Laoshan Coastal Mountain

 

I did not expect that in this area of Qingdao, a busy city with many shipyards and factories, there is a tall mountain near the seaside. A green area with forests towering over the shores of the rippling blue sea. This place is a shelter for weary city people, looking for a calm and peaceful atmosphere. 

The mountain is Laoshan, or Mount Lao (since "shan" means mountain), linked with the sea, with the coastal line winding around the mountain with various rocks, islets and bays staggered.  Mountain and Water are the two key features in Fengshui. From its perspective Mountain is static and stable thus associated with power and support, while Water represents flow, dynamic, thus associated with progress. The presence and balance of Mountain and Water make for good feng shui, and are ideal features for a country. 

Overlooking the sea, the mountain is characterized by imposing canyons, undulating peaks and shrouding mists. With a peak of over 1000 meters Laoshan Mountain is the highest mountain along China’s coastline. With a view not only on the sea to the east and on the land to the west, but also on beautiful Jiaozhou Bay to the southwest it explains the honorable name “No. 1 Coastal Mountain” given to Mount Laoshan. 

Mount Laoshan consists of numerous mountains, including Mount Fu, Mount Zao'er, Mount Shuangfeng, Mount Dading, and Mount Taizi, and it is home to 13 bays and coves, dotted with 18 islets.

It is also known for its ancient trees, its crystal-clear springs, odd=shaped boulders and rock outcroppings. Among the smooth boulders and stone outcropping farther up the mountain grow densely packed pine trees, and in the few green clearings where trees do not grow, sprout seas of flowers that blossom in a myriad of colors each spring and early summer.

 

THE END

 

Source:

http://www.china.org.cn/english/travel/87510.htm