Tuoshan

Located just 4 kilometers (2 miles) southwest of Qingzhou city in Shandong province, China, Tuoshan—or Camel Mountain—serves as the core scenic zone of Qingzhou National Park. When you visit this mountain, you will explore a blend of native pine forests and remarkably preserved historic sites. Among its chief attractions are the Buddhist Grottoes carved along the eastern edge near the summit during the Northern Zhou and Tang dynasties.

Here, behind protective cages, you can admire 638 stone Buddhas, ranging from tiny 10-centimeter statues to Shandong province's largest seated Buddha standing over 7 meters tall. At the summit sits the ancient Haotian Temple complex, which offers sweeping views north toward Qingzhou. Inside the complex, you will discover the Yuhuang Palace, an old theatre, a garden of stone stelae, and the rare non-beam, double-arched stone Seven Treasures Cabinet built during the Yuan dynasty.

Crossing the Tian Qiao bridge over the dry Tian He bed, passing under the Gate of the Southern Heaven, and viewing the Ming dynasty calligraphy carved into the eastern mountain face by official Qiaoyu all make a trek up Tuoshan an unmissable historical journey.

What to see at Tuoshan

• Historic Buddhist Grottoes housing 638 stone Buddhas
• Haotian Temple featuring views of Qingzhou and an ancient stelae garden
• Rare Yuan dynasty non-beam, double-arched Seven Treasures Cabinet
• Over 7-meter-tall seated Buddha, the largest in Shandong province
• Ming dynasty 'Tuo Shan' calligraphy carved on the eastern face

Visiting tips

Look out for the unique Yuan dynasty architecture of the Seven Treasures Cabinet when exploring the Haotian Temple complex at the summit.

How long: 2-3 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Tuoshan is easy to reach on Weifang’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Weifang travel guide.