Mulan Qingliangzhai

Mulan Qingliangzhai

Mulan Qingliangzhai is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

The Qingliangzhai Scenic Area is situated in the northwest of Caidian Township and is one of the eight scenic spots on the "China Wuhan Mulan Eco-Tourism Route." It lies 85 kilometers from downtown Wuhan, 62 kilometers from the Huangpi District center (Qianchuan), and 12.6 kilometers from the Caidian Township government. With an average elevation of over 600 meters, the scenic area covers a total area of more than 6,000 mu. Liujiashan within its jurisdiction is the highest-altitude natural village in Wuhan. The village features a unique landscape, relatively high elevation, and an annual average temperature difference that is 4–6 degrees lower than that of downtown Wuhan. The towering and steep mountains, abundant vegetation, and beautifully layered peaks offer significant advantages for developing eco-tourism and suburban leisure vacation tourism.

Qingliangzhai

Key landscape features include: plant scenery — the scenic area has nearly 2,000 mu of camellia oleifera, which blooms twice a year. In full bloom, the flowers cover the mountains like snow, creating a stunning and captivating sight.

Additionally, camellia oleifera is easy to graft successfully, allowing for the cultivation of various types of camellia flowers, thus offering the potential to create a colorful, seasonal camellia landscape.

Potential advantage. Once this landscape is developed, it could be hailed as “the ecological marvel of Central China.”

Lake Valley Tour Route

Tea Garden: This is a “Four Teas” landscape composed of tea fields, tea ponds, tea houses, and tea corridors. This tea garden is just a glimpse of the 300-mu tea plantation within the scenic area. The garden is lush and green, offering picking opportunities in spring, summer, and autumn. Visitors can both watch the tea-picking ladies at work and even join in to experience tea picking for themselves.

Tea House & Tea Pavilion: Here, you can observe the entire process of tea processing and enjoy the delicious taste of high-mountain misty green tea.

Tea Pond: Also known as Mingquan Pool. Legend has it that there is a dragon spring eye in the pond that surges when it smells the aroma of tea. Fish swim in the water, making it a great spot for fishing.

Fragrant Valley: This valley leads directly to Feiliugu and Tongtian Lake. The valley is cool and refreshing, with azaleas and orchids blooming along the way. It is often described as “a thousand-year-old silkwood, a hundred-year-old sandalwood, and the most fragrant orchid among orchids.”

Taoist Cave: This was the cultivation site of a Taoist immortal known as Qingfeng Daoren. The stone bed, well, surrounding trees, and thatched hut all exude an otherworldly spiritual aura.

Feiliugu (Flying Water Valley): A grand and majestic canyon stretching approximately 500 meters from Jiuzui Lake to Tongtian Lake. It features crystal-clear streams, exquisite rocks, and competing trees.

Three Books: The canyon above the Three Books is called “Reading Forest.” This is where Liu Bingshi, a Qing Dynasty imperial scholar, herded cattle and studied as a child. After Liu passed the imperial examination, the place became known as a land of talent. Many scholars later came here hoping to emulate his success. Legend says that one night, all the scholars had the same dream: an old man with white hair and beard holding a stack of books appeared and told them, “Whoever can understand these three books will undoubtedly become the top scholar, second-place scholar, or third-place scholar. Those who cannot understand them and cannot overcome the mountain of books before them should not waste time here but should go pursue their own paths.” He then threw the books down and disappeared. At that moment, a loud noise woke the scholars from their dream. The Three Heavenly Books were placed at the Dragon Gate, and a mountain of books stood before them.

Bathing Immortal Pool: Legend says it is where fairies came down to bathe. The surrounding screens were transformed from the fairies’ silk garments. Inside is a natural large bathtub, and it’s said that bathing here makes one three times more beautiful.

Thin-Leaf Machilus: This is a rare and precious tree species, also known as Large-Leaf Machilus or Long-Leaf Machilus. It grows in the crevices of rocks in the middle of the canyon, remaining lush year-round. It blooms in April and May with uniquely shaped, ornamental flowers that look as if they were trimmed by hand. Interestingly, there is another Thin-Leaf Machilus at the top of the canyon, standing tall like a pavilion or pagoda, leaving visitors in awe. To date, only these two trees have been found in Hubei Province.

Water Curtain Cave Waterfall: This is currently the largest artificial waterfall landscape in the suburbs of Wuhan. Whether viewing the waterfall, walking through the water curtain cave, or playing in the shallow water beach, visitors can feel the excitement of being immersed in this fairyland.

Drunken Wine Lake: Legend says it was named after the ninth son of the Dragon King, Qiuniu, who was sent to inspect Qingliangzhai. He found the lake water clear, the flower forests reflected in the water, grand waterfalls hanging down, and the flowing streams joyful — a scene even more beautiful than the Dragon Palace. Upon returning, he reported to his father: “Qingliangzhai is truly the legendary ‘Land of Nine Superlatives.’ It has the highest altitude, the northernmost latitude, the greatest temperature difference, the freshest air, the quietest surroundings, the most ancient forests, the greenest lake water, the richest wild charm, and the most simple folk customs. I am the ninth son, and the number nine corresponds perfectly — it aligns with heaven and pleases the people.” He asked his father to inscribe the words “Jiuzui Lake” (Nine Superlative Lake) on the lakeside rock. However, one day, the monk Ji Gong visited and saw the inscription “Jiuzui Lake,” mocking that the Dragon Palace had no literate people who even knew how to write “drunken.” He then used wine as ink to change “Jiuzui Lake” to “Drunken Wine Lake.”

Pei Jia Gou (Dowry Valley): Named after a woman named Li who brought her dowry here. Legend says that during the Jiaqing era of the Qing Dynasty, an official surnamed Li, dissatisfied with the corrupt court, fled here with his daughter to live in seclusion. They made a living by gathering herbs to treat illnesses and took on an apprentice. When the daughter grew up, she fell in love with the apprentice. Li used all her savings to buy this land as her daughter’s dowry. Later, the daughter became a skilled weaver, and her husband became a renowned local doctor. The couple lived harmoniously and were known for their generosity, becoming a timeless local legend.

Maple Forest Bay: A dense forest of towering maple trees that turn green in spring and red in autumn, offering a serene, warm, and magnificent atmosphere.

Niulang River: Named after the story of Cowherd and Weaver Girl. Legend says that when the Weaver Girl was taken to the heavens by the Queen Mother, the Queen Mother used her jade hairpin to scratch the Milky Way. A strand of her hair fell along with the Weaver Girl’s tears, forming this beautiful valley. The valley features lush grass, murmuring streams, beautiful trees, exquisite rocks, and birdsong. The upper section of the valley along the riverbanks offers a pastoral view of deep mountain forests, leading all the way to Liujiashan Folk Village.

Wangtianya (Sky-Gazing Cliff): The story of Cowherd and Weaver Girl has attracted generations of local cowherds to this cliff, where they secretly hoped to become the Cowherd of legend. They often gathered under the cliff, gazing passionately at the blue sky, hoping for the Weaver Girl’s return.

Immortal Tree Stone: Also known as the “Stone and Tree That Fell from Heaven.” Legend says it was dislodged by Cowherd when he was chasing the Weaver Girl across the Milky Way.

You Tian Shi (Heaven-Sustaining Stone): This massive rock acts as a pillar protecting the vast farmland above from being washed away by mountain floods. Legend says that during a devastating flood, the Earth God and local villagers were fighting the flood to protect their fields. Guanyin Bodhisattva, passing by, took pity and shook her cloud whisk, causing this giant rock to descend from the sky. Since then, the farmland along the Niulang River has been safe from droughts and floods. “Food is the heaven of the people,” so locals named this rock “You Tian Shi” (Heaven-Sustaining Stone).

Lazy Man Stone: This large, lonely, and conspicuous stone lying in the field is said to be the incarnation of a lazy man. Long ago, there was an extremely lazy man who never worked in the fields but slept in the fields all day. At first, passersby thought he was sick or starving and gave him alms. But over time, no one paid him any attention, and he eventually starved to death. After his death, he turned into this stone.

Tongtian Lake: Originally the main reservoir for the Tiangang Mountain Power Station, it covers over 110 mu. Overlooking the surrounding landscape, the lake and mountains complement each other beautifully. The newly developed lakeside plank walk and rainbow bridge in the second phase blend quietly into the landscape. The secluded Tongyou Peninsula in the lake, surrounded by dense trees and vibrant birdlife, is a magical and spectacular place accessible only by boat.

Folk Village Tour Route

Liujia Mountain Village is the most remote and highest-altitude administrative village in Wuhan, with a history of nearly a thousand years. The village features rustic yet innovative architectural styles, elegant scenery including ancient ginkgo clusters, camellias, bamboo gardens, and quaint bridges over flowing streams, earning it the reputation of being the most beautiful village in Wuhan.

Iron-Clad Ancient Pine: This is the largest ancient pine in Qingliangzhai, with a history of over 300 years. It is a rare sight within a hundred-mile radius. As early as 1958, during the “Great Leap Forward” steel production campaign, this pine was marked for cutting. However, fate intervened when a sudden thunderstorm struck, injuring two sawyers with lightning and breaking the saw blade mid-tree. Thus, the pine was spared and subsequently revered as sacred. Villagers nailed iron plates to its trunk and offered incense and paper prayers annually to protect it.

Scholar’s River, Homesick Bridge, Jinshi Bridge, and Zhuangyuan Bridge: These are cultural landmarks named in honor of Liu Bingshi, a Qing Dynasty scholar from the village, and to inspire future generations with the ideal of “studying to achieve official success.”

Former Residence of Liu Bingshi and the Imperial Plaque “Wood Root, Water Source”: During the Daoguang era of the Qing Dynasty (1847), Liu Bingshi from Liujia Mountain Village passed the imperial examination to become a scholar, eventually rising to the position of Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Punishments and was bestowed the title “Acting Imperial Driver.” Born into poverty, Liu governed with integrity and never forgot his roots. Emperor Daoguang held his character in high esteem. When Liu returned to his hometown in his later years, the emperor personally inscribed the four characters “Wood Root, Water Source” and had them made into a wooden plaque as a reward. Liu used the funds to build a house upon his return and hung the imperial plaque in the main hall. It was later converted into the ancestral hall of the Liu family. During the Anti-Japanese War, the Japanese burned down the ancestral hall, but the plaque remained unharmed. It was then kept at the home of the village head, but oddly, the house caught fire again, with everything destroyed except the plaque, which remained intact. It wasn’t until the “Smash the Four Olds” campaign that some youths chiseled off part of the inscription. There are various theories about why the plaque survived fires and political turmoil—one suggests Liu’s spirit guarded it after death with divine help, while another claims it was treated with secret fireproofing and preservative methods. Due to its long history and legendary status, the plaque is treasured by villagers as a sacred mountain treasure.

Guanyin Terrace Gallery: Bordering Xiaochang County, it offers a panoramic view of Guanyin Lake and the scenic northwest landscape of mountains, rivers, and fields. It’s an ideal spot for spring outings, cooling off, and for artists and photographers to sketch and capture the scenery.

Echo Wall: This is a sheer cliff where sounds made against it produce clear echoes. It’s particularly enticing for rock-climbing enthusiasts, who often gather here, eager to test their skills.

Ancient Ginkgo Cluster: Known as the “living stone” among plants, ginkgo trees offer aesthetic, edible, and medicinal value. Their fruits are delicious, and leaves can be made into tea, known for promoting circulation and lowering blood pressure—truly a treasure in every part. The village currently has 42 ancient ginkgo trees over a century old.

Green Tea and Bamboo Gardens: Walking along the tea garden trails, visitors are surrounded by lush green tea bushes, bamboo groves, and a tapestry of ginkgo, pine, and fir trees. Strolling through this natural beauty allows one to immerse in the rich mountain village atmosphere and enjoy the leisurely charm of rural life.

Ancient Fortress Trail

Viewing Platform: A long viewing corridor constructed using traditional stone masonry techniques.

Qingliang Pool: Also known as Lower Spring Pool. The valley above it is called Shuangquan Valley, which contains two spring pools, upper and lower. Legend says they were created by the hoofprints of Hua Mulan’s horse during her mountain climb. In the past, locals often used the pool water as holy water for exorcism and healing. Later, the Lower Spring Pool was turned into a reservoir, now serving as the main drinking water supply for the scenic area.

Jieqing Gate: This memorial archway was built to commemorate Hua Mulan’s ascent of Qingliangzhai. During the Tang Dynasty’s Emperor Taizong’s reign, Mulan disguised herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army. After ten years of battle and victory, she returned to the capital but declined the emperor’s offer of the position of Minister of War, choosing instead to ride home. Passing through Qingliangzhai during a clear sky after rain, with rainbows, soaring eagles, misty mountains, and birdsong, she was moved to spur her horse toward the fortress peak. Standing atop the 800-meter-high ancient fortress, she gazed at the vast lakes and mountains, with villages appearing close at hand, and couldn’t help but marvel at the beauty of Jingchu’s renowned Qingliangzhai.

Ancient Fortress Scenic Complex: The ancient fortress is shrouded in legends, including tales of Hua Mulan’s glorious visit, President Li Yuanhong’s temple worship, the Taiping Rebellion’s military encampment, and the New Fourth Army’s guerrilla base. With a long history and layer upon layer of legend, it’s said that after Hua Mulan’s story spread, local leaders raised funds to build fortress temples. During the Taiping occupation, fortress walls were reinforced. In 1916, Li Yuanhong, then President of the Republic of China and a native of Huangpi, also visited to worship at the temple. Qingliangzhai’s fame grew, attracting endless streams of visitors, merchants, and worshippers, reaching its peak.

Address: Caidian Township, Huangpi District, Wuhan City

Type: Canyon, mountain, waterfall, ancient trail, folk village, ancient town, historic village

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–2 hours

Phone: 13886042733

Official Website: http://www.mlqlz.cn/

Opening Hours:

8:00-17:00

Information Source: Official Portal Website of Hubei Provincial People's Government