Shizhu Mountain is located in Honglu County in Fuqing City of Fujian Province. It is one of the 10 major tourist attractions of Fujian Province and has recently been officially listed as an intangible cultural heritage.
The Shizhu Mountain is named after its bizarre rock formations and beautiful bamboo. As a Taoist Holy Mountain of Fujian Province, it welcomes more than 500 thousand tourists every year.
The mountain has 128 scenic spots, including Shizhu Temple and Lion Rock. During the Ming Dynasty traveler and geologist Xu Xia-ke visited Shizhu Mountain. He said, "The Mountain has the most bizarre rocks and is a wonderful place for dream-praying."
The Dream Praying Hall on the mountain is a major allure for tourists. Many people dream in the hall, in order to get a sign from the gods, and often their dreams come true. The magic power has let the Shizhu Mountain being called the "Chinese Dreamland"
Shizhu Mountain is home to all three dominant religions in China: Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, although Taoism is the most popular. The Shizhu Temple, first built during the Tang Dynasty, is worshipped widely by Taoists.
Many famous personalities have been to the Mountain and left their carvings and poems, including the philosopher Zhuxi of the Song Dynasty and Chen Baochen, the teacher of Emperor Puyi in the Qing Dynasty.
The Shizhu Lake is at the foot of the Mountain. It serves as a reservoir which provides water for Fuqing City and is also known as 'Carp Lake', as the island in the middle of the lake is shaped like a fish.
The Ziyun Tower is built on the Liwei Mountain, which is on the Carp Lake opposite the Shizhu Temple. The tower is a pavilion-like granite building and was constructed during the Ming Dynasty.
The area of Shizhu Mountain receives support from the large community of Chinese living abroad that originate from Fuqing City.
Many pilgrims to the Mountain believe it is home to fairies. There is a saying, "No matter how high the mountain is, its name will spread far and wide if there is an enchanting fairy."
With the help of its friends abroad the name of Shizhu Mountain can travel even further.
