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Qingdao---Mt.Laoshan
Qingdao,the coastal city in Shandong province,is famous for its natural beauty and praised as the Oriental Swizterland.
As "Number one famous mountain on the sea", Mt. Laoshan scenic spot is among the first group of points of interest examined and approved by the China State Council. It is situated in the south part of Shandong peninsula and northeast of Qingdao urban area bordering the Huanghai Sea. Of marine climate in Temperate Zone, the area has an annual average temperature of 12.6 degree centigrade and precipitation between 940 to 1073 millimeters, the most humid part of Qingdao City.
The area consists of 9 scenic sites (Jufeng, Liuqing, Shangqing, Taiqing, Qipanshi, Yangkou, Beijiushui, Hualou and Dengying) and 5 resumed scenic sites (Shazikou, Wanggezhuang, Beizhai, Xiazhuang, Xifuzhen) as well as coastal scenic sites. There are altogether 220 points of interest around a mountainous coast of 87.3 kilometers. The whole area covers 446 square kilometers, including sightseeing area of 161 square kilometers. The highest peak of Mt. Laoshan is the 1133-meter Jufeng, the highest one along the 18000-kilometer coast of China. With Jufeng as center, Mt. Laoshan has its ridge stretches in the five directions of northeast, east, southeast, south and west. The east and south parts are steep, and the northwest rises and falls continuously. The offbeat changing natural magnificence is fully presented with the landscape of mountains bordering the sea, the hazed sky over the dark blue sea, the piling ridges and peaks, the bony monster rocks, the deep gullies and dells, the residences overlooking the blue sea. Mt. Laoshan was formed during Yanshan orogeny period and is of granite physiognomy. The whole mountain system grew into vertical joints, showing efflorescing globularity. It is renowned as "natural sculpture park" for its peak spires, piled ridges amazing rocks and deep gullies. The bordering parts of sea and mountains have intervened capes, bays and beaches, creating a magnificent landscape of mountains and seas. As an important place for spreading Taoism, Mt. Laoshan has long been from ancient time known as "Immortal Cave and Celestial Residence" or "Mansion of Elf and Eccentric", which traced its origin in Han and Tang dynasties, and reaches its highest splendor in Song and Yuan dynasties. In history, it was also known as "nine palaces, eight temples and 72 nunneries", and as "second jungle on earth for Taoism". The present Taiqing Palace, Shangqing Palace, Mingxia Cave, Taiping Palace and Hualou Palace have all been holy places for important Taoist activities and homage land. All of these uniquely featured sights make Mt. Laoshan a perfect place for sightseeing, holidays, recreation, recuperation as well as cultural and patriotism activities.
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