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The oldest and best-preserved Islamic holy site in my country is located within the Lingshan Scenic Area of the Qingyuanshan Scenic Area. According to He Qiaoyuan's "Book of Fujian" from the Ming Dynasty, during the Wude period of the Tang Dynasty (618-626), Muhammad sent four sages to China. One sage preached in Guangzhou; the second sage preached in Yangzhou; the third sage, Shashiye, and the fourth sage, Wogaoshi, preached in Quanzhou. They were buried at Lingshan after their burial. After the burial, the mountain began to glow at night, and people were so impressed by its sacredness that they named it the Holy Tomb and the mountain the Holy Mountain.
In January 988, it was declared a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Site. The two existing tombs stand side by side, carved from granite. The three-tiered, stepped covering is 60 centimeters high. The bottom tier is rectangular, 2.15 meters long and 1.10 meters wide, with lotus petals embossed on all four sides. The middle tier is plain, and the top tier is arched and 1.55 meters long. Beneath the covering is a stone slab that covered the burial pit.
According to the inscription, there was originally a pavilion on the tomb, which collapsed long ago. The current granite pavilion with a hip roof was rebuilt in 1962. Muhammad sent four wise men to China: one to preach in Guangzhou; the second to preach in Yangzhou; the third to Shah Shiye; and the fourth to Wo Gaoshi.
The cemetery has a subtropical monsoon climate. The north, east and west sides of the cemetery are surrounded by semicircular retaining walls about 3 meters high built with stone blocks against the steep cliffs. Granite stone tomb corridors imitating traditional wooden structures are built against the walls, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
On one side of the holy tomb is the open area where Muslims from all over the world from the Song and Yuan dynasties and Islamic stone tombs from the Ming and Qing dynasties are engraved with the "cloud and moon" patterns commonly used in Islam or passages from the Koran.
In front of the tomb stands a giant natural rock that seems to move when the wind blows and can sway when pushed. It is therefore called the "Wind-Moving Rock," one of three wind-moving rocks in Fujian Province. During the Ming Dynasty, Quanzhou prefect Zhou Daoguang inscribed the characters "碧玉诬" (jade ball), and later generations added the characters "自然機妙" (natural mechanism), creating a unique Quanzhou scenic spot called "玉球動" (jade ball moving in the wind).
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
3 yuan/person
8:00-17:00
Lingshan Park is one of the most famous parks in Quanzhou, celebrated for its historical significance and natural beauty. The park is home to several ancient temples, offering a peaceful retreat and a connection to the local Buddhist culture. The hilltop area provides a cultural and spiritual connection to the past, with a history dating back centuries.
Lingshan Park is located in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. It can be easily reached by taxi, or bus from the city center. Walking to the park is also an option if you're staying nearby. Public transportation is widely available, and taxis are a convenient option for direct access.
The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon, as these times offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays.
The entrance fee is typically around 10-20 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the park, and there are no online booking options available for Lingshan Park.
There is no need to book tickets in advance as they can be purchased directly on-site. However, if you're visiting during peak tourist seasons or on weekends, it’s a good idea to arrive early to avoid long lines.
A visit to Lingshan Park typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how much time you spend at each area, such as the temple, lakeside, and hilltop viewpoints.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and may be arranged upon arrival. Audio guides are typically in Mandarin, and there might be limited availability in other languages. It’s advisable to check in advance if you require a tour in a foreign language.
Start by entering the park and heading towards the temple to experience its spiritual atmosphere. Then, take a walk along the scenic paths leading to the hilltop for breathtaking views. Finally, enjoy some quiet time by the lakeside before exiting the park.
Currently, Lingshan Park does not offer night visits or light shows. The park is primarily designed for daytime visits, and most of its features, such as the temple and walking paths, are best enjoyed during daylight hours.
The park can be crowded during weekends and public holidays, especially in the afternoon. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays or during the off-peak tourist season, such as winter or early spring.
The park has basic facilities including toilets, rest areas, and drinking water stations. There are no major restaurants or food courts inside the park, but you can find small kiosks or local food vendors near the entrance.
The park is relatively accessible, with some paved paths and easy walking routes suitable for elderly and children. However, some areas, such as the hilltop, may involve steep steps, which could be challenging for disabled visitors. It’s best to check with the staff for any special accommodations.
Both cash and mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are accepted at the park. It's recommended to use mobile payments for convenience.
There are no large restaurants within Lingshan Park, but small local eateries and tea houses can be found near the entrance or within a short walking distance outside the park. They offer traditional Chinese food and tea.
Vegetarian food options are available in the nearby eateries, especially catering to the local Buddhist culture. Halal food options may be available in some local restaurants outside the park.
Several budget hotels and mid-range accommodations are available near the park. For those seeking luxury hotels, there are higher-end options in Quanzhou’s city center, which is a short taxi ride away.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance of the park, selling traditional Chinese handicrafts, Buddhist items like incense and prayer beads, and local snacks. These make for great souvenirs to take home.
After visiting Lingshan Park, taxis and public buses are the best options for continuing your trip. The Quanzhou Railway Station is easily accessible by taxi for those traveling to other cities or destinations.
