Qingshuiyan Scenic Area (Qingshui Temple, Linyuan) Introduction
Qingshui Rock is located in Tantuo Village, Linyuan District, within the Fengshan Hills. The entire area is dotted with coral reef rock formations, and the presence of naturally emerging spring water from underground contributes to the name "Qingshui" or "Clear Water." Since the Japanese occupation era, it has been one of the eight scenic spots of Kaohsiung. The most famous attractions are Qingshui Temple and the former Imperial Japanese Army's military tunnel known as "Longpan Cave." Behind Qingshui Temple are several naturally formed caves and unique stones, from which spring water flows. This spring was once known as Lingquan Pond and is said to have been created by the legendary figure Lin Buxian, who split open Qingshui Rock with a sword to help farmers with irrigation. However, in reality, the spring water emerges due to the porous coral reef geology of Qingshui Rock. Besides the landmark Qingshui Temple, this area features many naturally formed coral reef rock formations, such as Longpan Cave, Shichuan, Shitaiwan, Taoyuan Cave, and Changshou Qie Dong, all displaying unique landscapes with informative signs explaining various sights, including "Frog Playing with Tiger," "Tai Gong Fishing," and "Three-Legged Toad." The site is rich in mythological legends, attracting many tourists who come to explore and seek wonders. Climbing Qingshui Rock offers a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, with the small island of Xiaoliuqiu faintly visible in the distance and breathtaking scenery. Continuing along the county road next to Qingshui Temple leads to the Qingshui Rock Heron Sanctuary, where flocks of white egrets can be seen during autumn and winter. Linyuan Qingshui Temple, also known as Linyuan Qingshui Rock Temple or Qingshui Temple, has a history of over 300 years since its founding in the 5th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1666) and is said to have originated when a farmer, returning from work, saw a flash of light under the rock and found a small red incense pouch hanging from a tree, which bore the names of Shakyamuni Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva, leading to the establishment of the temple. Later, in the 14th year of the Daoguang Emperor's reign, local resident Zhang Jianli transformed the grass hut into a temple, which underwent renovations until the 16th year of the Republic of China (1927), and was fully reconstructed in the 53rd year of the Republic of China (1964). Longpan Cave, the former military tunnel of the Japanese Army at Linyuan Qingshui Rock, is one of the best-preserved tunnel relics in the Qingshui Rock Scenic Area. The tunnel, which stretches for 6 kilometers, was built during World War II as part of military preparations against potential US landings and was one of the largest military projects in Taiwan at the time, excavated by Taiwanese residents forced into labor. The tunnel system reaches Linyuan District, Daliao District, and Xiaogang District, with the main tunnel running from Fengbi Head Mountain by the sea through Fengguan Mountain, Qingshui Rock, Fengshan Reservoir, and Dapingding, extending to Daliao and near the Huangpu Military Academy in Fengshan. Due to years of disrepair, some parts of the tunnel have collapsed, and the most intact section is near Longpan Cave. Given the complex nature of the tunnel system, with intricate branching pathways, visibility inside the tunnel is extremely low, making it inadvisable for tourists to enter without the guidance of a professional.
