Laojun Rock, Qingyuan Mountain

Laojun Rock is a giant granite carving of the Taoist sage Laozi on the slopes of Qingyuan Mountain in Fengze District, Quanzhou, Fujian province, China. Carved in the Song dynasty and often dated to the tenth to eleventh century, the seated figure is about five metres high and is one of the largest Taoist stone sculptures in China. Laozi is shown as an old man with a long beard, a calm face and a hand resting on his knee, carved from a single natural boulder under a tree-shaded rise. The Qingyuan Mountain Scenic Area around it offers forested paths, small temples, stone inscriptions and viewpoints over Quanzhou, with several peaks and rock formations along the way. Visitors typically approach on foot along stone steps, spend time at the statue, and continue to other points such as Buddhist and Taoist shrines and the summit lookouts. The ticket costs about ¥35 and a visit takes about two hours, longer if hiking further. The site is open from about 07:00 to 18:00. Mornings on clear days give the best light and views, and cooler walking conditions, while weekends and holidays bring local families and worshippers, particularly around lunar festival days. The mountain is about twenty minutes from the city centre by taxi or city bus. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as paths can be steep and slippery after rain, and bring water. Because the figure is outdoors, it is best viewed in daylight, and photographs benefit from morning sun.