Qingyuan Mountain: Pilgrimage to the Supreme Laojun, a must-visit on your Quanzhou trip

Qingyuan Mountain is one of the eighteen scenic spots of Quanzhou and also a national key scenic area, consisting of three major sections: Qingyuan Mountain, Jiuri Mountain, and Ling Mountain Sacred Tomb. Since ancient times, Qingyuan Mountain has been famous for its 36 grotto-heavens and 18 scenic spots, especially Laojun Rock, Thousand-Hand Rock, Maitreya Rock, Bixiao Rock, Auspicious Elephant Rock, Tiger Milk Spring, South Platform Rock, Qingyuan Cave, and Engrace Rock. According to the 'Quanzhou Prefecture Records' compiled during the Qing dynasty, Qingyuan Mountain was first developed during the Qin dynasty. During the Tang dynasty, the 'three teachings' of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism coexisted here, with traces of activities from Islam, Manichaeism, and Tibetan Buddhism as well. Due to limited time during the Spring Festival, I looked at travel tips from netizens and wanted to focus on seeing Laojun Rock, so I chose the nearest route and drove directly to the southwest second gate. From the Gate of Wonders → Laojun Rock → Yuan Yuan Cave → Dragon-Seeing Platform → Master Hongyi's Relic Stupa, and then back the same way, the trip took about two hours. Walking and stopping along the way, the scenery was great! Of course, there are many other sights I didn't visit, leaving a reason to come back next time! 🌞 🌈 Main Attractions: ⭐ Laojun Rock A treasure of Taoist stone carving art. Located on the central axis of ancient Quanzhou city, it is the earliest and largest existing Taoist stone carving of Laozi in China, and a typical representative of the diverse culture of Qingyuan Mountain. ⭐ Dust-Free Platform The boundary between Taoism and Buddhism in the mountain. The 'Dust-Free' inscription on the stone was written by Master Hongyi. In the past, Taoist priests and monks often met here to discuss scriptures, drink tea, and play chess. ⭐ Master Hongyi's Relic Stupa A stone stupa with a hexagonal spire and a square body. The 'Portrait of Master Hongyi' carved in the center of the inner wall is the 'Tears Ink Painting' drawn by the cartoonist Feng Zikai for his mentor. The last words 'Joy and Sorrow Intermingled' by the master are inscribed on a large rock on the east side. 🌈 Recommended Routes: Route One: Pilgrimage to the Supreme Laojun Climbing the Stairs of Wisdom Main attractions: Xuanmen, West Exit of Hangu Pass, Confucius Asks Laozi about Rituals, Tao Te Ching Stone Carving Group, Laojun Rock, Stairs of Wisdom (Hangan Palace, Yuan Yuan Cave, Dragon-Seeing Platform, Immortal's Bed, Taoist Cliff Carvings, Dust-Free Platform, Master Hongyi's Statue, Relic Stupa), etc. Route Two: Strolling along the quiet path Exploring the diverse culture Main attractions: Power Rock, Thousand-Hand Rock, Master Hongyi's Relic Stupa, Maitreya Rock, Bixiao Rock, Auspicious Elephant Rock, etc. Route Three: Light vehicle mountain tour Sketching Qingyuan Mountain Main attractions: Engrace Rock, Qingyuan Cave, Hundred Zhang Terrace, Green Ox Stone, Sky Lake, Tiger Milk Spring, South Platform Rock.