Laoshan Mountain, Qingdao – Number One Mountain by the Sea

Jufeng Scenic Area (巨峰风景区), located in the central part of Laoshan Mountain, boasts an elevation of 1127.3 meters, making it the highest and most rugged scenic area among the nine major scenic spots on Laoshan. The area features attractions such as Yixiantian (a narrow opening between two cliffs), Heifengkou (Black Wind Mouth), Wuzhi Peak, Lingqi Peak, and Natural Stone Pillars. At the peak of Jufeng, there is a square rock named “Gaiding” or “Kezhang,” which can only accommodate three or four people. Due to its steep terrain, climbing Jufeng is challenging. Visitors can approach Jufeng from various directions, such as 15 kilometers east from Liushutai, over 10 kilometers south from Yanyunxi, approximately 5-6 kilometers northeast from Yulinkou, or from the east via Taiqing Palace or west from Mingxia Cave. Accessing Jufeng from routes like Menghunjian or going southwest through Meihunjian is also possible.

“Cloud Sea Spectacle,” “Sunrise Spectacle,” and “Colorful Ball Spectacle” are the three major wonders of Jufeng. Particularly, the “Sunrise Spectacle” is magnificent and exquisite, earning the title of the “Crown of Twelve Scenic Spots of Laoshan” and is considered one of the earliest and best places in China to witness the sunrise over the sea.

Taiqing Palace (太清宫), also known as Xiaqing Palace, was initially built in the first year of the Jianyuan era (140 BC) during the Western Han Dynasty. It stands facing Taiqing Bay and backed by seven peaks, serving as the ancestral temple of Daoism on Laoshan and the largest Taoist temple on the mountain. It is also the second Daoist sacred site in the world. Located at the foot of Laojun Peak on the southern slope of Laoshan, Taiqing Palace is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the sea, presenting picturesque scenery reminiscent of Jiangnan (regions south of the Yangtze River) throughout the four seasons. The palace occupies an area of 30,000 square meters with a total construction area of approximately 2500 square meters, comprising over 150 rooms. Taiqing Palace consists of three independent courtyards, each enclosed by its own walls with a single entrance gate. The architectural style is simple and elegant.

The Three Officials Hall is the largest building complex within Taiqing Palace, consisting of three consecutive courtyards. Inside the hall, there are sculptures of the Three Officials (Heaven, Earth, and Water), as well as deities like Zhenwu (True Martial) and Lei Shen (God of Thunder). The courtyards are adorned with flowers and trees such as Ziwei, Gingko, Peony, and Camellia. Of particular note are two large and intertwined Camellia trees in front of the main hall, one bearing red flowers and the other white. During the transition from winter to spring, these trees bloom for three months, with vibrant red and snow-white flowers, creating a spectacular sight resembling crimson snow. Legend has it that these two Camellia trees were transplanted by the Taoist Zhang Sanfeng from a nearby island during the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty.

The Yangkou Scenic Area (仰口风景区) is located in the northeast part of the Laoshan Mountain Scenic Area. Amidst the misty peaks, the scenery here is breathtaking, with towering peaks and lush green bamboo and pine forests surrounding the “Palace on the Sea,” known as Taiping Palace. The Guandi Temple is nestled among the towering pines and ancient trees, with a stream flowing in front and bamboo groves nearby. Additionally, the area features attractions such as Shangyuan Mountain, General Gu Peak, Zhongxin Gu Peak, Erxian Mountain, Zuanshi Gu Peak, Mitian Cave, Yangkou Bay, Diaolong Ji, and Fengshan Peninsula, each showcasing the beauty of mountain peaks and picturesque bays.

Beijiushui, or North Nine Waters (北九水), derives its name from the nine bends and twists of the river in the upper reaches of the Baisha River. Originating from the water at the northern foot of Jufeng, the river flows through the valley, surrounded by peaks and lush forests, creating a series of stunning landscapes, earning it the nickname “Gallery of Nine Waters.” Beijiushui is divided into Inner and Outer Nine Waters by the Jiushui Boundary Bridge of the Beijiushui Sanatorium, spanning a total length of 9.5 kilometers in the middle reaches of the Baisha River. Combined, the Inner and Outer Nine Waters boast 18 bays, where the river bends around peaks to form deep pools, each with its own unique features and charm. The Beijiushui Scenic Area is also home to the Eighteen Pools, with each pool having its own distinct name and significance. Among the notable pools are Zhirou Pool, Jubei Pool, Weifeng Pool, Wuji Pool, Ziqu Pool, Ziqiu Pool, Zhongxu Pool, Youjian Pool, Deyu Pool, and Chao Yin Waterfall, among others.

Hualou Peak (华楼峰) is situated on the southern bank of the Laoshan Reservoir, with an elevation of 408 meters. It is a square-shaped rock pinnacle rising from the eastern part of the mountain top, standing over 30 meters tall. Composed of layers of rocks, it resembles a towering building reaching into the sky, hence its name “Hualou,” meaning magnificent building. Due to its unique rock formations resembling a decorative pillar, it is also known as “Huabiao Peak” and was historically referred to as “Juxiantai (the gathering place of immortals).” Among the Twelve Scenic Spots of Laoshan, it is known as “Hualou Stack Stones.” Legend has it that the Eight Immortals crossed the sea and stopped at Laoshan, with He Xiangu grooming herself at Juxiantai, thus giving it the name – “Dressing Tower.” Historical records suggest that renowned Taoist figures like Zhang Sanfeng had mystical connections with this peak, making it one of the celebrated mountains by the sea.

Longtan Waterfall (龙潭瀑), also known as Yulongtan, is located in the midstream of the Baishui River at the southern foot of Laoshan Mountain. Sourced from the valley between Tianchading and Beitianmen, at an altitude of 500 meters, the water cascades down a hundred-foot cliff, resembling a dancing dragon, hence its name “Longtan Waterfall.” The pool beneath the waterfall holds crystal-clear, icy-blue water. After a rain, the waterfall surges with a deafening roar, creating a magnificent spectacle. The stream, gathering from numerous creeks along its path through mountains and ridges, converges into a rushing current. As it reaches a roughly 30-meter-high cliff-top platform, the water jets straight out several feet before plunging down the cliff into the emerald pool below. The water, swirling in mid-air through several twists and turns, merges into a waterfall approximately 30 meters long and 5 meters wide, crashing into the jade pool below. The top of the waterfall is adorned with the calligraphic characters “龙吟,” meaning “Dragon’s Roar,” inscribed by the renowned contemporary calligrapher Huang Miaizi during his visit to Laoshan in 1981. Beneath the waterfall, a large, elongated rock tapers down from the top, providing visitors with a seat from which they can admire the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks while marveling at the majestic waterfall up close.