Bailong Mountain Scenic Area

Bailong Mountain Scenic Area is situated 22 kilometres west of the seat of Lan County, right on the border with Xing County. The main peak rises to an altitude of 2,253 metres. Boasting towering and precipitous ridges, the scenic area is enveloped by dense forests with jagged peaks, oddly-shaped pine trees and fantastic rock formations. It enjoys pleasant weather and gorgeous scenery, ranking first among the Eight Famous Sights of Lanyang in ancient times.

The mountain teems with wildlife and vegetation. Rare animals including brown eared pheasants, roe deer, sika deer, musk deer and leopards inhabit the area, together with hundreds of varieties of rare trees and medicinal herbs.

Perched halfway up Bailong Mountain stands Bailong Temple with a long history, which has attracted numerous pilgrims since ancient times. Preserved relics include buildings of the Ming and Qing dynasties, stone inscriptions and stone carvings dating back to the Song Dynasty. The exact founding date remains unknown. According to ancient stele records, Emperor Shenzong of the Song Dynasty conferred the title Marquis Lingyuan upon the White Dragon God and granted funds for temple reconstruction. Renovations were carried out repeatedly in subsequent dynasties. In 2006, the temple was listed among the first batch of Key Cultural Relic Protection Units of Lüliang City.

Surrounding Bailong Temple are the Mountain God Temple, Wind God Temple and Three Stars Temple. These shrines are connected by more than 500 stone steps. Rows of buildings are half-hidden among green pines and cypresses amid curling incense smoke, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere.

The huge stone carving of the Chinese character "Shou (Longevity)" was handwritten by Zhao Puchu, the late Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a master calligrapher. Standing 15.5 metres high and 8.5 metres wide, it is the largest single-character stone inscription in China and a unique landmark of the scenic spot.

More than twenty natural scenic spots scatter across the mountain, such as the Sacred White Dragon Summit (the main peak), Divine Tortoise Gazing at the Moon, Three Stars Gathering, Horse-Watering Pool and Guest-Greeting Pine. Every rock and tree stirs visitors' emotions.

Bailong Mountain presents distinctive views all year round: blooming peach and apricot blossoms in spring, cool green shade in summer, red leaves covering the hills in autumn, and a blanket of snow in winter. With such breathtaking scenery, it has become an ideal destination for religious pilgrimages as well as summer retreats and leisure holidays.