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Grand Black Mountain (Dalian)
Introducing Grand Black Mountain (Dalian)
Grand Black Mountain (Dalian) is a coastal mountain range in Dalian. Grand Black Mountain (Dalian) is the highest mountain in the southern Liaodong Peninsula. Its evocative name derives from its dark, almost black rocks. As a renowned religious sanctuary in the region, the mountain is home to temple complexes representing Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, reflecting Dalian’s ancient cultural heritage. Its lush forests, dramatic cliffs, and stunning sea views also make it a premier hiking destination in Dalian.
Grand Black Mountain (Dalian) Fast Facts
• AKA: Dahei Mountain, Grand Monk Mountain
• Chinese Name: Dà Lián Dà Hēi Shān 大连大黑山
• Elevation: 663 meters (2,175 ft)
• Area: 23.79 square kilometers (9.18 square miles)
• Best Time to Visit: March to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 4 - 5 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, Nature, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 7:00 – 18:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY20 (Mar – Nov), CNY10 (Dec – Feb), Additional CNY20 for Xiangshui Taosit Temple and Chaoyang Temple
• Address: Approx. 31 kilometers (19.26 miles) northeast of Dalian, Liaoning Province
What to Expect at the Grand Black Mountain (Dalian)
If you’ve already explored the attractions within Dalian city, Grand Black Mountain offers a refreshing change of pace. Hiking through its beautiful scenery provides endless photo opportunities, and the mountain’s unique temples offer a spiritually enriching experience.
Xiangshui Taoist Temple
Xiangshui Taoist Temple, the most renowned Taoist temple within the Grand Black Mountain temple complexes, is nestled on the northwestern slope. Its impressive two-story mountain gate, constructed of brick and featuring a hip-and-gable roof with sweeping eaves, stands majestically within brick walls. The temple is divided into two courtyards, north and south.
The south courtyard is centered around the Houtu Hall. This 10-meter (32.8 ft) high hall is adorned with ornately carved beams and brightly painted rafters, its murals vibrant and captivating. While not particularly large, the hall exudes an air of grandeur. Inside, the altar enshrines three Chinese deities: Houtu Huangdi, the earth goddess who governs all lands; Nüwa, the creator goddess; and Yuantong Zizai Tianzun, a manifestation of Avalokiteśvara. Towering, century-old parasol trees shade the hall, and a pair of evergreen cypress trees flank the entrance, adding to the serene and mystical atmosphere.
The north courtyard houses the Sanqing Hall, which faces south. Inside, the Three Pure Ones—Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun (Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning), Shangqing Lingbao Tianzun (Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure), and Taiqing Daode Tianzun (Heavenly Worthy of the Way and its Virtue, often identified with Laozi)—are enshrined. To the right of the main hall lies the Yaoqin Cave, a natural stone cavern approximately 131 feet (40 meters) deep, with a spring that flows continuously year-round.
Shigu Temple
Shigu Temple, perched high on the slopes of Grand Black Mountain, boasts a history as rich as the scenic vistas it commands. Its name, meaning “Stone Drum Temple,” derives from a legend of two large stones situated in front of the temple, said to resonate like drums when struck by the mountain winds. Dating back to the Sui (581-618) and Tang Dynasties (618-907), the temple also holds historical significance as a military base used by Emperor Taizong (Li Shimin) during his campaigns against Goguryeo.
Inside the main hall, statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and the Medicine Buddha preside serenely. Avalokiteśvara (Guanyin Bodhisattva) is enshrined in the eastern side hall, while Maitreya Buddha occupies the western one. Further west stands the Hall of the Tang Emperor, honoring Emperor Taizong alongside his esteemed advisors, Wei Zheng and Xu Maogong. Flanking the main hall are statues of renowned generals—Li Jing and Yuchi Jingde to the east, and Xue Rengui and Zhang Liang to the west—each instrumental in Taizong’s victories.
Palace of Tang Emperor (Taoist Temple)
This Taoist Temple primarily enshrines Tang Dynasty Emperor Taizong. His reign, the “Zhenguan Era,” is considered a golden age of prosperity and power in Chinese history. Besides Emperor Taizong, the temple also venerates Taoist deities like Zhang Daoling (the Celestial Master), the Three Officials (of Heaven, Earth, and Water), Bixia Yuanjun (Goddess of Mount Tai), the Goddess of Childbirth, and various Gods of Wealth, making it a popular site for prayers of blessing and longevity.
General’s Platform
General’s Platform is a historic relic of Emperor Taizong’s Goguryeo campaign. Legend says he used this platform as a command post, drilling troops in peacetime and directing battles during the war. Southwest of the platform, a sheer cliff face rises a hundred meters, known as the “Cliff of Self-Sacrifice.” It was believed that by leaping from this precipice, monks and Taoist priests could achieve enlightenment and physical immortality. This belief adds a layer of mystique and poignant history to the already imposing platform.
Beisha City
Beisha City, established around the Jin Dynasty (317-420), stands as one of the most renowned ancient military fortresses on the Liaodong Peninsula. Its strategic importance made it a hotly contested site in ancient times, witnessing two major battles during the Sui and Tang dynasties, as historical records confirm.
The city walls, built from massive blocks of locally quarried quartzite, stretch for approximately five kilometers (3.11 miles) along the ridge between the central and southern peaks of Grand Black Mountain. Following the natural contours of the terrain, the walls encircle the mountain ridges and valleys, creating an imposing crescent-shaped fortress. Within the walls lie two winding gorges, flanked by steep cliffs, which provided ideal locations for encampments, offering advantages for both attack and defense. The walls themselves reach heights of three to five meters (10-16 ft).
Today, the ruins primarily consist of the foundations of the original walls. While Beisha City has long since lost its military significance, its remnants offer a poignant glimpse into the past, inviting visitors to contemplate the passage of time and the weight of history.
Chaoyang Temple
Chaoyang Temple (Temple of the Rising Sun), nestled at the western foot of the Grand Black Mountain, is a Buddhist temple dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Originally named Mingxiu Temple (Clear and Beautiful Temple), reflecting the pristine beauty of its surroundings, it was renamed Chaoyang Temple during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912).
Encompassing approximately 30,000 square meters (7.4 acres), Chaoyang Temple features two courtyards and three mountain gates. The main courtyard is centered around the Hall of the Mahavira, flanked by the Tianhou Hall (Hall of the Sea Goddess) to the east and the Medicine Buddha Hall to the west. The temple’s centerpiece is a magnificent 14-meter-tall (46 ft) statue of the Avalokiteśvara of the South Sea. Holding a willow branch in her right hand and a pure water vase in her left, the Bodhisattva seems to observe the world’s joys and sorrows, compassionately receiving the prayers of devotees.
Guanyin Pavilion
Guanyin Pavilion, also known as Shengshui Temple, is the oldest surviving Buddhist temple among the Grand Black Temple complexes. It is renowned for its dedication to Guanyin Bodhisattva (Avalokiteśvara).
How to Get to Grand Black Mountain (Dalian)
• The Grand Black Mountain is located approx. 31 kilometers (19.26 miles) northeast of Dalian.
• Charter a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the Grand Black Mountain.
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