Qingshan Rock Mortar Scenic Area

　　The Qingshan Scenic Area is situated on the southeastern edge of the Greater Khingan Mountains, in the eastern part of Hexigten Banner, 25 kilometers from Jingpeng Town, 200 kilometers from Chifeng City, and 580 kilometers from Beijing. Covering a total area of over 30 square kilometers, the area’s highest peak stands at 1,574 meters. The granite mountain massif, shaped by Quaternary glacial movements, has formed a variety of stunning geological wonders. The summit of Qingshan is flat and expansive, approximately 800 meters long and 400 meters wide, oval in shape and sloping gently from north to south. Surrounded by higher terrain and featuring a central lowland, the area presents a mix of grassland and bare rock. On the exposed hard granite surface about 1,000 square meters wide on the southern side of the summit, there are more than a thousand “rock mortars,” locally referred to as “nine vats and eighteen pots.” The Qingshan Rock Mortar Cluster is currently the largest, best-formed, most diverse, and most well-preserved such cluster discovered in China and the world.

　　 Regarding the formation of the Qingshan Rock Mortars, most experts believe they are the product of glacial action—the glacial theory. This theory posits that millions of years ago during the Quaternary glaciation, Qingshan was covered by thick layers of ice. Meltwater beneath ice sheets 1,000–2,000 meters thick generated immense hydraulic pressure of 300–400 atmospheres. This high-pressure meltwater carried rocks, moving rapidly and rotating, continuously impacting the rock surfaces to form the mortars. The controversy arises because previously discovered rock mortars were mostly found in low-lying areas such as glacial valleys and beds, whereas those at Qingshan are situated on granite surfaces atop ridges and summits—an anomaly. If the glacial theory holds, it inevitably involves the long-debated geological question of whether Quaternary glaciers existed in eastern China—a topic that also ties into research on ancient environments, climates, landforms, humans, and life forms. Another theory, the wind erosion hypothesis, suggests that between 1,800 and 10,000 years ago, there existed an extremely powerful “Chifeng Wind Corridor,” and that these “pits” were formed through wind erosion. Though explanations vary, all agree that the site holds significant scientific research and tourism value.

　　 The Qingshan Rock Mortars are generally oval, circular, spoon-shaped, or irregularly semicircular in plan view, resembling mortars, vats, bowls, spoons, basins, plates, cups, or buckets. Typically wider at the mouth and narrower at the base, with flat bottoms and no inflow openings around the edges—except for outflow outlets at lower points. Sizes and depths vary: the largest, dubbed the “Mortar King,” is about 10 meters long, 5 meters wide, and 3 meters deep, with birch trees and shrubs growing inside. The smallest are just a dozen centimeters across. The discovery of the rock mortar cluster carries important geological significance for studying the plateau ecology of northern China.

　　 The entire Qingshan range features undulating peaks rising continuously, interlocking sharply and thrusting boldly into the sky—majestic and spectacular, like a massive natural barrier standing proudly among the mountains. The mountain’s structure is distinct in soil and rock: its sun-facing slopes and valley sides are all exposed bedrock, while the shaded slopes are lush with trees and flowers. The eastern face is steep and imposing, radiating a masculine vigor, while the western slopes and valleys are delicate and graceful, exuding a softer femininity.

　　 Qingshan boasts “three wonders”: miraculous rocks, towering peak forests, and rock mortars. The miraculous rocks of Qingshan are its uniquely shaped stones, abundant and found throughout the scenic area. The main body of the mountain is grand and rugged, resembling a deity from afar and a meditating Buddha up close, giving off a naturally majestic and mysterious vibe. Most of the rock formations depict human figures or animals, with famous examples including Eagle Rock, Snake Rock, Turtle Rock, Frog Rock, Heavenly Dog Rock, Twin Bears Rock, Perilous Rock, and Old Couple Rock—each remarkably lifelike, showcasing nature’s extraordinary craftsmanship. Hence, the stones here are called “immortal rocks.”

　　 The Qingshan Peak Forest. Amidst the lush greenery of Qingshan, you’ll see jagged peaks thrusting straight toward the sky. The cluster features towering formations—some rising thousands of feet sheer, others standing alone—each uniquely shaped and strikingly beautiful. The Qingshan Peak Forest is awe-inspiring, praiseworthy, and astonishing. The Qingshan Rock Mortars: on the granite surfaces of the main peak, large clusters of rock mortars are distributed. Experts and scholars consider the scale, diversity, and fine forms of Qingshan’s rock mortars exceptionally rare both domestically and internationally—truly a “world wonder” and “unique spectacle under heaven.”

　　 The sparse woodland landscape of Qingshan is also quite distinctive. The birch and purple birch forests are stunning, along with mountain poplar, Manchurian crabapple, hawthorn, Mongolian oak (vegetable tree), and five-lobed maple. In early summer, blue skies over emerald grass, pear blossoms like snow, and azaleas tinged red create a refreshing and unforgettable scene. By late autumn, maple leaves blaze crimson, birch trunks shimmer gold, forests glow in layered hues, and wild fruit trees hang heavy with colorful produce—making for a mesmerizing landscape.

　　 Qingshan not only has majestic peak forests and miraculous rocks, but also vast alpine meadows. These meadows host over 500 species of wild plants, including more than 200 medicinal varieties. Each meadow is encircled by peaks, with lush green grass and blooming flowers adding delicacy and softness to Qingshan’s rugged beauty. In the mountain valleys, crystal-clear streams babble gently over pebbles. Though lacking the rush of rivers, they offer their own tranquil charm, enriching Qingshan’s mystical allure.

　　 Qingshan is also home to diverse wildlife. It was once famed for its rare animal, the blue sheep. Today, it hosts dozens of species, including deer, roe deer, badgers, rabbits, eagles, and snakes. The mountain also boasts deep cultural roots—stone tools, pottery shards, and ancient stone temples hint at the lives of its earliest inhabitants; arrowheads and spears speak of ancient battles; and local myths and legends lend the area a mysterious, profound, and timeless cultural heritage.

　　 Visitors have praised Qingshan, saying: “The mountain has a soul, the peaks have bones, the rocks have character, the stones have spirit, the water has feeling, and the trees have form.” Qingshan is not only fierce and majestic, but also possesses a boundless embrace. It embodies the bold, sweeping beauty of northern mountains—vast, profound, and powerful—alongside a subtle, gentle refinement. A 1,230-meter-long cable car, the longest in Inner Mongolia, ascends directly to the mountaintop, turning a daunting journey into a convenient experience for visitors.