Jinan Longdong Mountain Scenic Area

Jinan Longdong Mountain Scenic Area

Longdong (Dragon Cave) is located on Longdong Mountain, about 15 kilometers southeast of Jinan’s suburbs. Legend has it that during the reign of Emperor Yao, a malicious dragon caused floods by stirring up trouble here. Yu the Great came to subdue it, but the dragon escaped by burrowing into the mountain, leaving behind a deep cave. Hence, the mountain is also called Yudeng Mountain (Yu’s Ascending Mountain). It boasts abundant natural and cultural landscapes. By the Song Dynasty, it had become a popular tourist destination. The Qing Dynasty scholar Sun Xingyan praised it in a poem: “My visit to Longdong left me in awe—its wonders defy brush and tongue.” The scenic area includes Longdong Mountain, Foyu Valley, and Huti Valley.

I. Longdong Mountain

Located south of Longdong Village in Yaojia Town, Jinan’s suburbs, the area features undulating peaks and steep, rugged cliffs, collectively known as Longdong Mountain, named after the “Dragon Cave” within. Here, the mountain scenery is spectacular: to the north, Laojun Cliff and Fenghuang Terrace form a gate-like embrace, while to the south, Duxiu Peak and Suxiu Peak rise abruptly, enclosing a steep valley called “Longdong Valley.” On either side of the valley entrance stand Laojun Cliff, beneath which lies Laojun Well, said to be where the Taoist deity Laozi once refined elixirs. Opposite Laojun Cliff, to the east, is Fenghuang Terrace, believed to have been a resting place for phoenixes in ancient times. The two mountains face each other, with a clear stream flowing through the valley, creating a picturesque landscape. To the south of the deep valley stands a towering peak shrouded in misty clouds, known as “Baiyun Peak” (White Cloud Peak). West of here, a short canyon leads to the heart of Longdong Valley. This area is dominated by sheer, precipitous cliffs, as if carved by divine hands. Since the Wei and Jin dynasties, renowned temples have been built here. In 1076 (the fourth year of Emperor Yingzong’s Zhiping reign), it was bestowed the name “Shousheng Yuan” (Temple of Longevity and Sanctity). The temple enshrined deities such as the Dragon King, dragon children, dragon daughters, and a golden dragon, attracting fervent worship. During droughts, prayers for rain were said to be answered, leading Emperor Shenzong to grant the local dragon spirit the title “Shunying Hou” (Marquis of Compliance) in July 1079 (the second year of the Yuanyou reign). Later, during the Jin Dynasty’s Huangtong era, it was further elevated to “Linghui Gong” (Duke of Spiritual Grace). Though the temple has since collapsed, two ancient ginkgo trees remain lush and thriving. Stone steles from 1079 and 1100 (the third year of Yuanfeng) still stand, recounting tales of the dragon’s rain-bringing powers.

South of the temple ruins rises Jiuqiyán (Vulture Perch Cliff), atop which stands a seven-tier stone pagoda, 12 meters high, resembling Xi’an’s Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. Known as Baoying Pagoda (Pagoda of Gratitude), it was built in 1116 (the sixth year of the Zhenghe reign). Inside the pagoda’s niches is a statue of Guanyin, while the reliquary chamber beneath holds the remains of Monk Zongyi from Dongdasheng Temple in Liaodi (modern-day Huimin, Shandong). The pagoda’s front bears an inscribed stele documenting its construction. North of Jiuqiyán, Duxiu Peak stands solitary and majestic, its cliffs covered in large calligraphic inscriptions from the Song and Yuan dynasties, including a 1081 (fourth year of Yuanfeng) engraving by Fan Chunren, son of the statesman Fan Zhongyan and governor of Qizhou. Some inscriptions feature characters three feet tall, bold and graceful, forming a remarkable sight. Between the two peaks lies a vast, flat cliff resembling a screen, dubbed “Jinping Yan” (Brocade Screen Cliff). Its cliffs are adorned with hanging cypresses, scattered elm and elm trees, and点缀 of mountain flowers. Engraved on the cliff are giant characters such as “Baiyun Wujin” (Endless White Clouds) and “Jinping Chunxiao” (Brocade Screen Spring Dawn). A particularly striking inscription, “Bi Li Qian Ren” (Cliff Rises a Thousand Ren), carved in 1896 by Jinan literatus Liu Wenzhu, is so large its strokes could shelter a person. In spring, the blooming flowers create a tapestry-like beauty, earning the spot the title “Jinping Chunxiao,” once listed among Jinan’s Eight Scenic Spots.

Southwest of Jinping Yan, nestled between cliffs, lies the famed “Longdong” (Dragon Cave). The cave entrance is 2.7 meters high and 1.3 meters wide, flanked by cliff inscriptions reading “Zhenqi Sen Penbo, Shen Gong Jie Hunmang” (“True Qi Surges Forth, Divine Power Connects to the Vast”)—calligraphy by Gong Yitu, Jinan’s prefect during the Qing Dynasty’s Tongzhi era. The cave runs east-west for about 100 meters. Upon entering, visitors find a spacious domed chamber large enough to hold dozens, its walls adorned with over 50 Buddha statues, including three 4-meter-tall figures from the Eastern Wei Dynasty’s Tianping era, rendered in dignified, archaic styles. Most other carvings date to the Sui Dynasty. Further in, the passage narrows, twisting and turning through a deep, mysterious labyrinth. Strange rocks jut out, stalactites hang upside down, and clusters of stone flowers drip water with a crisp, musical rhythm. Exiting the cave brings a sudden burst of light, with cliff inscriptions from the Song and Yuan dynasties covering the northern wall. Nearby, another cave clings precariously to a steep cliff, inaccessible.

Northwest of Shousheng Yuan lies a broad, deep ravine housing the Jinsha Spring, Bailong Spring, and Heilong Spring. In the past, these springs flowed vigorously, pooling into deep basins known as Huanglong Pool, Bailong Pool, and Heilong Pool. Further west is Tiandi (Heavenly Ladder), a steep, treacherous slope requiring visitors to crawl on all fours. The narrow cliffs on either side allow only a sliver of blue sky to be seen when looking up. At the top lies a platform shaded by cypresses, offering a rest spot with scenic views. Southwest of the three springs is Canglongjian (Hidden Dragon Valley), a perilous area with sheer cliffs, winding ravines, ancient trees, and an eerie, secluded atmosphere.

II. Foyu Valley

Foyu Valley is located southeast of Longdong Mountain, surrounded by mountains, dense forests, blooming flowers, and murmuring springs. A secluded ancient temple lies hidden here. Following a tree-lined path and crossing a small stream for about 1 kilometer, visitors reach a spacious, circular valley commonly called “Luoquan Valley,” the finest part of Foyu Valley. On the northern slope of Nanlingtai Mountain, halfway up the cliffs, stands the ancient “Bore Temple.” According to a Ming Dynasty stele, it was founded during Emperor Wen of Sui’s reign, dating back over 1,400 years. Enclosed by walls, the temple forms a tranquil courtyard. Along the southern path stands a four-pillared, three-story wooden archway inscribed “Foyu Shengjing” (Foyu’s Splendid Scenery). Passing through the archway and stone steps leads to the mountain gate, with side rooms to the east nestled beneath cliffs and a corridor to the west perched atop a perilous cliff. Below the corridor flows a clear stream; leaning on the railing and looking south reveals jagged peaks and cliffs draped in greenery, vines, and wildflowers. North of the corridor, a cliff juts out like an awning, beneath which once stood a Buddhist hall often veiled in mist. On the hall’s western cliff, moss-covered stones and trickling spring water form a clear pool called “Luhua Quan” (Dewdrop Spring), also known as “Ruxiao Quan” (Milk-Scented Spring) for its sweet, milky aroma.

Monks of old brewed tea with this water. Near the spring, cliff inscriptions read “Yundian Quanchu” (Cloud Hall Spring Kitchen). Above the stream, cliff carvings depict Buddha statues, mostly from 587 (the seventh year of Sui’s Kaihuang) to 759 (the second year of Tang’s Qianyuan), along with the 837 (second year of Tang’s Kaicheng) “Datang Jingang Zhi Hui Bei” (Stele of the Great Tang Vajra Assembly) and “Shi Mile Xiang Zan” (Praise of the Stone Maitreya), carved by 110 monks and devotees to commemorate Master Dade. The cliffs also bear Ming and Qing inscriptions like “Linhe Youmei” (Forests and Valleys Exceedingly Beautiful), “Yan’a Xiangujing” (Fairyland in the Cliffs), “Bie You Dongtian” (Another World Apart), and “She Ling Guan Zhen” (Abode of Divine Truth). Thanks to the cliffs’ inaccessibility, these carvings remain intact and legible. West of the temple, cliffs soar, adorned with stalactites, stone flowers, and draperies. East of the temple, a solitary peak stands atop a cliff, said to be where Yu the Great rested during his flood-control efforts, thus called “Yuwang Tai” (Yu the Great’s Terrace), or “Diaoyu Tai” (Fishing Terrace). A pavilion atop the terrace, surrounded by green cliffs, is named “Huancai Ting” (Verdant Pavilion) or “Ting Pù Ting” (Waterfall-Listening Pavilion). To the south, the “Guanyin Tang” (Guanyin Hall) is faintly visible under the shade of trees. Standing in the pavilion, with refreshing breezes and lush scenery, one feels utterly at peace. East of Huancai Ting, a famous spring called “Linji Quan” (Forest-Drawn Spring) lies on the cliff. About 60 meters north, a waterfall cascades from the cliff top, varying in size, splashing into a clear pool before flowing into the winding valley. When mountain winds blow, the sounds of trees and water merge into a roaring symphony like ocean waves.

III. Huti Valley

Huti Valley, in the northeast of Longdong Scenic Area, features gentle terrain and lush, diverse vegetation, characterized by “lush forests and serene surroundings.” Attractions include Baiyun An (White Cloud Nunnery), Youlin (Secluded Forest), and Baiyun Dong (White Cloud Cave). The valley’s clear streams form pools with shimmering waters and verdant aquatic plants. In the past, Baiyun An nunnery stood by the pool, its buildings nestled among trees. East of the pool lies a dense forest with rolling terrain. Deep within, a peak called Baiyun Shan (White Cloud Mountain) pierces the clouds, with Baiyun Dong cave beneath its cliffs and Baiyun Quan (White Cloud Spring) at its base. The cave and spring are hidden within the forest.

IV. Springs and Pools

The Longdong Scenic Area boasts beautiful scenery and abundant springs, including 12 named springs—Jinsha, Bailong, Heilong, Xuanzhu, Yizhi, Linji, Luhua, Huzui, Jinlong, Laojun Jing, Fenghuang Chi, and Baiyun Quan—and over 10 unnamed ones. Among them, Linji, Jinsha, and Bailong are listed in the Jin Dynasty’s “Famous Springs Stele.”

Luhua Quan (Dewdrop Spring)

Located on the cliffs of Bore Temple ruins in Foyu Valley, with隋唐 cliff carvings nearby, the spring flows from the rock like漱玉 (jade rinsing), hence its name. The cliff bears a seal-script inscription of its name. Due to its sweet, milk-like taste, it’s also called Ruxiao Quan. In the past, the spring water flowed into the monks’ kitchen and halls, with the words “Yundian Quanchu” engraved on the nearby cliff. Today, the spring remains active, and the inscriptions endure.

Huzui Quan (Pitcher Spout Spring)

About 200 meters west of Bore Temple ruins, beneath Luoquan Cliff. Water seeps from a 4-cm-wide hole, flowing through the valley without drying up even in droughts.

Jinlong Quan (Golden Dragon Spring)

North of the stone bridge in Foyu Valley, on the northeastern side of the stream. Water flows from a cliffside crevice into a rectangular pool, offering pure, sweet water used as the scenic area’s drinking supply. The cliff above bears the inscription “Jinlong Quan.” An overflow pipe on the southern pool wall lets water cascade into the stream.

Jinsha Quan · Bailong Quan · Heilong Quan

Jinsha Quan, located in the cliffs of Canglongjian northwest of Longdong, is recorded in the Jin “Famous Springs Stele,” Ming “Seventy-Two Springs Poems,” and Qing “Seventy-Two Springs Records.” Bailong Quan, about 30 meters north of Jinsha Quan, is similarly documented. Heilong Quan, north of Bailong Quan, bears Ming Dynasty inscriptions from 1553 and is noted in the Ming “Seventy-Two Springs Poems” and Qing “Jinan Prefecture Annals.” These three springs, also called Huanglong, Bailong, and Heilong Pools, converge during wet seasons, cascading down the valley. In dry seasons, they form small pools. Flanked by steep cliffs, the scenery is pristine. Northwest of Heilong Quan, at Canglongjian’s end, natural stone steps called “Tiandi” (Heavenly Ladder) lead to views of Duxiu Peak, Jiuqiyán, and Longdong, with glimpses of the valley’s springs below.

Xuanzhu Quan (Hanging Pearl Spring)

On the cliffs near Longdong’s entrance, recorded in the Ming “Seventy-Two Springs Poems” and Qing “Seventy-Two Springs Records.” Water droplets seep from the rock and roll down, earning its name.

Yizhi Quan (One-Finger Spring)

West of Shousheng Yuan ruins in Longdong. Listed in the early Republican-era “Continued Licheng County Annals” and later “Licheng County Local Survey.” The square wellspring is about 5 meters deep and never dries up. Laojun Jing (Laojun Well), also called Langgong Jing, lies beneath Laojun Cliff. A meter-wide well with water flowing from its walls into the stream, it has never run dry, serving as a key water source for nearby Longdong Village. Legend says the Taoist deity Laozi used its water for alchemy, hence its name. Recorded in the Ming “Licheng County Annals” (Chongzhen and Chongde eras) and Qing “Jinan Prefecture Annals” as “Langgong Jing,” the well is over 7 meters deep, turns west after 70 meters, and is explorable. Divers have found it connected to caves, but the eerie depths deterred further exploration.

Fenghuang Chi (Phoenix Pool)

Located in Huti Valley. The rectangular pool covers over 700 square meters, with lush aquatic plants, weeping willows along its shores, and verdant mountains surrounding it. The crystal-clear water reflects the surrounding scenery, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

White Cloud Spring

Located at the western side of the steep cliff northeast of the main peak of Baiyun Mountain, at the end of Matisi Valley in Longdong. The steep cliff is about 15 meters high, with a concave lower section that forms a cave-like shape. The spring flows out from this cavern and gathers into a small stone-paved pool covering an area of about 1 square meter, before then flowing into a larger connected pool. This larger pool is 20 meters long from north to south and about 6 meters wide from east to west, with one side against the cliff and three sides walled with stone. Green algae float in the pool, and the water is clear and azure, never drying up even in prolonged droughts. To the north of the spring lies the Baiyun Cave, also known as the White-Robed Immortal Cave. The cave extends over 10 meters deep and is four to five meters wide. Legend has it that a white-robed immortal once lived here, hence the name. The area features lofty mountains, deep valleys, lush forests, and a serene, profound beauty. Baiyun Mountain stands tall and verdant, often shrouded in drifting clouds, presenting a vast and majestic atmosphere. About twenty to thirty meters southeast of the spring, under another steep cliff, there is another spring. The base of the cliff also forms a cave-like shape, and the spring drips drop by drop from the top of the cave wall into a natural pool, flowing year-round without ceasing. Lush green grass grows in the pool.

Scenic Area Address: Longdong Road, Lixia District, Jinan City