Zhangqiu Zhaobadong Scenic Area

Zhangqiu Zhaobadong Scenic Area

Zhangqiu Zhaobadong Scenic Area is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

Zhaobadong, also known as Longcang Cave, is a municipal-level key cultural relic protection unit in Jinan. Located in Zhaobadong Village, Guanzhuang Township, Zhangqiu City, Shandong Province, it is about 20 kilometers from Mingshui, the urban area of Zhangqiu. The Puxue Highway leads directly to the scenic area. It is a well-known cultural heritage tourist attraction and leisure destination in the Jinan area. The scenic area covers an area of 2,000 square meters, with various structures and carvings largely well-preserved.

This cave, along with the surrounding Lüzudong, Niulandong, Tizidong, Langwodong, Laohudong, Pifengdong, and Kuoluodong, forms the renowned Eight Caves of Zhangqiu. Among them, Zhaobadong is the most famous, representing the “Dragon Cave Breeze” among the Eight Scenic Spots. On the southern wall at the cave entrance, there are four bold characters “Tong Tian Tou Di” (Penetrating Heaven and Earth) inscribed by Xuesuoshanren of Yuyang for his friend Zhonglushanren Li Kaixian, exuding a majestic aura. To the south of the cave entrance stands a stone stele erected by the municipal government, inscribed with “Zhaobadong Statues,” shining brightly. Inside the cave, there is a statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva with a kind and gentle expression. The cave features rugged stalactites and deep, clear pools. In the northwest direction, there is a narrow and hard-to-enter cave that extends deep beyond measure. There are 85 notable statues in the cave, including 82 Buddhist statues apart from those of Guan Yu, Zhou Cang, and Guan Ping. All are crafted with superb anthropomorphic techniques, rich in human nature and expressions, vividly lifelike, exquisitely moving, with elegant lines, expressive shapes, and remarkably lifelike details, making them shining pearls in the treasure trove of Chinese art. The cave contains a Dragon Bed, Dragon Stream, Dragon Pool, and Dragon Pillar. On the Dragon Bed lies a dragon body over three zhang (approximately 10 meters) in length, with vividly portrayed dragon claws and tail, facing east toward the East Sea, as if ready to take flight. Legend has it that after Nezha stripped the tendons of the Dragon King’s son from the East Sea, Guanyin Bodhisattva rescued the Dragon Prince. Here, the dragon body was restored, lingzhi mushrooms were gathered from Lotus Mountain, immortal dew from Siji Mountain, and holy water from Seven Maidens Spring. After eighteen thousand years, the Dragon Prince recovered fully, regained vitality, let out a mighty roar, and the cave entrance burst open. The Dragon Prince then ascended to the clouds and returned to the sea. A poem praises: “A thousand-foot-deep pool hides an ancient dragon, rugged rocks form a cave paradise.”

The scenic area is also abundant in Chinese toon trees, making it a famous “Hometown of Chinese Toon” in Zhangqiu. Winding paths through the toon groves lead to serene spots. Strolling here, with the breeze carrying the fragrance of toon leaves, one feels refreshed and delighted. It is an ideal place for exploring history, seeking tranquility, and enjoying summer leisure.

Scenic Area Type: Mountain Landscape

Address: Sijishan Mountain at the northern foot of Tiancangling, Guanzhuang Town, Zhangqiu City

Opening Hours: Open all day

Visiting Time: Approximately 1 hour

Price Description: Free admission

Information Source: Zhangqiu Municipal People's Government Website