The Liuqing Scenic Area (流清游览区) is located in the southern part of Laoshan Mountain, characterized by towering peaks, deep valleys, and a warm climate. This region is rich in lush black pine forests, with a coastal line featuring a beautiful interplay of capes, reefs, and beaches stretching approximately one kilometer from east to west. The accessible attractions in this area are primarily concentrated along the coastline, providing visitors with a unique and picturesque experience.
The Taiqing Scenic Area (太清游览区), named after the renowned Taoist temple Taiqing Palace, is situated at the southeastern tip of Laoshan. It is divided into two main areas for exploration: the vicinity of Taiqing Palace, which lies by the sea, and the Baishui River route, which serves as a hiking trail. This scenic area is known for its features as a “Taoist Holy Land,” a “Little Jiangnan Botanical Zone,” and the natural coastal rock formations, offering visitors a delightful blend of cultural and natural beauty.
Travel Information about Liuqing and Taiqing Scenic Area
Tickets and Opening Hours
Ticket Prices:
- Liuqing-Taiqing and Yangkou-Huayan Scenic Areas:
- Peak Season: 90 CNY
- Off-Season: 60 CNY
- Taiqing Palace: 27 CNY
- Mingxia Cave: 6 CNY
- Shangqing Palace: 4 CNY
- Taiqing Cable Car: 45 CNY
Opening Hours:
Peak Season: 06:00 – 19:00
Off-Season: 07:00 – 17:00
Best Time to Visit
The Liuqing-Taiqing Scenic Area is suitable for visits year-round, with the best travel season from April to October.
Access to the Scenic Area
Location: Located in the southern part of Laoshan Scenic Area.
Transportation: Visitors can take bus routes 104 or 113 to the Laoshan Tourist Distribution Center and then transfer to a sightseeing bus to enter the area.
Attraction Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Cultural: ★★★
- Special Features: ★★
- Adventure: ★★
- Romance: ★★
Highlights of Liuqing and Taiqing Scenic Area
Liqing Bay Beach
Liqing Bay features fine sandy beaches, facing the sea and backed by the majestic peaks of Laoshan, making it a natural seaside bathing spot. To the east lies Abalone Island, while the distant view includes “Old Man Island.” Together with the azure sea and blue sky, this creates a breathtaking, picturesque landscape.
Frog Rock
Frog Rock, also known as “Crouching Golden Toad,” is one of the renowned symbolic rocks in Laoshan. Formed by the relentless crashing of waves, this massive stone is remarkably lifelike and vibrant. Numerous legends surround Frog Rock.
One legend tells of a frog that originally resided in the Moon Palace. After violating the laws of the palace, it was banished by Chang’e to the mortal world, where its toad fat could be used to heal ailments. In despair, the frog gazes longingly at the Moon Palace, hoping for Chang’e’s mercy to return home.
Another tale speaks of the Dragon King of the East Sea, who defeated the South Sea Dragon King in battle. As punishment, the South Sea Dragon King was transformed into Frog Rock, destined to guard the maritime borders from then on.
Bashui River
As the name suggests, Bashui River is formed by the convergence of eight streams, making it one of the main rivers in Laoshan. Spanning approximately 8 kilometers, it flows from the mountains down to the sea.
Although not very long, Bashui River is renowned for its stunning scenery. Whether you choose to travel upstream against the current or drift downstream from Longtan Waterfall, you’ll witness the river’s tumultuous waters cascading down over countless rocks of varying sizes. These natural obstacles create a variety of enchanting water features, with the flow sometimes weaving through stones, meandering, or swirling in captivating patterns.
During periods of high water flow, the river roars like a thousand galloping horses, echoing thunderously throughout the valley, creating a truly spectacular sight.
Recommended Itinerary:
Bashui River – Shangqing Palace – Mingxia Cave – Taiqing Palace. Estimated duration: approximately 3 hours.
The route along Bashui River is a hiking trail, leading you upwards through the scenic landscape. Starting from Bashui River, you can enjoy the views of Longtan Waterfall and the ancient Shangqing Palace. The path meanders through the forest, eventually leading to the famous Taoist temple, Mingxia Cave. This section of the journey takes about an hour and a half.
For those who may find the hike tiring, you have the option to return after reaching either Longtan Waterfall or Shangqing Palace, which will take approximately 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Taiqing Cable Car directly to Mingxia Cave for a more relaxed experience. Taiqing Palace, located by the sea, offers an easier visit and takes around 20 minutes to explore.
Mingxia Cave
Mingxia Cave is formed by a series of towering rocks, creating a stunning natural structure. The inscription above the cave entrance reads “Mingxia Cave, Year 3 of the Jin Da’an Era,” written by the Taoist master Qiu Chuji. The characters “霞朱半天” (meaning “half the sky is painted red by the morning glow”) refer to the breathtaking sight of the sunrise, with colorful clouds illuminating the surrounding peaks.
From this vantage point, you can only see half the sky, but when the sun rises in the east, the vibrant clouds reflect a beautiful red hue across the mountains, creating an extraordinarily picturesque scene. It is a perfect spot for witnessing the mesmerizing beauty of nature, especially at dawn.
Longtan Waterfall
Longtan Waterfall, also known as Yulong Waterfall, is situated in the middle reaches of the Eight Water River on the southern slopes of Laoshan Mountain. Here, the river cascades into a deep pool, and the water flows like a jade dragon, creating a misty spray that enhances the spectacular scenery.
According to legend, a long time ago, a white dragon was banished to Laoshan by the Jade Emperor for violating heavenly rules. However, the white dragon did not mend its ways and transformed into a handsome young man, engaging in bullying and wrongdoing, which once again angered the Jade Emperor. In response, the Emperor sent Master Zhang to punish him, and the two battled fiercely in the mountains. Ultimately, the white dragon was defeated by Master Zhang and was slain at the steep cliff of the gorge, transforming into the beautiful waterfall that flows here today.
Taiqing Palace
Taiqing Palace, also known as “Lower Palace,” is the oldest and largest Taoist temple in Laoshan, with a history of over 2,100 years. The structure we see today has been recently renovated, preserving the architectural style and scale from the Ming Dynasty’s Wanli period. The palace complex features three main halls: the San Guan Hall, the San Qing Hall, and the San Huang Hall, along with more than 150 Taoist residences. The buildings are characterized by their blue stone and grey tile roofs, embodying the Taoist philosophy of “tranquility and non-action” and the pursuit of self-cultivation.
Viewing the moon rising over the sea from Taiqing Palace offers a unique experience. At times of perfect silence, a radiant moon emerges from the ocean, casting shimmering silver light across the water, creating a magical scene. The gentle breeze rustles the bamboo on the shore, and the soft waves lap against the rocks, resulting in an otherworldly atmosphere.
Cangye Tree: On the west side of the San Guan Hall stands a remarkable Cangye tree, believed to have been planted during the Tang Dynasty, making it over 1,300 years old. Known as “Tang Elm” because its gnarled branches resemble a dragon, it stands 18.2 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 130 centimeters. This ancient tree is a rare and precious symbol of Laoshan.
Xiangyu (Fragrant Jade) at Upper Qing Palace: The peony is celebrated as China’s national flower and is often referred to as the “king of flowers.” Many temples and gardens in Laoshan cultivate this exquisite blossom. Within the courtyard of Upper Qing Palace, there is a magnificent white peony known to thrive year after year. According to legend, it is the flower spirit “Xiangyu” from the classic story “Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio” (聊斋志异).
Baxian Dun (Eight Immortals Mound)
Baxian Dun is located to the south of Laoshan Head and features a dramatic cliff made up of multicolored sandstone, including shades of blue, yellow, green, gray, black, and red. Beneath this towering cliff lie more than ten stone platforms. According to legend, the Eight Immortals stopped here to rest during their journey across the sea, which is how the site got its name.
The area is characterized by fierce winds and towering waves, creating a thrilling and adventurous atmosphere. Often referred to as “Laoshan’s Number One Wonder,” Baxian Dun offers stunning views and a sense of awe, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring the beauty of Laoshan.