Lushan National Forest Park in Yiyuan County is located in Zibo City and is a natural wonder combining mountains, waterfalls, karst caves, and lush forests. Nestled among rolling peaks shrouded in mist and clouds, the Longzi River cuts through the mountains, forming the spectacular Three-Tiered Waterfall Cluster. The thunderous roar of cascading water echoes like a dragon’s chant, while the plunging torrents resemble the Milky Way spilling from the heavens. Within Baolong Valley, stalactites rise in dense formations; inside the caves, stone pillars sprout like a forest, subterranean rivers flow silently, and shifting lights and shadows create an ethereal, otherworldly ambiance. From Wangxiang Terrace, visitors can gaze upon billowing sea of clouds resembling snowdrifts, while the resonant toll of temple bells from ancient monasteries pierces through the mountain mist, offering profound serenity and delight.
Key highlights of the park include:
- **Wangxiang Terrace**, standing at 1,108 meters above sea level, offering panoramic views over the entire mountain range and surrounding landscape;
- The **"Dragon Pool Triple Cascade"** in Baolong Valley, where abundant water flows create a breathtaking white ribbon suspended mid-air during peak seasons;
- **Shilong Cave**, near Lushan’s main peak, housing stalactites formed over 300 million years ago—each uniquely shaped and collectively hailed as an “Underground Palace of Art.”
Additionally, the park preserves a cluster of Tang Dynasty cliff inscriptions, recording poetic verses by literati and scholars. Among them, the four characters “Lushan Shengjing” (Scenic Wonder of Lushan) are believed to be calligraphed by Yan Zhenqing, the renowned Tang Dynasty calligrapher, exuding majestic grandeur.
Since ancient times, Lushan has been a sacred site of Taoism. The Tang-era YunTai Temple still stands on the mountain, where generations of eminent monks have practiced meditation. The Northern Song Dynasty literary giant Su Shi once composed the famous line “Lushan Mist and Rain,” capturing the mystical veil of clouds and drizzle enveloping the peaks. With a remarkable 90% vegetation coverage, the park serves as a rare ecological shield in northern China, providing sanctuary for numerous rare plant and animal species and painting a vibrant tableau of thriving natural life. More than just a paradise for nature lovers, Lushan is a living museum where Chinese civilization and natural landscapes harmoniously intertwine.
