Qingshui Temple Scenic Area (Qingshui Temple in Linyuan) Introduction
Qingshui Rock is located in the Tantou Village of the Lin Yuan District, where the Fengshan Hills are found, and the entire area is filled with coral reef landscapes. The constant natural springs that bubble up from the ground contribute to the name "Qingshui," meaning "clear water." Since the Japanese colonial period, it has been one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Kaohsiung, with the most famous attractions being the Qingshui Temple and the former Japanese military preparation tunnel known as "Longpan Cave." Behind Qingshui Temple, there are several naturally formed caves and strange rocks, with spring water flowing from the peculiar rocks that was historically known as the Spirit Spring Pond, which is said to have been created by a local legendary figure, Lin Banhian, who split open Qingshui Rock with a sword to aid farmers in irrigation. In reality, the spring water is due to the porous coral reef geology of Qingshui Rock. Besides the landmark Qingshui Temple, there are many naturally formed coral rock landscapes in the area, such as Longpan Cave, Stone Boat, Stone Taiwan, Taoyuan Cave, and Changshou Qie Dong, each showcasing unique scenery. Each odd scene has a sign explaining it, including "Frog Playing with Tiger," "Taigong Fishing," and "Three-Legged Toad." The area is rich in mythical stories, attracting many tourists for exploration and adventure. Climbing up Qingshui Rock also offers a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, with the small island of Xiaoliuqiu visible on the horizon, making for a naturally beautiful landscape. Continuing along the county road beside Qingshui Temple, one can access the Qingshui Rock Heron Protection Area, where herons can be seen during the autumn and winter months. The Lin Yuan Qingshui Temple, also known as Lin Yuan Qingshui Rock Temple or simply Qingshui Rock, was established in the 5th year of the Kangxi Emperor's reign (1666) and has a history of over 300 years. It is said to have originated when a farmer found a small red incense bag hanging on a tree near the rock, inscribed with the names of Shakyamuni Buddha and Guanyin Bodhisattva. This prompted the construction of a small shrine for worship. Later, in the 14th year of the Daoguang Emperor's reign, a local resident named Zhang Jianli renovated the grass hut into a temple that has since undergone repairs over the years, culminating in a full reconstruction completed in the 53rd year of the Republic of China (1964). Longpan Cave - the former Japanese military preparation tunnel at Qingshui Rock Scenic Area features the well-preserved tunnel ruins from the Japanese occupation, stretching 6 kilometers long and referred to as the "Underground Great Wall." Constructed during World War II by Taiwanese residents conscripted by the Japanese military to defend against potential US military landings, this was one of the largest military projects in Taiwan at the time. The tunnel system extends into the Lin Yuan District, Daliao District, and Xiaogang District, with the main tunnel starting at the seaside of Fengbitou Mountain and passing through Fengguan Mountain, Qingshui Rock, Fengshan Reservoir, and Dapingding, extending north to Daliao and the Huangpu Military Academy area in Fengshan. Due to years of neglect, some parts of the tunnel have collapsed, with the section near Longpan Cave being the best preserved. The tunnel system is quite complex, and since visibility is minimal inside, it is not recommended for tourists to enter without a professional guide.
