Laoyingshan Tourist Area

Laoyingshan Tourist Area

I. Overview of the Scenic Area

Southeast of Qijiang District lies a uniquely shaped mountain range, historically known as Laoyingshan, or simply Yingshan. Its highest peak stands at an altitude of 1,354 meters, with the nearest point just over 20 kilometers from the urban area. Stretching over a hundred li around Laoyingshan, there were more than forty temples in ancient times. Liu Wangzhi, a learned scholar of the Song Dynasty, once praised the area in verse: “The mountain coils around with forty-eight perilous faces, / The clouds shroud three hundred and sixty autumns.” Due to its towering height above the clouds, steep cliffs, and year-round lush greenery, resembling the legendary fairy mountains in the sea, it earned the name Laoyingshan. A remarkable phenomenon on Laoyingshan is the accumulation of several meters thick layers of pebble-like sandstone at the summits of peaks over a thousand meters high. Laoyingshan Natural Scenic Area boasts enchanting scenery characterized by grandeur, wonder, danger, serenity, and antiquity.

The Laoyingshan Natural Scenic Area features captivating landscapes marked by grandeur, wonder, danger, serenity, and antiquity.

Ma’anshan Mountain resembles a wild horse rearing its head and neighing toward the blue sky, ready to gallop; Baiyun Temple stands alone atop a peak like a vigilant sentinel; Honghuayan Rock looks like a majestic seated Buddha, with the “Tiger Mountain” character “Tian” on its chest, exuding awe-inspiring presence; Liangfengya resembles a roc spreading its wings, poised to soar into the vast sky; Shisun (Stone Bamboo Shoots) looks like a giant raising an arm to hold up the blue sky. Every corner of Yingshan emanates a majestic aura, hence the attribute of “grandeur.”

On the mountain, white clouds drift out of the valleys, ethereal and elusive. As one walks amidst the mountain, surrounded by clouds and mist, it feels like riding the clouds and driving the fog—free and unrestrained. Ascending to the summit, one gazes out to see the river winding like a jade ribbon, verdant mountains, picturesque terraced fields, and endless fields of rice and chili peppers. Natural rock formations such as Shanjiao Stone and Songfu Rock are strikingly lifelike; Lianhua Village and Shiqiaozhi feature exquisite craftsmanship as if formed by nature itself. There are also rare treasures like Xiangbei (Fragrant Stele), Yuwell (Jade Well), and Qipan Stone (Chessboard Stone), all profound and mysterious, embodying the attribute of “wonder.”

The mountain paths are rugged, with cliffs thousands of feet high, presenting perilous scenes on all forty-eight faces. Hikers may find themselves facing sheer cliffs with deep chasms behind them, or treading on thin mist with nothing but emptiness in sight. At the cliff’s edge, amidst surging clouds and fog, the experience is breathtaking and deeply humbling, truly conveying a sense of “danger.”

The mountain is covered by vast forests where ancient trees block out the sun. Among the woods, the chirping of cicadas and birdsong fills the air, flowers bloom, pheasants dance, and monkeys play. Mountain springs babble, echoing through the valleys, while gentle breezes rustle the pine trees. The lake reflects the verdant surroundings, creating a serene and immersive atmosphere that makes one linger in this profound tranquility—hence the attribute of “serenity.”

The mountain is home to ancient temples with long histories, faintly visible through the mists. Mountain deities everywhere seem to embody virtues of kindness and truth, offering guidance to those lost. Temples such as Tiangong Temple, Baiyun Temple, Shenxian Chessboard, Lianhua Baozhai (Lotus Treasure Fortress), Chaoyin Cave, Wangtian Guanyin, Shidaikai Sword Inscription, and Yin-Yang Tomb carry enduring legacies and moving legends, attesting to their great “antiquity.”

II. Attractions Introduction

Baiyun Temple: Baiyun Temple is the only legally recognized Taoist activity site in Qijiang and is listed among the three major Taoist sites in Southwest China. It is a major branch of Chongqing’s Nanshan Laojun Cave and has a history of over 400 years. Despite periods of decline and revival, it remains a place of active worship.

Baiyun Taoist Temple is situated on the secondary peak of the southeastern part of Laoyingshan, at an altitude of 1,085 meters. Ancient records describe it as: “Laoyingshan stands majestically in the southeast of the prefecture, stretching hundreds of li, with its star-like peaks showcasing wonders. Its winding trunks display uniqueness, its dragon-headed ridges tower thousands of feet, cradling clear streams, while stone bamboo shoots reach the azure sky. Mist rises from the mountainside, and dwellers live atop the heights, gazing afar to oversee the vast land.” The temple buildings stand atop the cliff edge, in a perilous yet commanding position. The entire temple complex is located within Baiyun Village, Shijiao Town, Qijiang County. Separated by the Qijiang River, it faces the Jingyin Temple (a Buddhist site) of Gujianshan Mountain in the same county.

According to the Qijiang County Annals, in the Renzi year of the Jiajing era during the Ming Dynasty (1552), Hongdu Taoist priest Yang Changfu (also known as Fuan, from Xin County, Jiangxi Province, who traveled with his disciples seeking secluded places for spiritual practice and toured famous mountains across the country), arrived at the southeastern part of Laoyingshan. Seeing that the landscape matched the vision shown to him by his master, he joyfully decided to stay. However, the cliffs were steep and the path extremely treacherous. He then led his disciples to cross streams and climb hills, cutting through bushes and clearing land to build a meditation chamber. Although the foundation work was slow, a golden ox magically appeared to help dig the path, and when the mountain lacked water sources, a sweet spring miraculously flowed in response to prayers. Alas, was it the ox or the well? Such feats were beyond human capability. Thus, Baiyun Temple was established. During the foundation excavation, a stone inkstone inscribed with the characters “Baiyun” (White Cloud) was found, which became the inspiration for the temple’s name. At the time, the site was secluded and precipitous, with tall pines brushing the ground, slender bamboos reaching the sky, and lush rocks embracing the area on three sides. Yang Changfu practiced Taoism here for many years, becoming a revered figure, and was later followed by Taoist Wang Baiyun and his servant Chundun (named Yang Taichang), who unearthed another inkstone bearing the same “Baiyun” inscription, further spreading the temple’s fame.

The Baiyun Temple complex is divided into upper, middle, and lower halls. Construction of the upper hall began during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty, with the middle and lower halls built during the Qing Dynasty. In the early years of the Republic of China, side rooms and the mountain gate were added. After more than 300 years of painstaking development, it grew into a grand temple complex. It remains active year-round, with the sounds of iron bells and leather drums echoing for miles.

Before the Qing Dynasty, the main hall enshrined Taoist deities. Later, during the Qing Dynasty, to meet the needs of local rulers, a mix of various gods was introduced, including Buddhist statues and Guanyin, and even clay sculptures of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei. The site thus became a blend of Taoist and Buddhist elements.

Baiyun Temple boasts picturesque natural scenery and exquisitely crafted cultural landscapes, attracting numerous poets and scholars who left behind poetic inscriptions. Ascending from the foot of the mountain to the summit, one encounters the powerful inscription “Baiyun Shenchu” (Deep in the White Clouds) carved on the cliff face, gifted by Zhao, a county magistrate of Qijiang, in the 21st year of the Jiaqing reign. The mountain and its rear are especially famed for eight major attractions: Shisun Cantian (Stone Bamboo Shoots Reaching the Sky), Nan’yan Xianyi (Southern Cliff Immortal Chess), Dongtian Yuwell (Cave Heaven Jade Well), Qiongzhi Lianli (Magnolia Twinned Branches), Longtou Yun’ai (Dragon Head Cloud Veil), Feiquan Penyu (Flying Spring Spouting Jade), Tibu Mingqin (Stairway Singing Like a Zither), and Yabo Shuangli (Cliff Wave Twin Carp).

“Shisun Cantian” (Stone Bamboo Shoots Reaching the Sky): In front of Baiyun Temple, beside Yangqiao Cliff, there is a massive rock standing like a peak, several zhang high, shaped like a bamboo shoot. At its base is a hollow cave called Xiannü Cave (Fairy Cave). The exterior features sheer cliffs and a naturally formed, uniquely majestic structure rarely seen in the world. Qing Dynasty poet Fang Lin once wrote: “Loftily supporting the sky, unafraid of the wind, / This bamboo shoot stands tall against the void; / In the evening, it quietly holds the golden dew, / As the cloud essence drifts sparsely into my palm.” Another Qing poet, Luo Xing of Qijiang, praised: “Since when did this bamboo shoot grow halfway to the heavens? / Standing a hundred zhang tall, leaning on the clouds; / The spring thunder refuses to add new shoots, / As if forged by Nüwa herself.”

“Nan’yan Xianyi” (Southern Cliff Immortal Chess): On the southern side of Baiyun Temple, there is a perilous cliff with a cave niche about 4 meters long and 2 meters wide. Leaning against the cliff and gazing into the distance, one sees clouds veiling the green mountains; looking down, there are layered terraces, village houses, and wisps of cooking smoke. On a stone pedestal in the cave, there is a chessboard with chess pieces once placed upon it. The cliff wall is inscribed with the bold characters “Nan’yan Xianyi” (Southern Cliff Immortal Chess). Legend says that the Eight Immortals, Lu Dongbin and Zhang Guolao, once played chess here. Yang Changfu once wrote: “Immortals refine elixirs and leave behind their cauldrons, / The Old Master carves chessboards for their games.” Qing poet Li Feng praised: “Gazing at those southern mountain stones, / A timeless game of chess unfolds; / Unaware whose figures they are, / Who come here to watch the immortals’ elegance. / Their hands move stars, the board shifts sun and moon, / How many seas have passed, yet their leisure knows no end.” Luo Xing added: “A mossy path leads to the ancient, secluded cave; / Each visit to the immortal chess game makes one linger; / Leaning on the cliff, no need to fear the rotten chessboard— / This game remains unfinished to this day.”

“Dongtian Yuwell” (Cave Heaven Jade Well): Descending via the stone staircase between two cliffs in front of Baiyun Temple, in a narrow section, there is a well with water as clear as jade, sweet and refreshing to the taste, invigorating the heart and lungs. The well is inscribed with the characters “Dongtian Yuwell,” believed to be the handwriting of Yang Changfu himself. Qing scholar Xu Yuanji praised: “Clearly, the heavenly spring pours cold, pure water, / Truly, a unique realm apart from the mortal world. / Above the cave, peach blossoms pass through the crane path, / The fairy spring’s grotto carves through the dragon’s source; / Through ancient rocks, a thousand years of jade are hewn, / At the mountaintop, ten zhang of lotus burst forth. / Do not marvel that this sacred pool’s origin is distant, / For its trickling flow brings forth pearls from the lotus heart.” Luo Xing added: “Carving through the cloud roots, the jade-hued waves surge, / Rock flowers forever veil the stone railings; / Late at night, one hears the nectar-like flow, / As if golden stems drop onto a jade plate.”

“Qiongzhi Lianli” (Magnolia Twinned Branches): In front of Baiyun Temple, above Yuwell, there are two thousand-year-old ginkgo trees with intertwined branches, embracing each other like a pair of lovers or an inseparable married couple. Known as the Couple Trees, Qing Dynasty prefect Feng Jiayun praised: “The jade-like trees compete in fragrance, / Leaning on each other beside the clouded chamber; / Their towering branches share shade, / While dew-kissed magnolia blossoms emit fragrance together; / Who can trace the seeds of these sibling roots? / Orchids and irises share the same sweet scent; / This famous mountain needs no master builder’s recognition, / Lest they be felled to become beams and pillars.”

“Longtou Yun’ai” (Dragon Head Cloud Veil): Southwest of Baiyun Temple, a massive rock juts abruptly into the sky, extending halfway upward like a dragon raising its head to probe the heavens, with thousands of feet of cliffs below. Often shrouded in mist, the rock resembles a dragon soaring through the clouds, hence its name. Qing Dynasty scholar Yang Ke praised: “Layer upon layer of emerald peaks embrace, / The dragon shakes its mane as white clouds follow; / Its breath exhales dew, brushing rain upon a thousand hills, / Its roar echoes like thunder through myriad valleys; / Beneath its chin, a cinnabar pearl hangs under the bright sun, / Its horn tips are wrapped in thick frost; / Ordinary folk are not allowed to hear its teachings, / As it spouts foam and churns waves countless times.”

“Feiquan Penyu” (Flying Spring Spouting Jade): Below Tianmu Nunnery west of Baiyun Temple, the mountain valley is deep and serene, with crystal-clear spring water. In times of heavy rain, a waterfall cascades down the ravine, splashing onto the stone platform below, sending up countless white droplets. Qing poet Huang Bang praised: “In the past, people spoke of the Lushan waterfall, / But little did they know this sacred pool lies here; / Crushing cinnabar pearls, it scatters tens of thousands, / Hanging broken coral nets over the fortress gates; / The immortal plate catches them all in its palms, / The elixir cauldron cooks them to preserve youth; / Ordered to pay tribute and flow to the sea, / Yet it turns back amid the drizzling rain.” Scholar Luo Xing wrote: “Unconnected to any source, the flying spring gushes forth, / Like delicate jade strung along a single thread; / Do not speak of Lushan’s three hundred zhang falls, / For such heavenly pearls often descend to the human realm.”

“Tibu Mingqin” (Stairway Singing Like a Zither): Ascending the mountain path behind Baiyun Temple, the route is steep and treacherous. Within a narrow crevice between two cliffs, there is a section of stone stairs spanning hundreds of steps. Beneath the steps is a hollow with a pool, where underground water drips or surface water seeps through cracks, producing rhythmic dripping sounds that resemble the tinkling of pearls and jade rolling on a zither—sonorous and rhythmic, like the melody of a beautiful zither. Qing poet Yang Tai Ming wrote: “The Five Giants carved the heavenly stairs, / Creating this wonder, initially unbothered by its modest height; / Halfway up, one ascends slowly, / While the zither plays mournfully from the deep valley; / Focusing, one gradually distinguishes the sounds, / But walking slowly, one finds it hard to put into words; / Perhaps this is where Ziqi once dwelled, / As Bo Ya lingered lovingly on this western hill.” Scholar Luo Xing added: “Water becomes the icy strings, stone the zither, / Pearls of varying sizes fall deep into the clouds; / Back then, not sharing the music with Lian Quan, / Yet playing timeless sounds from the empty mountain.”

“Yabo Shuangli” (Cliff Wave Twin Carp): Midway up the cliff in front of Baiyun Temple, there is a stone ledge that forms a shallow pool, clear and bright. The stone patterns at the bottom resemble a pair of golden carp. Sunlight shines upon them, with the mountain and tree shadows reflected in the rippling water, making it seem as though two golden carp are playing in the water, full of charm. Qing Dynasty martial arts scholar Yang Su of the Kangxi era praised: “From the stone cave, the rushing spring surges with jade-like water, / A pair of graceful carp leap in the clear stream; / Each cultivates its scales to hide in the Three Islands, / Together awaiting the wind and clouds to ascend to the Ninth Heaven; / The floodwaters of Yu stir no restless thoughts, / The Pan Stream listens leisurely to the murmuring flow; / Pausing here, one should lower the flute, / Leaving behind a fine reputation in the Wei River.” Scholar Luo Xing added: “The shallow cliff waves blend with the azure sky, / No need to draw water from the river; / In March, peach blossoms warm the land of Yingshan, / Breaking through the Dragon Gate along two paths.”

Hongyanping (Red Rock Flatland): Located in Sanjiao Town beneath Laoyingshan, Hongyanping derives its name from the striking red rock layers surrounding the area. Red is visible everywhere—red earthen walls, red ditches, and even red field ridges. Hongyanping is also known as “Hushan” (Tiger Mountain), where massive Danxia cliffs bear the vivid and lifelike characters “Hushan,” acclaimed as “Heavenly Script.” Why is the Danxia so red? Danxia landform is formed by the long-term weathering and erosion of red sandstone, with the most typical example being Danxia Mountain in northern Guangdong Province, hence the name “Danxia.” The area features the legend-rich and lifelike Songfu Rock and Sanjiao Stone, as well as the historically rich and adventure-archaeologically valuable Lianhua Baozhai (Lotus Treasure Fortress). Built within the recesses of a horseshoe-shaped cliffside ridge, the fortress extends along the contour of the mountain. Standing at the cliff’s edge and peering downward, one finds it at least 400 meters above the ground, unfathomably deep. On a cliff wall of Lianhua Baozhai, there is a stone carving of over a hundred characters, which experts have determined dates the fortress back to the late Southern Song Dynasty. During the late Southern Song, when Mongol troops invaded Sichuan, locals sought refuge everywhere, making such military strongholds a logical development. Folklore says that Zhang Xianzhong’s forces once fought from this strategic location. Other attractions include Chaoyin Cave, Wangtian Guanyin, Leyin Temple, and Bailin (White Crane Forest). There are also wonders such as Yupu Feihong (Jade Waterfall Rainbow), Yingshan Fengyan (Laoyingshan Peak Haze), and Guanyin Mushi (Guanyin Bathing in Water). Tiancheng Temple, hailed as “A heavenly temple receiving thunder, / Its mighty bell shattering myriad mountains,” sits atop Laoyingshan’s summit and was once the largest temple in southeastern Sichuan.

Furong Academy: Located within the boundaries of Yingshan Village, Yongcheng Town, Furong Academy is a private school built by local wealthy gentry during the Ming and Qing Dynasties, with a history of nearly two hundred years. The academy covers a construction area of 1,028 square meters. Though the main gate and enclosing walls have deteriorated over time due to natural erosion, the main structure remains relatively well-preserved, with the four large characters “Furong Academy” (Lotus Academy) in regular script still clearly visible on the gate. Research indicates that the academy was built in the 18th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty and was once one of the larger academies in Qijiang and surrounding areas. “Furong Academy” holds reference value for studying Qing Dynasty architecture in southern Chongqing, as well as the establishment and evolution of Qing-era academies. Currently, the Qijiang County cultural relics protection authorities are actively working on its protective restoration.

Fengguan Mountain: Located in Yongcheng Town, eastern Qijiang, Fengguan Mountain is 23 kilometers from Qijiang’s urban area. Accessible via the Chongqing-Qianjiang Expressway to Qijiang, then the Qijiang-Wanzhou Expressway exiting at Yongcheng, it is a mountainous scenic tourism area integrating cultural and natural landscapes. Fengguan Mountain features attractions such as “Fengguan Stone” and the “Qifeng Shiqi” (Qijiang Spirit) inscription, as well as sights like Golden Rooster Announcing Dawn and Turtle Playing with Pig. At the mountain’s base lies the former residence of Wang Liang, commander of the Fourth Red Army. “Fengguan Stone” was inscribed by Liu Xian, the Qijiang magistrate of the Ming Dynasty’s 22nd year of the Jiajing reign. Legend says that after learning of Yongcheng’s “Golden Rooster Announcing Dawn,” Magistrate Liu visited the site. Upon ascending the mountain and taking in the view—lush pines and cypresses, birdsong all around, a vivid scene of birds paying homage to the phoenix—he inscribed the three characters “Fengguan Stone” on one of three peculiar rocks. The “Qifeng Shiqi” inscription dates to the 27th year of the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty. After 304 years of exposure to sun and rain, “Fengguan Stone” has begun to show signs of erosion.

III. Travel Transportation

1. Chongqing urban area — Take the Yuqian Expressway (do not exit at Qijiang, take the Qiwang Expressway to Tonghui Expressway) — Sanjiao Town — Laoyingshan (Hongyanping, Dinosaur Footprint Cluster)

2. Chongqing urban area — Take the Yuqian Expressway (do not exit at Qijiang, exit at Leishendian) — Shijiao Town — Laoyingshan (Baiyunguan)

3. Chongqing urban area — Take the Yuqian Expressway to Qijiang, then the Qiwang Expressway — Reach via Yongcheng Exit

4. Phone: 48652386