Rongshui Laozi Mountain

　　Laozi Mountain, also known as the Old Man Peak, is located 0.5 kilometers southwest of Rongshui County in Guangxi. Legend has it that during the late Spring and Autumn period, the great philosopher Laozi traveled here to practice asceticism, hence the name. The mountain is majestic and towering, standing over 200 meters high and resembling a tiger with its mouth open. The tiger’s mouth is the Shouxing Rock, beside which lies the Tiger Ear Rock. Laozi Mountain enjoys a unique geographical position, featuring three peaks — Fu (Fortune), Lu (Prosperity), and Shou (Longevity) — that complement one another. The “Fu” peak lies to the south, the “Lu” peak to the west, and the “Shou” peak to the north. The “Mahavira Hall” of the Shouxing Temple is nestled within these three peaks. To the east, a jade-like ribbon formed by the confluence of the Rong River and the Bei River winds around like a protective pulse. Shouxing Rock, also called Lansheng Rock, still bears cliff inscriptions from various dynasties on its walls. At the mouth of Shouxing Rock stands a more than six-meter-tall statue of the Old Man of Longevity. The mountain also features more than ten uniquely scenic caves, including Luban Rock, Reading Rock, Ox Nose Rock, and Prostrate Rock. Among them, the largest and most expansive is Prostrate Rock at the mountain’s base, which runs through the entire mountain. Stretching about 40 meters in length, the cave is spacious and tall, capable of holding thousands of people, with numerous small chambers that form a labyrinth. There is also a pool inside the cave, fed by water flowing from Ox Nose Rock at the back of the mountain and exiting through Water Rock. The entrance to Water Rock is a pool surrounded by green bamboo.

　　By the Ming Dynasty, the eminent geographer and traveler Xu Xiake had also visited Laozi Mountain twice, traveling upstream for three days and nights to reach it. He left his mark on the mountain, noting “the path taken is truly splendid.” In modern times, Zhao Puchu, an outstanding Buddhist leader, distinguished calligrapher, former president of the Buddhist Association of China, and renowned calligrapher, was invited by Monk Xiucheng in June 1989 to personally inscribe a couplet for Laozi Mountain: “Know that the mind is Buddha; take precepts as your teacher.” These were hung on both sides of the Yuantong Gate. In August of the same year, Zhao Puchu’s inscription of the four characters “Mahavira Hall” was sent to Shouxing Temple and made into a large cloth plaque, which now hangs above the main gate of the temple.

　　There is a Yuantong Gate on Laozi Mountain. Inside the gate, a cool breeze blows, bringing a refreshing chill even in June, dispelling sweat and refreshing the spirit. Laozi Mountain serves as a leisure spot for local residents and is also a well-known destination. Before liberation, Shouxing Rock originally housed Taoist facilities, including the Three Pure Ones Hall, Jingguan Tower, and Tingyue Pavilion, with incense burning throughout the seasons. By the 1970s, it had been reduced to ruins. In 1987, the Jingguan Tower, Yuantong Gate, and Mahavira Hall were rebuilt. Newly carved 500 Arhats were placed across the mountain’s rocks, each with distinct expressions and lifelike appearances. The Three Pure Ones Hall (later converted into the Mahavira Hall), Yuantong Gate, and Jingguan Tower were restored, the Tiger Ear Rock was opened up, the mountain path was leveled, and a six-meter-tall statue of the Old Man of Longevity was erected in front of Shouxing Rock.

　　In May 1989, Monk Xiucheng took up residence at Shouxing Temple. Since then, Laozi Mountain has seen continuous incense offerings and growing prosperity, becoming a key Buddhist site in central Guangxi. Through Buddhism as a bridge, Monk Xiucheng actively raised funds to install statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, Guanyin Bodhisattva, Skanda, and Laozi on the temple grounds. He also placed eighteen Arhat statues in the Tiger Ear Rock. In June 1989, Zhao Puchu, then president of the Buddhist Association of China and a famous calligrapher, was invited by Monk Xiucheng to inscribe the couplet “Know that the mind is Buddha; take precepts as your teacher,” which was later carved on both sides of the Yuantong Gate. In August of the same year, Zhao Puchu’s inscription of the four characters “Mahavira Hall” was sent to Shouxing Temple and made into a large cloth plaque, which now hangs above the hall’s entrance. In the late 1990s, despite being in his seventies, Monk Xiucheng continued his tireless fundraising efforts, building a grand new Mahavira Hall and Heavenly King Hall midway up the mountain. The monastic community on the mountain grew to over 20 members.

　　After the Third Plenary Session of the 11th Central Committee implemented the policy of religious freedom, the government rebuilt the Jingguan Tower and invited Master Xiucheng and four disciples including Abbot Baolian. Upholding the spirit of patriotism, love for Buddhism, and spreading Dharma teachings, they came from Nanyue to Laozi Mountain to continue the Buddhist mission and establish a sacred site, making Laozi Mountain even more vibrant. In 2006, "Gymnastics Prince" Li Ning also donated to Laozi Mountain. With support from all sectors and the hard work of Master Xiucheng, Laozi Mountain has since built a magnificent Mahavira Hall, Heavenly King Hall, monks’ and nuns’ meditation rooms, scripture depository, Longhua Sky Bridge, Ancestral Hall, Yuantong Gate, Golden Path, Thousand Buddha Hall, 500 Arhats, a six-meter-tall Old Man of Longevity, a seven-meter-tall stone carving of Guan Yu, a giant stone carving of Maitreya Buddha, and the God of Wealth Hall.

　　“Ancient trees deeply conceal scenic wonders, light mist faintly veils graceful forms.” The temple also houses the most complete and precious authentic version of the Kangxi-era “Tripitaka” and “Mahaprajnaparamita Sutra” in Guangxi, along with many other texts such as the “Bodhi Path Prabhava Sastra” and “Nanshan Zengjia Jiazhai.” Publications like “A Hundred Photojournalists Focus on China” and CCTV’s special feature group “Xiake Journey” have come here for research and interviews. Today, inside and outside the caves of Laozi Mountain, there are vivid 500 Arhat stone sculptures with various expressions. The monastery is home to dozens of devoted monks and nuns, some of whom graduated from Buddhist colleges. Buddhist art flourishes here in a new era of prosperity.

　　With rich cultural history, strong religious character, beautiful natural scenery, and comprehensive tourism facilities, Laozi Mountain has become a renowned Buddhist tourist destination. Today, the mountain is lush with trees, frequented by pilgrims, and filled with the constant ringing of temple bells. In 2010, it was rated as a national AAA-level scenic area. In 2011, it won the “Most Influential Religious Cultural Scenic Area Award” in the Liuzhou Tourism Card selection. In 2013, Laozi Mountain Scenic Area received 55,000 visitors, generating 2.3 million yuan in tourism revenue. In 2014, it welcomed 327,000 visitors.

　　Scenic Spot Location

　　Southwest suburbs of Rongshui County, Guangxi

　　Source: People's Government of Rongshui Miaozu Autonomous County