In Association with
South Wudang Taoist Association (China)
QINGDAO:
We arrived in the evening and were soon whisked away to our wonderful hotel. The next day we visited the 4th May Square that got its name from the movement at that time then onward to the Zhangqiao constructed in 1891 and is the landmark of Qingdao City. Qingdao Bay is crescent shaped and like an arrow, the bridge and octagon pavilion is aimed to shoot out to sea.. The beaches are wonderfully clean here and once we finished our visit to Qingdao Beer Factory – fantastic – our sail on the China Sea and visit to the Governor’s house, we returned to our hotel to meet with Master You Xuande and his leading Disciple Xiao Long in the morning.
It was wonderful to see both Master You and Xiao Long again who looked very relaxed and in great spirits following a rather torturous schedule travelling through China on Tours, exhibitions and workshops. Mount Laoshan is situated on the South Eastern Shandong Peninsula where it faces the Yellow Sea and is known as the birthplace of Taoism and the famous Quanzhen Sect Sanctuary.
During the peak of Taoism in China there were 9 Palaces, 8 Taoist Temples and 72 Nunneries that housed nearly 1000 priests and nuns on the mountain. Currently, Taiqing Palace is the largest and oldest among the preserved Taoist establishments. Infamous for its oddly shaped rocks, ancient trees and crystal clear springs, there are rivers and waterfalls among its beautiful scenery.
