Steinskulpturen im Qingyuan Shan, Ancient stone sculptures in Qingyuan Mountain, China
The stone sculptures on Qingyuan Mountain are a group of reliefs carved into the natural rock face located on the mountain east of Quanzhou. The largest composition shows a seated figure that rises approximately 5 meters in height and extends several meters in width.
The sculptures were carved during the Song and Yuan dynasties, a period when religious and artistic works flourished on mountainsides throughout the region. The reliefs received official protection as National Cultural Heritage Sites of China in 1988.
The main figure depicts Laozi, a central philosopher in Daoism, shown as an elderly seated man with flowing whiskers. This representation holds deep meaning for visitors who come to reflect on the teachings associated with this important Chinese tradition.
The site sits on a mountainside, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and plan time for the climb to reach the sculptures. Visiting during drier months is advisable, as the paths can become slippery after rain.
The carved figure displays unusual physical characteristics, with ears that extend down to the shoulders and a specific hand placement across the body. This particular rendering sets it apart from other depictions of the same subject found elsewhere.
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