Laozi under Mount Qingyuan

At the base of Mount Qingyuan, just north of Quanzhou, you’ll find a huge stone statue of Laozi, the founder of Taoism. Carved during the Song dynasty, this sculpture is over 8 metres long and is the largest of its kind in China. Laozi is shown sitting calmly, with a long beard and gentle eyes, looking out over the landscape. His hand rests on a table shaped like a cloud-a symbol often linked to Taoist ideas of harmony with nature.

A fun fact: local legend says that if you touch Laozi’s foot, you’ll have good luck on your travels. The area around the statue is filled with other ancient carvings and stone inscriptions, making it a fascinating place for history lovers. The walk up Mount Qingyuan is peaceful, with beautiful views and lush greenery. Visiting this site is a great way to experience both the natural beauty and deep cultural roots of Fujian.