippers daily and is a major sacred site in central Shandong.

The Sunset at Gongshan, also known as the Lotus Buddhist Light. In summer and autumn, after the rain, visitors looking eastward from the mountaintop may occasionally see a colorful halo, within which the surrounding landscape, pavilions, and figures are vividly visible. It is one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Laiwu.

Lotus Heavenly Lake, situated at an altitude of 860 meters, is the highest high-mountain lake in East China. With a water surface area of 8,000 square meters, the lake is crystal clear like a mirror and is known as the "Jade Pool on Earth." It is a great spot for boating, fishing, and ice-skating in winter.

Transportation

Access the scenic area by taking National Highway 205 or the Taibo Expressway, then transferring to the Laiwu Lotus Mountain Tourist Special Line. It is 15 kilometers from downtown Laiwu.

Ticket Price

Ticket: 18 RMB

Location

East Road, Xiajiazhuang Town, Boshan District, Zibo City, Shandong Province