Dalinor Lake Tourist Area

Qingshan Rock Mortar Scenic Area

The Qingshan Scenic Area is located on the southeastern edge of the Greater Khingan Mountains, in the eastern part of Hexigten Banner, 25 kilometers from Jingpeng Town. It is 200 kilometers from Chifeng City and 580 kilometers from Beijing. The scenic area covers a total area of over 30 square kilometers, with the highest peak reaching 1,574 meters. The granite mountain rocks, shaped by Quaternary glacial movements, form a myriad of unique geological wonders. The summit of Qingshan is flat and expansive, approximately 800 meters long and 400 meters wide, elliptical in shape, sloping from north to south. The surrounding areas are higher, while the center is lower, featuring a mix of grassland and exposed rock. On the southern side of the mountaintop, about 1,000 square meters of hard granite surface bear over a thousand "rock mortars," locally known as "nine jars and eighteen pots." The Qingshan Rock Mortar Group is currently the largest, best-formed, most diverse, and most well-preserved "rock mortar" group discovered in China and the world.

Regarding the formation of the Qingshan Rock Mortars, most experts believe they are the product of glacial activity, known as the glacial theory. The glacial theory suggests that millions of years ago during the Quaternary glacial period, Qingshan was covered by thick layers of ice. Meltwater formed under ice sheets 1,000–2,000 meters thick generated immense pressure of 300–400 atmospheres. This high-pressure meltwater had significant downward kinetic energy, carrying stones and rapidly flowing and rotating, continuously impacting the rocks to form the rock mortars. The controversial aspect is that previously discovered rock mortars were mostly found in low-lying areas such as glacial valleys and beds, whereas the Qingshan Rock Mortars are located on granite surfaces at the ridges and summits, which is puzzling. If the glacial theory holds, it inevitably involves the long-debated geological question of whether Quaternary glaciers existed in eastern China—a topic debated for over 80 years—which in turn relates to research on ancient environments, climates, landforms, humans, and life forms in China. Another theory is the wind erosion hypothesis, which posits that between 1,800 and 10,000 years ago, there existed an extremely strong "Chifeng Wind Corridor," and the "pits" were formed by wind erosion. Although the theories differ, all agree that the site holds significant scientific research and tourism value.

The Qingshan Rock Mortars are generally oval, circular, spoon-shaped, or irregularly semi-circular in plan view. Their shapes resemble mortars, jars, bowls, spoons, basins, plates, cups, or buckets. They typically have wide openings and narrow bodies, flat bottoms, and no inflow openings around the edges, with only outflow openings at lower points. The sizes and depths of the rock mortars vary greatly. The largest, known as the "Rock Mortar King," is about 10 meters long, 5 meters wide, and 3 meters deep, with birch trees and shrubs as thick as bowls growing inside. The smallest are only a dozen centimeters in size. The discovery of the rock mortar group holds important geological significance for studying the plateau ecological environment of northern China.

The entire Qingshan Mountain features undulating peaks, rising abruptly and stretching continuously, interlocking like jagged teeth that pierce the sky. It stands majestically like a massive natural barrier among the mountains. The mountain's body has a clear distinction between soil and rock, with bare rocks covering the sunny slopes and valley sides, while the shady slopes are lush with green trees and blooming flowers. The front of the mountain is steep and majestic, exuding a masculine aura, while the back slopes and valleys are delicate and gentle, showcasing a more feminine beauty.

Qingshan has "three wonders": divine rocks, peak forests, and rock mortars. The divine rocks of Qingshan are the scenic area's iconic rock formations, abundant in both form and quantity, and can be seen throughout the area. The main body of Qingshan is grand and imposing, resembling a deity from afar and a seated Buddha up close, giving off a natural sense of presence and mystery. The rock formations are mostly anthropomorphic or animal-shaped, with famous examples including Eagle Rock, Snake Rock, Turtle Rock, Frog Rock, Heavenly Dog Rock, Twin Bears Rock, Precarious Rock, and Old Couple Rock... Each is vividly lifelike, showcasing the breathtaking craftsmanship of nature. Hence, the rocks here are called "immortal mountain divine rocks."

Qingshan Peak Forest. Amidst the lush greenery of Qingshan, you will see peak forests that rise like swords piercing the sky. The peaks here emerge abruptly, some towering thousands of feet high, others standing independently, truly displaying a myriad of forms with each peak showcasing its unique splendor. The Qingshan Peak Forest is awe-inspiring, praiseworthy, and astonishing. Qingshan Rock Mortars. On the granite surface of Qingshan's main peak, large groups of rock mortars are distributed. Experts and scholars believe that the scale, diversity, and quality of the Qingshan Rock Mortars are rare both domestically and internationally, earning them the title of "world wonder" and "unparalleled marvel under heaven."

The sparse woodland landscape of Qingshan is also quite distinctive. The birch and purple birch forests there are incredibly beautiful, along with mountain poplar, Manchurian crabapple, hawthorn, Mongolian oak (also called vegetable tree), and five-angled maple. In early summer, the bluegrass skies, pear blossoms like snow, and azaleas in red create a refreshing and enchanting atmosphere that makes visitors linger. By late autumn, the maple leaves turn crimson, the birches shine golden, the forests are painted in layers of color, and various wild fruit trees bear abundant fruit, presenting a captivating scene.

Qingshan not only boasts majestic peak forests and divine rocks but also vast meadows on the mountain. These high-altitude meadows host over 500 species of wild plants, including more than 200 medicinal plants. Each meadow is surrounded by peaks, with lush green grass and blooming flowers within, adding a touch of delicacy and softness to Qingshan. In the mountain valleys, streams flow gently with crystal-clear water. Though lacking the surging currents of rivers, they possess the charm and beauty of babbling brooks, enhancing the enchantment of Qingshan.

The mountain is also home to a variety of animals. In the past, Qingshan was renowned for its rare animal, the argali. Now, it hosts dozens of species, including deer, roe deer, badgers, wild rabbits, eagles, and snakes. Qingshan has a rich cultural heritage, with unearthed stone tools, pottery shards, and ancient stone temples reflecting the lives of ancient inhabitants. The arrowheads and spears found here tell stories of past battles. Local myths and legends add a mysterious, profound, and timeless cultural depth to Qingshan.

Visitors to Qingshan have praised it, saying: "Qingshan has a soul in its mountains, bones in its peaks, expressions in its rocks, spirits in its stones, emotions in its waters, and forms in its trees. Qingshan not only possesses a fierce and bold character but also embraces a sentiment that accommodates all things. It embodies the rugged, bold beauty of northern mountains, their vast and magnificent beauty, their deep and majestic beauty, as well as their delicate and graceful beauty." The 1,230-meter-long Inner Mongolia No. 1 Mountain Cableway leads directly to the summit, turning a natural barrier into an accessible path and providing great convenience for visitors.

Jingpeng Town: Located in Hexigten Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Jingpeng Town is the seat of the Banner Committee and People's Government. It serves as the political, economic, cultural, communication, information, and transportation hub of the banner. The town covers a total area of 348 square kilometers, including an urban area of 36 square kilometers and a built-up urban area of 12 square kilometers. It governs 4 village committees, 32 natural village groups, 7 residential committees, 52 resident groups, with a total population of 43,243 (14,307 households). The town currently has 32 privately-owned enterprises and 2,016 various individual businesses, employing 3,814 people... More detailed information about Jingpeng Town++