Photo 1：A Taoist priest exercises under an ancient ginkgo tree at Laoshan Mountain on an autumn morning. The mountain is the highest one along China's 18,000-kilometer coastline, main peak of which is 1,133 meters above sea level. Affording spectacular ocean views, it is also famous as one of the cradles of Taoism, as well as for its historic temples. [Photo by Li Qide/dailyqd.com]

Photo 2：A Taoist priest plays the pipa (four-stringed Chinese lute) under the shade of maple on Laoshan Mountain. As the highest costal mountain in China and located in an isolated area, the mountain has become a perfect sanctuary for hermits and clergies to live in seclusion and practice their rituals. [Photo by Li Qide/dailyqd.com]

Photo 3：A Laoshan Taoist priest plays the guqin (a plucked seven-string Chinese musical instrument) by the sea. Bordering on Laoshan Bay in the east and close to the Yellow Sea in the south, sea and mountains link together in a divine coalition of water vapor, shadows, fog and light to make Laoshan Mountain truly mystical. [Photo by Li Qide/dailyqd.com]