Mount Baodu

Mount Baodu

Mount Baodu is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

Mount Baodu is located at the border of Cangshan and Zaozhuang counties and cities. It is also known as Baodu Mountain, Junshan, or Baozi Cliff. During the Han Dynasty, it was called Lou Mountain, and in the Wei Dynasty, it was referred to as Xiantai Mountain. According to an inscription from the fifth year of the Zhizheng era (1345) during the Yuan Dynasty found at Lingfeng Temple in Shandong, it is said that during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the Taoist Ge Hong (courtesy name Yachuan, also known as Baopuzi) once cast aside his official hat, resigned from his post, carried a calf up the mountain, and lived in seclusion. He reclaimed land, farmed, and cultivated himself spiritually, “his noble spirit and pure essence becoming known even in the imperial court.” The emperor conferred upon Ge Hong the title of “Baopu Zhenren” (Perfected One of Simplicity), and because the mountain’s peak is surrounded by steep cliffs and has a flat summit, it came to be known as Baodu Cliff. The flat top of the cliff includes dozens of acres of farmland and two pools several feet deep, which locals refer to as “Heavenly Pools.” From the summit, one can look east toward the Yellow Sea, as if it were right before their eyes, with sea and sky blending into one, presenting a spectacular view known as “Junshan Overlooking the Sea.” The mountainside houses dozens of caves, the main ones being the Water Curtain Cave, Peach Blossom Spring Cave, and Eighteen Arhats Cave. Mount Baodu is known for its treacherous terrain, and throughout history, it has been the stage for many intense battles. During the Qing Dynasty, the South Shandong Fu Army uprising used this area for prolonged confrontations with Qing forces. In 1939, Luo Ronghuan led the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army in establishing the Baodu Cliff Anti-Japanese Base here. At the eastern foot of Mount Baodu lies Lingfeng Temple, which was historically celebrated as a grand Buddhist monastery and a place of serene beauty, believed to be one of the Thirty-Six Blessed Lands of the world. Judging from the remaining inscriptions at the temple, it was built during the Han Dynasty as the traveling palace of the Buddha, and successive dynasties “bestowed decrees and recognitions,” renovating it several times. The current surviving plaque above the Buddha Hall gate bears the personal calligraphy of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty: “Shijia Wenfo” (Sakyamuni Buddha), which continues to be revered by pilgrims hoping for blessings and success. At its height, Lingfeng Temple boasted magnificent halls, imposing grandeur, and hosted over 300 monks who gathered to worship, chant scriptures, and fill the air with incense—until it was eventually destroyed in wartime. The surviving structures include the foundations of the Buddha Hall and the Bell and Drum Towers.

Belonging to the Yishan Mountain Range, Mount Baodu stands 580 meters above sea level and is a renowned mountain that combines natural scenery with cultural and historical landscapes. Its terrain is abrupt and imposing, majestic and beautiful, with flowing springs, cascading waterfalls, lush cypresses, and verdant pines. At the mountain’s base stand two ancient temples: Qinghua Temple and Chaoyun Guan. Partway up the mountain are dozens of caves, such as Peach Blossom Spring Cave and Water Curtain Cave. The flat mountaintop features dozens of acres of fertile land covered in thriving pines and cypresses, along with a profusion of rare flowers and plants. Gazing southward, the plains spread out like a painting. Among the foothills, springs tinkle and clear streams babble. Looking westward, rolling mountain ranges appear to undulate like dancing green serpents. To the north, mountain after mountain stretches into the distance, rising and falling in gentle waves.