Qingyuan Mountain Cultivation Guide! The Taoist Secret Realm where Laozi has resided for 500 years ⛰️
📍Address: Qingyuanshan Road, Fengze District, Quanzhou City
🚌Transportation Tips: Stay at MeetYou B&B, just a 10-minute walk to the mountain gate. Admission is 70 RMB. Free admission times: Before 7:00 AM and after 5:30 PM.
1️⃣ Laojun Rock
Giant stone sculpture of Taishang Laojun, the founder of Taoism! A Song Dynasty cultural relic, the statue is 5.1 meters tall, known as "The Foremost Laozi in the World".
📸Tips: The stone steps on the left side of the square are the best spot for photos.
2️⃣ Master Hongyi's Stupa
The final resting place of musician Li Shutong! White marble stupa body + handwritten inscription.
🚶Route: From Laojun Rock, walk uphill for 25 minutes to reach the First Mountain Gate, then walk another 30 minutes on the stone path.
3️⃣ Tianhu Lake
A high-altitude lake at 560 meters above sea level! The clear water reflects the cliff carvings.
🥾Hiking Tips: From the Stupa to Tianhu Lake, it's a 1.5-hour walk on an ecological trail.
4️⃣ Nantai Rock
A bird's-eye view of Quanzhou! Watch the sunrise and sea of clouds in the morning, and admire the city lights at night.
⏰Recommended times: Before 7:00 AM or after 5:30 PM for free admission.
🔥Must-do Route (4h total):
Laojun Rock → First Mountain Cliff Carvings → Stupa → Tianhu Lake → Nantai Rock
It is recommended to enter the park before 8 AM to avoid the strong afternoon sun.
🍲Food at the Foot of the Mountain:
Mianxian paste + vinegar pork (Guozai, a time-honored brand)
Shihuagao Siguotang (a cooling and heat-relieving dessert)
⚠️Tips to Avoid Pitfalls:
• The wild routes on the back mountain are dangerous! Stick to the official tourist map.
• There are no convenience stores around Tianhu Lake, bring your own snacks.
• It's windy at Nantai Rock, so bring a jacket.
Post by Mitchell William-61 | Nov 5, 2025
