Qinglongdong

Qinglongdong is a religious architectural complex nestled against the cliff face of the Wu River in Zhenyuan County, combining 36 buildings across steep terrain. The structures are built directly into the mountainside, using natural caves and rock formations as integral parts of the design.

The complex was founded in 1388 during the Ming Dynasty's Hongwu period and reflects the construction methods of that era. In 1988, it received national protection status from China's State Council.

The site brings together Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian traditions in one place, showing how these three major belief systems coexisted harmoniously. Walking through the grounds, you encounter each tradition represented in separate but nearby structures and spaces.

Visitors move through multiple levels connected by stone pathways, with the main entrance located near Zhusheng Bridge. The site requires moving up and down different elevations, so plan time for exploring the terrain.

The complex incorporates natural caves within the mountainside as functional spaces, a feature rarely seen at this scale. This approach allowed builders to seamlessly weave the structures into the landscape itself.