The Laojun Stone Sculpture, one of China’s largest Taoist stone carvings, is located in the main scenic area of Qingyuan Mountain Scenic Area in Fengze District, Quanzhou City, and is a National Key Cultural Relic Protection Unit. Carved during the Song Dynasty, according to the ‘Annals of Quanzhou Prefecture’: ‘The stone statue is naturally formed, with only minor carvings added by enthusiasts.’ This brief description adds an air of mystery to the statue.
The stone statue stands at a height of 5.1 meters, with a thickness of 7.2 meters and a width of 7.3 meters, covering an area of 55 square meters. The statue depicts Laojun wearing a wind cap, with clear forehead wrinkles, eyes looking straight ahead, a prominent nose bridge, right earlobe reaching the shoulder, a flying beard, a smiling face, left hand resting on the knee, right hand leaning on a table, with the index and little fingers slightly protruding forward, as if playing a musical instrument. With a green mountain as its backdrop, the statue sits majestically, highlighting the secluded valley and detachment from the mundane world.
