Gypsum Mountain

Gypsum Mountain

Gypsum Mountain is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Gypsum Mountain is located approximately 35 kilometers southeast of Lingshi County and about 185 kilometers north of Taiyuan. Part of the Taiyue Mountain Range, it stands at an elevation of 2,532 meters. Alongside Jiexiu’s Mianshan and Qinyuan’s Lingkong Mountain, it forms a trio of notable peaks and is recognized as a provincial-level scenic area. The total area of the scenic zone spans around 60 square kilometers, with roughly 6 square kilometers currently open to visitors. Here, emerald peaks rise one above the other, towering into the clouds, creating a uniquely spectacular landscape. In late spring or early winter, while the valleys below are greeted with the patter of spring rain or the drizzle of autumn showers, the mountain remains blanketed in snow — a truly marvelous sight.

Following the winding mountain paths and the flow of the mountain streams, you’ll arrive at the foot of Gypsum Mountain, where towering peaks rise so high that their summits are hidden from view. The dense forest climbs endlessly skyward, blocking out the sunlight. The mountain features three large karst caves — upper, middle, and lower — also known as Upper Cave, Middle Cave, and Lower Cave. The Lower Cave is the largest; it once housed a temple, which was destroyed in war. The Middle Cave contains the “Tianzhu Temple,” though most of its halls have now collapsed, leaving only a wooden main structure with the inscription “Ancient Temple of Tianzhu” on its lintel. Inside the temple, there is still an iron stele and several stone tablets, most of which are inscribed with records of temple renovations. Beside the temple lies a cave from which a bubbling spring emerges, known as the Dragon Cave. The spring water flows through all three caves, creating a pleasant tinkling sound. Nearby is the Bell Spring, where an iron bell is placed directly in the spring’s mouth — hence its name. The spring water is crystal clear, pure and undefiled, flowing year-round regardless of drought or flood. Drinking it is said to be refreshingly invigorating. The Upper Cave is a limestone karst cave, extending 30 meters deep. Inside, the naturally formed stalactites take on the shapes of various animals and plants, and there is also a white-robed statue of Guanyin. Adjacent to it are karst stalactites and stalagmites. According to the county annals, the statue was submerged three times but each time rose higher.

Historical inscriptions embedded in the temples record that Gypsum Mountain was once home to ten scenic wonders: the Clear Bell Spring, Exquisite Pine Cones, High Mountain Waterfalls, Buddhist Echo Caves, Layered Gypsum Greens, Sky-High Stone Paths, Moon-Gazing Stone Monkeys, Suspended Cypress Climbs. These sights complement one another brilliantly. Other attractions include the Rolling Pines of Luoding, the Lotus Temple’s Spring Duel, the Soaring Cliff Peaks, as well as the South Heaven Gate, Mushroom Rock, Sacrificial Cliff, Turtle Stone, Chessboard Rock, Peach Blossom Ridge, Monkey King Peak, Incense Burner Mountain, and Jianyang Mountain — all majestic and beautiful in their own right. The Waterfall of Dripping Rock plunges over 50 meters through the air, while the Heavenly Water River rushes forth, flowing forcefully for hundreds of miles. The interplay of water and mountain scenery is truly soul-stirring. The mountain paths are narrow, steep, and thrilling — looking down, donkeys appear no larger than ants crawling. A shout of awe echoes back and forth, lasting for ages. Standing atop a cave or cliff, gazing across the mountain range feels like peering down from the heavens, taking in countless smaller peaks. The county annals describe it thus: “Upon ascending, a cool breeze greets you, instantly separating you from worldly concerns. The ethereal beauty and serene uniqueness make you feel as if you’ve entered another realm — no place surpasses this one.” Gypsum Mountain boasts stunning landscapes, abundant resources, and a cool climate. Especially notable are its rugged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, springs, and misty forests — all densely concentrated, making it an exceptional destination for both tourism and summer retreat.

Visitor Guide:

Following the winding mountain paths and the flow of the mountain streams, you’ll arrive at the foot of Gypsum Mountain, where towering peaks rise so high that their summits are hidden from view. The dense forest climbs endlessly skyward, blocking out the sunlight. The mountain features three large karst caves — upper, middle, and lower — also known as Upper Cave, Middle Cave, and Lower Cave. The Lower Cave is the largest; it once housed a temple, which was destroyed in war. The Middle Cave contains the “Tianzhu Temple,” though most of its halls have now collapsed, leaving only a wooden main structure with the inscription “Ancient Temple of Tianzhu” on its lintel. Inside the temple, there is still an iron stele and several stone tablets, most of which are inscribed with records of temple renovations. Beside the temple lies a cave from which a bubbling spring emerges, known as the Dragon Cave. The spring water flows through all three caves, creating a pleasant tinkling sound. Nearby is the Bell Spring, where an iron bell is placed directly in the spring’s mouth — hence its name. The spring water is crystal clear, pure and undefiled, flowing year-round regardless of drought or flood. Drinking it is said to be refreshingly invigorating. The Upper Cave is a limestone karst cave, extending 30 meters deep. Inside, the naturally formed stalactites take on the shapes of various animals and plants, and there is also a white-robed statue of Guanyin. Adjacent to it are karst stalactites and stalagmites. According to the county annals, the statue was submerged three times but each time rose higher.

Historical inscriptions embedded in the temples record that Gypsum Mountain was once home to ten scenic wonders: the Clear Bell Spring, Exquisite Pine Cones, High Mountain Waterfalls, Buddhist Echo Caves, Layered Gypsum Greens, Sky-High Stone Paths, Moon-Gazing Stone Monkeys, Suspended Cypress Climbs. These sights complement one another brilliantly. Other attractions include the Rolling Pines of Luoding, the Lotus Temple’s Spring Duel, the Soaring Cliff Peaks, as well as the South Heaven Gate, Mushroom Rock, Sacrificial Cliff, Turtle Stone, Chessboard Rock, Peach Blossom Ridge, Monkey King Peak, Incense Burner Mountain, and Jianyang Mountain — all majestic and beautiful in their own right. The Waterfall of Dripping Rock plunges over 50 meters through the air, while the Heavenly Water River rushes forth, flowing forcefully for hundreds of miles. The interplay of water and mountain scenery is truly soul-stirring. The mountain paths are narrow, steep, and thrilling — looking down, donkeys appear no larger than ants crawling. A shout of awe echoes back and forth, lasting for ages. Standing atop a cave or cliff, gazing across the mountain range feels like peering down from the heavens, taking in countless smaller peaks. The county annals describe it thus: “Upon ascending, a cool breeze greets you, instantly separating you from worldly concerns. The ethereal beauty and serene uniqueness make you feel as if you’ve entered another realm — no place surpasses this one.” Gypsum Mountain boasts stunning landscapes, abundant resources, and a cool climate. Especially notable are its rugged peaks, deep valleys, cascading waterfalls, springs, and misty forests — all densely concentrated, making it an exceptional destination for both tourism and summer retreat.

Address: Yukou Village, Nanguan Town, Lingshi County, Jinzhong City

Type: Mountain

Recommended visiting time: 3 hours

Phone: 0354-8558888

Opening hours:

7:00-18:00