Visit Qingyuan Mountain in Quanzhou to see the largest statue of Laozi

The largest statue of Laozi is in Qingyuan Mountain scenic spot in the northern suburb of Quanzhou, a relic under national level protection.Originally it was called the Rock of Immortals and got its name as Laozi Rock with the creation of the statue. In Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), there were much Taoist architecture set up in the area and the rock statue of Laozi, the revered philosopher, was worshiped in one of the halls of the building complex. Hundreds years later, the architectural complex was demolished and left only with the statue made of rock on the site.

The Laozi Statue is an artistic and religious product of Song Dynasty without accurate record of construction date. It was only recorded that someone carved out the statue by making modification on the original existing rock. Like many cultural masterpieces in Chinese history, the builders' name could not be found in historic record due to their social statue as craftsman. Anyway, we can say that the unknown creator of the statue is another artistic master in long rivers of splendid Chinese civilization.

The statue is nearly 19.7 feet tall, 23 feet thick and 26.2 feet wide, covering a floor area of 65.8 square yards. In a solemn countenance, the statue is in sitting position, easy and free. The left hand hangs close to the knee and the right hand is put on a table, eye gazing into the distance, expressive of benevolence, with green mountains setting behind as background. Every details in the statue was cared to present the figure with an appearance of serenity. The creative skills and craftsmanship bestowed the statue with sense of immortals that were totally out of the mundane world. It is one of the representative pieces of stone sculpture of the Song Dynasty. It is still admired by many art lovers nowadays.