Qingshuiyan Scenic Area (Qingshui Temple in Linyuan) Introduction
Qingshui Rock is located in the Tuntou Village of Linyuan District, surrounded by coral reef rock formations. Due to the natural springs that frequently emerge from the ground, the area is named "Qingshui" which translates to "clear water." Since the Japanese occupation era, it has been one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Kaohsiung, with its most famous attractions being Qingshui Temple and the original Japanese military preparation tunnel known as "Longpan Cave." Behind Qingshui Temple, there are several naturally formed caves and strange rocks from which spring water flows. This spring water was historically referred to as the Spiritual Spring Pool, said to have been created by the legendary figure Lin Bansheng, who split open Qingshui Rock with a sword to facilitate irrigation for farmers. In reality, the porous coral reef geology of Qingshui Rock allows for the accumulation and release of water. Aside from the landmark Qingshui Temple, the area is filled with many naturally formed coral rock landscapes, such as Longpan Cave, Ship Rock, Stone Taiwan, Taoyuan Cave, and Changshou Eggplant, making for a unique landscape with various wonders explained by informational signs, including Frog Playing with Tiger, Grandpa Fishing, and Three-Legged Toads. This location is rich in mythical legend, attracting many tourists seeking adventure and exploration. Climbing to the top of Qingshui Rock offers a commanding view of the Pacific Ocean, with the distant sight of Little Liuqiu, showcasing natural beauty. Continuing along the county road next to Qingshui Temple leads into the Qingshui Rock Egret Protection Area, where flocks of white egrets can be seen during the autumn and winter seasons. Linyuan Qingshui Temple, also known as Linyuan Qingshui Rock Temple or Qingshui Rock Qingshui Temple, is simply referred to as Qingshui Rock or Qingshui Temple. It was established in the 5th year of the Kangxi era (1666 AD), boasting a history of over 300 years. According to legend, the origin involved a farmer who, at the end of a workday, passed under the rock and suddenly noticed a radiant light. Upon closer inspection, he discovered a small red incense bag hanging from a tree, with the names of Shakyamuni Buddha and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva inscribed on it. He then built a small temple for worship. Later, in the 14th year of the Daoguang era, local layman Zhang Jianli transformed the thatched hut into a formal temple structure, which underwent repairs until the 16th year of the Republic of China (1927) when extensive renovations began. It wasn't until the 53rd year of the Republic of China (1964) that a comprehensive reconstruction was completed. Longpan Cave, the original Japanese military preparation tunnel in the Qingshui Rock Scenic Area, features one of the best-preserved tunnel sites from the Japanese occupation period. This 6-kilometer-long tunnel, known as the "Underground Great Wall," was built during World War II as a defensive measure against potential U.S. military landings, constructed by Taiwanese residents called up for the task, and was one of the largest military projects in Taiwan at the time. The tunnel system extends across Linyuan District, Daliao District, and Xiaogang District, with the main southern tunnel starting from the beach near Fongbi Mountain, passing through Fongguanjian Mountain, Qingshui Rock, Fengshan Reservoir, and reaching up north to the Daliao and Fengshan areas near the Huangpu Military Academy. Due to years of neglect, parts of the tunnel have collapsed, with the section near Longpan Cave being one of the most intact. Given the complexity of the tunnel system and the interconnectedness of the branching tunnels, visibility within the tunnels is poor, which poses risks for tourists without professional guidance.
