Jiangxi Sanqing Mountain: A Chinese landscape painting wonderland

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Published on : 03/06/2023

Editor︰Ryu

Mount Huangshan in Anhui Province is famous for its strange pines and rocks, while at Sanqing Mountain in Jiangxi Province, you can also enjoy the granite landscape, the beauty of which is known as "Little Huangshan".

You can stroll along the high-altitude plank roads on Sanqing Mountain to watch the stunning sunrise over the sea of clouds, as well as various unique peaks and stones that would make you feel like you're in an ink painting.

So, what attractions on Sanqing Mountain are worth visiting? Let's check out the following sharing!

How beautiful is Sanqing Mountain?

Sanqing Mountain, located between Shangrao, Yushan and Dexing of Jiangxi Province, also known as Ya Mountain (丫山) and Shaohua Mountain (少華山), has an elevation of 1819.9 meters. It's the fifth highest peak in Jiangxi and one of the famous Taoist mountains in China.

Sanqing Mountain has stunning mountains and waters that rival Huangshan in Anhui. In 2008, it was included in the "World Heritage List". (Image Source: Shutterstock)

The name "Sanqing Mountain" is related to Taoism. Because the shapes of the three peaks Jade Capital (玉京), Jade Void (玉虛), and Jade Splendor (玉華) resemble the three supreme deities of Taoism–the Prime Purity, the Upper Purity, and the Grand Purity, sitting on the top of the mountain, hence the name "Sanqing Mountain".

In addition to the rich Taoist heritage that dates back more than 1,600 years, the natural landscape of Sanqing Mountain is also stunning.

The buildings of the Sanqing Palace are spread all over the mountain and are so magnificent that they are called ”an open-air Taoist museum“. (Image Source: VCG)

Sanqing Mountain is a typical granite geomorphic area and is known to have the most diverse and concentrated granite peak forest in the world.

The towering peaks, coupled with the lifelike granite stones and strong pines surrounded by mist, form a captivating natural landscape that is awe-inspiring.

China National Geographic magazine has named Sanqing Mountain as one of the "Five Most Beautiful Peak Forests in China".

Five scenic areas of Sanqing Mountain

Sanqing Mountain has a total of 10 scenic areas, the most famous of which are Nanqingyuan (南清園), Sanqing Palace (三清宮), West Coast (西海岸), Jade Capital Peak (玉京峰) and Wanshou Garden (萬壽園).

Nanqingyuan Scenic Area is where you can find the most concentrated natural wonders of Sanqing Mountain. Iconic rock formations, such as "Eastern Goddess" and "Python Out of Mountain", are located in this area.

"Python Out of Mountain" (left) and "Eastern Goddess" (right) are the two most famous rock formations on Sanqing Mountain. (Image Source: Shutterstock)

Around May to June, you can even enjoy the most unique seasonal scenery of Sanqing Mountain — a sea of azaleas. During this period, the Azalea Valley in the Nanqingyuan Scenic Area is covered with soft pink azaleas that are incredibly beautiful when in full bloom.

From May to June each year is the season for azaleas on Sanqing Mountain. The brightly-colored azaleas combined with the magnificent mountain view create a unique natural scenery. (Image Source: VCG)

If you want to experience traditional Taoist culture up close, the Sanqing Palace Scenic Area is the perfect choice!

The Sanqing Palace Scenic Area is home to the rich Taoist cultural landscape of Sanqing Mountain. Centered around the Sanqing Palace, it is scattered with Taoist buildings.

With a scale and grandeur that can match Mount Wudang (武當山) and Mount Qingcheng (青城山), other famous Taoist mountains, Sanqing Mountain is also known as "the open-air Taoist museum".

After seeing the unique rocks and Taoist buildings, you can head to the West Coast of Sanqing Mountain to experience the thrill and fun of walking on the high-altitude plank road.

江西三清山高空棧道 — The high-altitude plank road of Mount Sanqing is about 1600 meters above sea level on average and over 3000 meters long in total, making it the highest and longest plank road in China. (Image Source: Shutterstock)

The West Coast offers a wide view. You can stroll on the high-altitude plank road built along the mountain, enjoy the fun of walking leisurely on the cliff while admiring the beauty of the numerous rocks and ravines of Sanqing Mountain, and become part of this ink painting.

Finally, the Jade Capital Peak Scenic Area is one of the best spots to enjoy the magnificent view of Sanqing Mountain.

The area is known for the three towering peaks Jade Capital, Jade Void, and Jade Splendor, and especially for the spectacular sunrise, sunset, and cloud sea views from Jade Capital Peak.

It is worth noting that the peaks of Jade Capital Peak are quite steep, so be careful when climbing.

江西三清山日出雲海 — Yuqingtai (玉清台) in the West Coast Scenic Area of Mount Sanqing is the best place to watch the sunrise on the sea of clouds. (Image Source: VCG)

The itinerary of your sightseeing tour on Sanqing Mountain depends on whether you plan to watch the sunrise on the mountain and where you plan to watch it.

If you want to watch the sunrise on Sanqing Mountain, it is recommended to spend the night on the mountain. If you are not planning to stay overnight, you can choose to visit your favorite scenic areas and check out the most popular attractions.