Qingyuan Mountain

Introducing Qingyuan Mountain
Qingyuan Mountain is the defining landmark of Quanzhou City. Qingyuan Mountain is a sprawling scenic area encompassing 62 square kilometers. It is composed of three primary areas – Qingyuan Mountain, Jiuri Mountain, and Lingshan Islamic Holy Tombs.

Revered as a significant Taoist sanctuary, the mountain’s name, Qingyuan, meaning “Source of Purity” or “Clear Source Mountain,” stems from a legend stating that Lao Zi, the founder of Taoism, appeared on the mountain and manifested as the Three Pure Ones (Sanqing, 三清). These three highest deities in the Taoist pantheon are: Yuanshi Tianzun (元始天尊, Heavenly Worthy of Primordial Beginning), Lingbao Tianzun (灵宝天尊, Heavenly Worthy of Numinous Treasure), and Daode Tianzun (道德天尊, Heavenly Worthy of the Way and its Virtue, often identified with Lao Zi himself). This manifestation established Qingyuan Mountain as the revered “Source of the Three Purities,” thus solidifying its importance within Taoism.
Qingyuan Mountain’s rich history is reflected in its abundant cultural relics, including a notable collection of large stone carvings of Taoist, Buddhist, and Tibetan Buddhist figures spanning the Tang (618-907), Song (960-1279), and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties. Over 600 cliff inscriptions further contribute to its cultural significance. These treasures draw tourists worldwide, leading to its recognition as one of “China’s best Taoist Mountains.”

Qingyuan Mountain Fast Facts
• AKA: Qiyun Mountain
• Chinese Name: Qīng Yuán Shān 清源山
• Elevation: 498 meters (1,634 ft)
• Best Time to Visit: March to May; September to October
• Recommended Visiting Hours: About 4 to 5 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, History and Culture, Hiking
• Opening Hours: 7:00 – 18:00
• Entrance Fee: CNY70
• Address: Quanshan Road, Fengze District, Quanzhou, Fujian Province

What to Expect at Qingyuan Mountain
While Quanzhou captivates with its vibrant museums and ancient temples, Qingyuan Mountain offers a contrasting experience – a perfect escape to rediscover serenity and reconnect with the natural world. Just a short distance from the city’s hustle and bustle, the mountain’s tranquil trails and verdant landscapes provide a sanctuary for those seeking peace and quiet.

The Lao Zi Statue
This monumental sculpture, a prime example of the religious art found on the mountain, depicts Lao Zi (Lao Tzu), the venerated founder of Daoism, traditionally believed to have lived during the 6th century BCE. The statue portrays him with a serene, contemplative expression, seated in a relaxed posture. At an impressive 5.63 meters (18.5 ft) high and 8.01 meters (26.2 ft) wide, the sculpture holds the distinction of being the largest, oldest, and most skillfully executed Daoist stone carving in China. The intricate details of the carving, from the folds of his robes to the gentle lines of his face and beard, showcase the remarkable skill of the artisans who created this masterpiece, demonstrating why it is considered such a significant work of art.

The Thousand Hand Temple
Thousand Hand Temple, also known as Avalokiteśvara Temple or Guanyin Temple, takes its name from the impressive thousand-handed statue of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, that resides within its walls. Nestled on the left peak of Qingyuan Mountain, the temple’s vibrant red walls and pristine white tiles create a stark visual contrast with the surrounding natural landscape, giving it a remarkably fresh and well-maintained appearance.

Qingyuan Heavenly Lake
Nestled among the peaks of the Qingyuan Mountains, Qingyuan Heavenly Lake shimmers like a jade jewel, a magnificent result of a remarkable project completed in 1996. More than just a beautiful sight, the lake plays a vital role in water management, providing a crucial resource for the surrounding region. Its sparkling turquoise waters, gently rippling under the sky, hold a capacity of 115,000 cubic meters, spreading across a surface area of up to 12,000 square meters – imagine nearly two football fields of shimmering water! The surrounding landscape enhances its beauty: lush trees and the rising slopes of the mountains paint their reflections onto the clear surface, creating a truly breathtaking scene.

The Stone Statues of the Three Buddhas
The Three Buddhas (Sanshifo, 三世佛) refer to the enlightened Buddhas of the past, present, and future. These three Buddha statues are seated in the lotus position (padmasana) upon an upturned lotus pedestal. The central figure stands approximately 2.5 meters (8.2 ft) tall, with the figures on either side slightly smaller. The central figure, Shakyamuni Buddha, is the Buddha of the present age, presiding over the present world. His statue depicts the “earth-touching” mudra (Bhumisparsha mudra), with one hand reaching down towards the earth and the other raised upwards. The figure to the left is Bhaisajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha, who is the Buddha of the past and presides over the past world. He is depicted with his right hand holding a medicine bowl and his left hand reaching downwards. The figure to the right is Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of the future. He is depicted in the samadhi mudra, with both hands resting palm-upward in his lap, one atop the other.

Lingshan Islamic Holy Tombs
The early arrival of Islam in China is often linked to the Maritime Silk Road and the Prophet Muhammad’s exhortation to “seek knowledge, even as far as China.” Quanzhou, a bustling port city, became one of the earliest points of entry. According to historical records, emissaries arrived during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and settled in Quanzhou, where some eventually died and were buried on Lingshan Mountain. These tombs are revered as the “Holy Tombs” and are believed to mark the beginning of a thriving Muslim community in the region. Nearby, hundreds of protected ancient Muslim graves dating back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368) attest to the growth of this community over the centuries.

Today, during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha (the festival marking the end of Ramadan) and Eid al-Adha (the festival of sacrifice), many Muslims from the Quanzhou region gather at Lingshan for a traditional “grave visiting” ritual. They first pay their respects at the Holy Tombs, reciting verses from the Quran, and then tend to the graves of their own ancestors.

How to Get to Qingyuan Mountain
• By Bus: Take bus K1 to Qingyuanshan Fengjingqu (Qingyuan Mountain Scenic Area) Station.