Mount Qingyuan

Lore & Background

Mount Qingyuan has been famous since the Tang dynasty of Imperial China. The earliest mention of the mountain dates from the Jin dynasty (266–420 CE) or later. Rapid development began in 618–1279 CE and reached its peak during the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE). Centuries of development have left nine huge Taoist and Buddhist stone sculptures, 600 stone inscriptions, and 3 granite stones. Among these are the 'Four Superlatives': the stone statue of Laozi; the stone statues of Buddha for Three Lives; the holy Islamic tombs; and the 'pray for wind stone' inscriptions. The site also contains the shrine of Master Honyi.

Reader's Guide

Mount Qingyuan National Park protects a total area of 62 km² and includes three major scenic features: Mount Qingyuan, Mount Ling, and Mount Jiuri. The statue of Laozi is famed as the largest stone carving of him made during the Song dynasty and is a Major Historical and Cultural Site Protected at the National Level. In 2021, the wind-praying inscriptions on Mount Jiuri were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List because of their medieval religious importance and testimony to the global maritime trade centered on Quanzhou in the Song and Yuan dynasties. The mountain's historical and cultural artifacts, including Taoist and Buddhist sculptures and inscriptions, reflect its long-standing significance as a religious and cultural site.

Did You Know?

• Mount Qingyuan is located about 3 km from Quanzhou city.
• The mountain's earliest mention is from the Jin dynasty (266–420 CE) or later.
• The stone statue of Laozi measures 5.63 m in height, 6.85 m in width, and 8.01 m in length.
• In 2021, the wind-praying inscriptions on Mount Jiuri were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.