Sanqingshan Mountain National Park in Shangrao, Jiangxi

Sanqing mountain is a famous Taoist mountain, with more than 1500 scenic spots in total. It is a scenic spot integrating natural landscape and cultural landscape.

Type:National Park

Best Time to Visit:Spring and Summer

Chinese Name:上饶三青山国家公园

Recommended Visiting Time:One day

Open Hours:Peak season 08:00-17:30 off season 08:30-16:30

Admission Fee: 150RMB

Address: Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province(江西省上饶市)

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Mount Sanqingshan National Park

Sanqing mountain is known as “little Huangshan”. It is famous for its natural mountain scenery and Taoist cultural landscape. It has developed 48 unique peaks, 52 strange stones and more than 500 sceneries. It is a famous Taoist mountain. It can see the beautiful sunrise of the sea of clouds, appreciate the lifelike rocks on the mountain and enjoy the scenery on the trestle road.

Mount Sanqingshan (三清山), often called “Little Huangshan,” is a spectacular mountain range located in Jiangxi Province, China. It is famous for its unique granite formations, lush forests, and cultural significance, particularly within Taoism. The park offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and various hiking trails, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Key Highlights

1. Stunning Scenery: The park features over 48 distinct peaks, 52 peculiar rock formations, and numerous scenic spots. Visitors can enjoy beautiful sunrises, cloud seas, and striking granite pillars that define the landscape.
2. Taoist Cultural Significance: Mount Sanqingshan is considered one of the most important Taoist mountains in China, with various temples and shrines that reflect the rich spiritual heritage of the area.
3. Biodiversity: The park is home to a wide range of plant species and wildlife, including rare and endangered species, making it an essential area for conservation.
4. Hiking Trails: There are several well-maintained trails that cater to different fitness levels, allowing visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty at their own pace. Some trails lead to the main peaks, while others offer views of the unique rock formations and surrounding landscapes.
5. Scenic Attractions: Notable attractions within the park include:
   • Yujing Peak: The highest peak, offering stunning panoramic views.
   • Sanqing Temple: A significant Taoist temple with intricate architecture and cultural significance.
   • Cloud Sea: A phenomenon where clouds settle in the valleys, creating a stunning visual effect.

Location

Mount Sanqingshan is located at the junction of Yushan County and Dexing County in Jiangxi Province, approximately:

• 90 km east of Quzhou, Zhejiang
• 115 km south of Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province
• 78 km west of Shangrao City
• 85 km north of Dexing City

Why is Mount Sanqingshan National Park So Special

According to the world heritage conference, Sanqing mountain scenic spot displays unique granite pillars and peaks, with a variety of vegetation, creating a unique landscape aesthetic effect in the world. Sanqing mountain is selected as one of the “five most beautiful peak forests in China” by China National Geographic magazine, and geologists from China and the United States agree that it is “the most beautiful granite on the edge of the Western Pacific Ocean”

Where is Mount Sanqingshan National Park

Sanqingshan is located at the junction of Yushan County and Dexing County (city) in the east of Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province, and Zhejiang Province in the East. Its geographical location is 28 ° 54 ‘north latitude, 118 ° 03’ east longitude, close to Zhejiang Jiangxi railway trunk line and Shanghai Ruili expressway.

● 90 kilometers east of Quzhou, Zhejiang

● 115 kilometers south of Wuyi Mountain, Fujian Province

● 78 kilometers away from Shangrao City in the West

● 85 kilometers to Dexing City in the North

Overview

Shangrao City Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area is located in the northeastern part of Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province, at the junction of Yushan County (玉山县) and Dexing City (德兴市). The total area of the scenic area is 756.6 square kilometers, with the core area covering 230 square kilometers. The main peak, Yujing Peak (玉京峰), has an elevation of 1819.9 meters.

During the Song Dynasty, the descendants of Wang Lin (王霖) donated funds to build Taoist temples, and Sanqing Mountain gradually became a sacred site for Taoism. In the Ming Dynasty, particularly during the Hongwu period (1368-1398), the Ming Dynasty built Taoist temples on Sanqing Mountain, further promoting Taoism in the area. Between the Jingtai period and the Tianxun period (1450-1464), Wang Lin’s descendants, especially Wang Hu (王祜), initiated large-scale reconstruction projects on the mountain, establishing more than 200 Taoist temples, pavilions, stone carvings, and bridges.

In 1984, the People’s Government of Jiangxi Province invited over 120 professors and scholars to conduct a survey of Sanqing Mountain. That same year, the Shangrao Regional Party Committee and the Administrative Office established a special leadership group to promote the development of the scenic area, creating the Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area Management Bureau. In 2011, Sanqing Mountain was officially granted the title of “National AAAAA-Level Tourist Attraction,” and in 2012, it was added to the UNESCO World Geoparks list. In 2016, the area was honored as a National Green Tourism Demonstration Base.

Geographic Location

• Location: Located in the northeastern part of Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province, at the boundary between Yushan County and Dexing City.
• Area: 756.6 square kilometers, with a core area of 230 square kilometers.
• Main Peak: Yujing Peak (玉京峰), elevation 1819.9 meters.
• Famous Attractions: Yujing Peak, Goddess Peak (女神峰), Giant Python Mounting the Mountain (巨蟒出山), and other 1,500 scenic spots.

Climate

Sanqing Mountain has a subtropical monsoon climate with distinct seasons:

• Winter: Long and cold, with frequent northerly winds and snow.
• Summer: Short and hot, dominated by southerly winds.
• Average Temperature: 10.9°C, with the coldest month being January, averaging -0.6°C.
• Annual Precipitation: 1857.7 mm, with the wettest month being June (330.6 mm).

History

Early History and Development

Sanqing Mountain has a long history of Taoist practices. According to historical records, during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (357-361 AD), the famous alchemist and physician Ge Hong (葛洪) and the official Li Shangshu (李尚书) established a retreat on Sanqing Mountain to practice alchemy, where they wrote books and conducted research. Remnants of Ge Hong’s alchemical wells and furnaces still exist today.

During the Tang Dynasty (873-888 AD), Wang Jian (王鉴), the governor of Xinzhou, visited the northern foot of Sanqing Mountain, admiring its natural beauty. After retiring, his descendants, led by Wang Lin, donated money to build Taoist temples, marking the beginning of Sanqing Mountain’s development as a Taoist spiritual center.

Ming Dynasty Expansion

In the Ming Dynasty, particularly during the reign of Emperor Hongwu (1368-1398), large-scale Taoist temples were built on Sanqing Mountain. The period from the Jingtai era to the Tianxun era (1450-1464) saw further expansion, spearheaded by Wang Lin’s descendants, particularly Wang Hu. During this period, over 200 buildings were constructed, including Taoist temples, pavilions, bridges, and stone carvings.

Wang Hu, a scholar with a deep interest in Taoism, invited Taoist priests from Zhejiang’s Quanzhen School (全真道) to Sanqing Mountain to help rebuild temples and expand Taoist activities. This was considered the peak of Taoist development on the mountain.

Decline and Revival

During the Qing Dynasty (1662-1722), Taoism on Sanqing Mountain saw further expansion, with local factions such as the ones from Fuzhou, Nanfeng, and Fujian arriving in the region. These groups helped organize Taoist activities, with the most powerful faction being the local one from Yushan. However, Taoism on Sanqing Mountain began to decline in the late Qing Dynasty, particularly during the reign of Emperor Qianlong (1735-1796), when Buddhism was favored over Taoism.

In the 20th century, particularly in the 1980s, Sanqing Mountain saw a revival in both cultural significance and tourism, with national efforts to preserve and promote the area.

Geography and Topography

Terrain and Landscape

Sanqing Mountain has steep terrain on the east, south, and west sides, with a flatter northern side. The elevation rises sharply from 200 meters at the base to 1816 meters at the summit. The landscape consists of various formations, including erosion and structural landforms. The main peak of Sanqing Mountain is 122 kilometers long from north to south and 63 kilometers wide from east to west, with an overall shape resembling a lotus leaf.

Geological Features

The base of Sanqing Mountain is primarily composed of Yanshan period biotite granite, with shallow metamorphic sandstone, slate, and phyllite forming the covering layers. The granite extends into a large rock base that connects with other granite rock masses in nearby mountains. The geological history of Sanqing Mountain spans over 1.8 billion years, and the mountain is home to a wide variety of geological features, including unique formations and cliffs that attract geologists and tourists alike.

Flora and Fauna

Plants

Sanqing Mountain is home to a wide range of plant species, with notable vertical plant distributions that include evergreen broadleaf forests, coniferous forests, and alpine shrubs. The area is rich in rare and endangered plants, making it a “biological refuge” for species that span the East Asian to North American regions. The mountain has 157 plant families, 500 genera, and 1,088 species, including some that have never been discovered elsewhere.

Notable rare plants include:

• Yellow Mountain Pine (黄山松)
• East China Yew (华东黄杉)
• Southern Hemlock (华东铁杉)
• Chinese Magnolia (中国鹅掌楸)

Sanqing Mountain is also home to 19 species of rhododendrons, such as the world-renowned Tian Nühua (天女花), which is considered the “crown of all flowers” on the mountain.

Animals

Sanqing Mountain is also a habitat for more than 300 species of animals, including rare species like the Golden Leopard in the Flying Immortal Valley (飞仙谷), which is a Class I protected animal. The mountain is also home to a variety of birds and mammals, including:

• Short-tailed Monkey (国家二类保护动物)
• Black Deer (黑鹿)
• Wild Boar (野猪)
• Owls (猫头鹰)
• Goats (山羊)

Mineral Resources

Sanqing Mountain and its surrounding areas are rich in various mineral resources, including gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, sulfur, and jade. The nearby Dexing Copper Mine (德兴铜矿) is one of China’s largest copper bases, and the Yinshan Mine (银山矿) is a famous site for ancient gold and silver smelting.

Scenic Area Layout

The Shangrao City Sanqingshan Scenic Area primarily focuses on the development of natural landscapes, with key spots such as Nanjingyuan (南清园), Wanshouyuan (万寿园), West Coast (西海岸), Sanqing Palace (三清宫), Yujing Peak (玉京峰), East Coast (东海岸), Xihuatai (西华台), Sandongkou (三洞口), Yuling Guan (玉灵观), and Shiguling (石鼓岭). The area is composed of ten major scenic spots, including the Nanjingyuan Scenic Area, Wanshouyuan Scenic Area, West Coast Scenic Area, Sanqing Fudi Scenic Area, Yujing Peak Scenic Area, Sunshine Coast Scenic Area, Xihuatai Scenic Area, Sandongkou Scenic Area, Yuling Guan Scenic Area, and Shiguling Scenic Area. Among these, the first six scenic spots are located on the mountain, while the last four are situated in the valleys or on the mid-way up the mountain.

Main Attractions

The Shangrao City Sanqingshan Scenic Area contains over 1,500 scenic spots, blending natural beauty and cultural heritage. The ten main scenic spots include Nanjingyuan, West Coast, Sanqing Palace, Ti Yunling (梯云岭), Yujing Peak, Sunshine Coast, Yuling Guan, Sandongkou, Bingyu Cave (冰玉洞), and Shiguling. These attractions are famous for their unique geological features, Taoist cultural heritage, and natural scenery.

Sanqing Palace Scenic Area (三清宫景区)

Also known as the Sanqing Fudi Scenic Area, the Sanqing Palace Scenic Area is located in a plateau at the northern foot of Yujing Peak, at an altitude of 1,530 meters. This area is home to ancient Taoist buildings and over 200 stone inscriptions and statues, representing the essence of both the cultural landscape and Taoist architectural heritage of Sanqingshan. During the Eastern Jin Dynasty (357–361 AD), the famous philosopher and pharmacologist Ge Hong, along with Li Shangshu, built a dwelling and practiced alchemy here. In the Tang Dynasty, the palace was constructed and called Sanqing Fudi, which was later expanded in various dynasties.

Sanqing Palace

The Sanqing Palace has an overall architectural area of 518 square meters, facing north with a central hall divided into two sections. The roof is designed in the “Xie Mountain” style, and the beams, columns, and outer walls are made of granite. The main hall features three large doors, with a stone plaque engraved with “三清福地” (Sanqing Fudi) above the central door. On either side of the main door, couplets read: “The hall opens to the daylight breeze, sweeping away the wind; the door faces the dusk, with clouds closing by themselves.” Inside the main hall are statues of the three Taoist deities: Yuqing Yuan Shitian Zun (玉清元始天尊), Shangqing Lingbao Tianzun (上清灵宝天尊), and Taiqing Daode Tianzun (太清道德天尊). The back hall enshrines statues of Guanyin (观音) and other deities, with side halls also dedicated to various gods. The overall architectural layout follows the “Xian Tian Bagua” (先天八卦) pattern, in contrast to the “Hou Tian Bagua” (后天八卦) design seen in Song Dynasty layouts.

Longhu Hall (龙虎殿)

Located on Longshou Mountain to the east of the Sanqing Palace, Longhu Hall is associated with the “Li” trigram, which represents fire. The hall houses statues of the Longhu Zhenjun (龙虎真君), with the tiger statue in a crouched posture and the dragon statue soaring upwards, symbolizing dynamic balance.

Feixian Platform (飞仙台)

Feixian Platform is situated northwest of the central valley of Sanqingshan, approximately 400 meters from Sanqing Palace. It is built in the style of an early Indian stupa, combined with traditional Southern Chinese architectural forms. The platform is 6.8 meters high and consists of three parts: the base, body, and top. The platform’s unique design includes elements like lotus petal patterns and inscriptions, with the southwest side of the platform carved with the words “飞仙台” (Feixian Platform).

Fenglei Tower (风雷塔)

The Fenglei Tower stands atop a cliff in the northeastern part of Sanqing Fudi. It is made of granite, without intricate carvings or decorations. The tower is believed to have been built during the Ming Dynasty by Wang Hu, who constructed it to protect against the wind and thunder at the mountain pass. The tower’s base measures 0.6 meters wide, and it rises to a height of 1.9 meters, showcasing a simple yet elegant design.

Nanjingyuan Scenic Area (南清园景区)

Located in the center of Sanqingshan, Nanjingyuan is famous for its distinctive granite peak forest landscape formed over 1.4 billion years of geological evolution. The area includes scenic spots such as Liuxia Terrace (浏霞台), Yuhuang Peak (禹皇顶), the Giant Snake Out of the Mountain (巨蟒出山), and the Goddess of the East (东方女神). Nanjingyuan is considered one of the most beautiful and representative areas of Sanqingshan.

Goddess of Spring (司春女神)

Located in the northeast of the Nanjingyuan Scenic Area, at an altitude of 1,180 meters, the Goddess Peak (司春女神) is one of the ten most stunning scenic spots of Sanqingshan. The peak consists of two giant granite stones that together form the shape of a young, beautiful woman, sitting in a meditative pose, with her features and long hair elegantly displayed.

Giant Snake Coming Out of the Mountain (巨蟒出山)

The Giant Snake Coming Out of the Mountain is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters in the northeastern part of Nanjingyuan. This natural stone peak, about 128 meters high, resembles the head of a snake rising powerfully, facing the Goddess Peak in the distance. It is considered another of Sanqingshan’s top ten scenic views.

Guanyin Listening to Music (观音赏曲)

This scenic spot features three natural peaks that form a beautiful image. The first peak resembles a musical instrument, the pipa, while the second peak looks like an elderly man with a beard, sitting on a cliff and playing the pipa. The third peak resembles Guanyin (观音), the Goddess of Mercy, listening intently from across the way.

Yujing Peak Scenic Area (玉京峰景区)

Yujing Peak is the highest peak of Sanqingshan, with an altitude of 1,817 meters. It stands at the center of the three main peaks of Sanqingshan and is surrounded by other notable peaks such as Penglai Peak (蓬莱峰), Fozhang Peak (方丈峰), and Niulang Zhinü Peak (牛郎织女峰). According to legend, every year on the first day of the eighth month in the lunar calendar, the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝) holds a gathering of immortals at Yujing Peak, overlooking the breathtaking scenery of Sanqingshan.

Wanshouyuan Scenic Area (万寿园景区)

Located at the southern foot of Sanqingshan, Wanshouyuan is known for its peculiar rock formations and is associated with traditional Chinese cultural symbols of longevity and Taoist philosophy. The area includes attractions such as the Statue of Pengzu (彭祖祝寿像), Guanyin Terrace (观音台), and He Shou Ding (鹤寿顶). Some of the area’s famous scenic spots, like Pulao Ming Tian (蒲牢鸣天) and Lao Dao Bai Yue (老道拜月), are part of the “Top Ten Scenic Views of Sanqingshan.”

Bingyu Cave Scenic Area (冰玉洞景区)

Located in the northern part of the eastern foot of Sanqingshan, the Bingyu Cave Scenic Area is characterized by its waterfalls, clear pools, and spring landscapes. Within the deep valley, a stream of clear water cascades down from a cliff, creating a sparkling pool below. The cave itself is oval in shape, resembling a funnel, and is one of the prominent scenic spots in Sanqingshan.

West Coast Scenic Area (西海岸景区)

The West Coast Scenic Area is located in the western part of Sanqing Mountain (三清山), offering the most expansive views of the mountain. The average elevation of this area is 1,600 meters. In ancient times, Sanqing Mountain was submerged by the sea three times, and the West Coast area corresponds to the coastline from that period. The scenic area stretches from Liuxia Terrace (浏霞台) 50 meters south to the Hanxing Pool (涵星池) in the Sanqing Palace Scenic Area (三清宫景区) to the north, with a trail length of approximately 4 kilometers. Major attractions include:

• Shentong Fu Song (神童负松)
• Mountain Oaths and Sea Swears (山盟海誓)
• Xixia Port (西霞港)
• West Harbor Bay (西海港湾)
• Guanyin Sending Children (观音送子)
• Immortal Bridge Pier (仙桥墩)

Mountain Trail

The West Coast Scenic Area features the highest and longest mountain trail in China, constructed along cliffs and valleys at an elevation of over 1,600 meters. Walking along this high-altitude path, one is flanked by sheer cliffs and deep gorges, with a panoramic view of the mountain range in the distance and ancient forests below. The cloud sea viewed from here is especially magnificent, creating an extraordinary experience.

Monkey King Offering Treasure (猴王献宝)

Located in the northwest part of the West Coast Scenic Area, Monkey King Offering Treasure is one of the “Ten Great Views” of Sanqing Mountain. Standing on the Kuahe Bridge (跨鹤桥) of the Yujing Peak Scenic Area (玉京峰景区), one can look out at a 7-meter-tall stone monkey sitting sideways on the edge of a precipice, holding a treasure in both hands, making it a spectacular sight.

Cloud Sea (云海)

The “Second Great Wonder” of the West Coast Scenic Area is its cloud sea. The area is known for its “sound clouds” (响云), followed by “waterfall clouds” (瀑布云), “mushroom clouds” (蘑菇云), and “fire clouds” (火烧云). Sometimes, one can even witness colorful waterfall clouds or mirages in the distance.

Sunshine Coast Scenic Area (阳光海岸景区)

The Sunshine Coast Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of Sanqing Mountain, also known as the East Coast, and is a newly developed high-altitude trail. The total length of the trail is 3,600 meters, with an average elevation of 1,600 meters. It starts at Yuhuang Peak (禹皇顶) in the South Qing Garden (南清园) of the central Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area and extends north to the Nine Heavens Yuan Palace (九天应元府) of the Taoist sacred Sanqing Palace Scenic Area, linking the West Coast Scenic Area to form a circular hiking route through the core of the Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area.

Major attractions in this area include:

• Yutian Stone (玉田石)
• Golden Tortoise Stone (金龟石)
• Qiankun Platform (乾坤台)
• Five Elders Worship the Three Purities (五老拜三清)
• Pearl Boxwood Grove (珍珠黄杨群落)
• Mother and Child Stone (母子石)
• Heavenly Dog Welcoming Guests (天狗迎客)
• Immortal Bridge (渡仙桥)
• Yuguang Pavilion (玉光亭)
• Cao Guojiu Enlightenment (曹国舅悟道天聋地哑)
• White-headed Couple (白头偕老)
• Cloud Bridge (步云桥)

The Sunshine Coast Trail features wooden planks, steel plates, and stone slabs in an intricate pattern, combining the grandeur of the West Coast trail with its unique wild charm and excitement. Strolling along this path not only allows visitors to see the breathtaking sunrise over Sanqing Mountain but also evokes a sense of walking on clouds, wrapped in mist, as if journeying through an ethereal paradise.

Yuling Scenic Area (玉灵观景区)

The Yuling Scenic Area is the gateway for eastern climbing. The winding mountain roads twist through rugged peaks and valleys, passing through lush pine and bamboo groves. Visitors can admire the water, moon, and pine peaks along the way. The major attractions here include:

• Yuling View (玉灵观)
• Suspension Bridge (吊桥)
• Stone Forest (石峰林)
• Saddle Mountain (马鞍山)
• Goat Bed (山羊床)
• Ice Jade Cave (冰玉洞)
• Little Dragon Pond Waterfall (小龙潭瀑布)
• Jinping Ridge (金坪岭)
• Long-Distance View from Chongxu (冲虚远眺)
• Yujing Clouds (玉京烟云)
• Three Purities Sitting in a Row (三清列坐)
• Yuling Moonlight (玉灵月色)

Yuling View is located 1.3 kilometers below the Wind Gate (风门). Originally built during the Ming Dynasty (明代) in the Jingtai period, it was destroyed by fire and rebuilt during the 18th year of the Jiaqing reign (嘉庆十八年). However, it was later destroyed again and now only ruins remain.

Ti Yun Ridge Scenic Area (梯云岭景区)

The Ti Yun Ridge Scenic Area is home to extraordinary peaks and bizarre rock formations, including:

• Golden Eagle Howling at the Sky (金鹏啸天)
• Flowing Clouds Terrace (流霞台)
• Carefree Monk (逍遥唐僧)
• Heavenly Mouse Descends to Earth (天鼠下凡)

This area covers approximately 10,000 square meters of high mountain valley, with steep ridges on both sides forming natural barriers like the Blue Dragon (青龙) and White Tiger (白虎). The valley is often shrouded in mist, and the clouds can occasionally form a “cloud ladder” (云梯) stretching up to the sky, thus earning the name “Ti Yun Ridge.”

Shigu Ridge Scenic Area (石鼓岭景区)

Located at the southern foot of Sanqing Mountain, the Shigu Ridge Scenic Area is known for its concentration of flowing springs and majestic waterfalls. For example, the Yulian Waterfall (玉帘瀑布) is one of the largest waterfalls in Sanqing Mountain, with a height of 34 meters and a width of 30 meters. It resembles a crystal curtain of water hanging from the sky, making it one of the most striking waterfalls in the region.

The Stone Gate Four-Tier Waterfall (石门四叠瀑布) is another stunning waterfall in the area, located beneath the Monk Mountain (和尚山). The waterfall flows through a narrow natural stone gate only 1 meter wide, splitting into two streams before cascading 50 meters and continuing down to form a third tier, eventually dropping 70 meters into a deep pool.

Three Caves Scenic Area (三洞口景区)

The Three Caves Scenic Area is located along the mountain path from Fen Shui Pass (汾水关) to Ti Yun Ridge. It is one of the most mysterious and dangerous attractions in the western part of Sanqing Mountain’s Feixian Valley (飞仙谷). The area features some of the deepest and most complex gorges, with a maze-like structure. The terrain is dangerous, and the valleys here are the deepest, with a vertical cut of up to 1,000 meters.

The main points of interest include:

• Immortal Bridge Pier (仙桥墩)
• Bookish Servant Walking on Shoulders (书童踏肩)
• Monk’s Journey to the West (唐僧西征)
• Jade Screen Peak (玉屏峰)
• Hundred Birds Worship the Phoenix (百鸟朝凤)
• Tiger Cave (老虎洞)
• King of Hell’s Cave (阎王洞)
• Netherworld Cave (幽冥洞)
• Gate of Hell (鬼门关)
• Red Waterfall (红瀑)
• Lingyu Rock (灵雨岩)
• Vajra Peak (金刚峰)
• Coil Dragon Hill (蟠龙岗)

Eight Dragon Sacrifice Pond (八祭龙潭)

The Eight Dragon Sacrifice Pond features a waterfall around 30 meters high. From a distance, it resembles a white dragon flashing in the sunlight, with a dragon head, eyes, and mouth subtly visible in the waterfall’s mist.

Three Cave Entrances (三洞口)

• First Cave Entrance: Shaped like a tiger’s mouth, it is a narrow passage where visitors cannot stand upright. On one side is a sheer cliff, and on the other is a deep valley with slippery moss-covered rocks.
• Second Cave Entrance: This cave resembles an ancient well, formed by natural rock erosion, with a depth of more than 10 meters. It is known as the “Netherworld Cave” (幽冥洞).
• Third Cave Entrance: This entrance is a large, cathedral-like space made entirely of natural rock, capable of accommodating dozens of people. At the entrance stands a 10-meter-high stone resembling a large knife. This cave is known as the “Gate of Hell” (阎王关), and passage is extremely difficult.

Development and Conservation (开发与保护)

In January 1983, the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government decided to develop the Gan East Tourism Area centered around Sanqing Mountain (三清山) and allocated funds for the development of its scenic resources.
In 1986, the national government provided funds to construct a stone staircase to connect various scenic spots on Sanqing Mountain.
From October 20, 2018, to January 10, 2019, Sanqing Mountain underwent phased repairs to its infrastructure.
On March 12, 2019, the renovation of the West Coast Boardwalk of the Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area was extended until March 30, 2019, and the West Coast area remained closed for construction.
From January 18 to January 21, 2021, the National Ropeway Inspection Center conducted comprehensive inspections of the Wushaoxi Ropeway (外双溪索道) equipment at Sanqing Mountain.
From February 28 to March 6, 2023, maintenance and repairs were carried out on the Jinsha Ropeway (金沙索道).

Activities (活动)

In 1982, Yushan County (玉山县) established a leadership team to conduct a full-scale survey of scenic resources, which led to the discovery of the unique, wild, and beautiful landscapes of Sanqing Mountain, including the competition of thousands of peaks, odd rocks, and flowing waterfalls.
In 2013, the China Taoist Mountain Cultural Development Symposium was held at Sanqing Mountain, a World Natural Heritage site, with 17 scenic spots from across the country in attendance.
On May 19, 2016, the “2016 Sanqing Mountain International Tourism and Culture Month Opening Ceremony and ‘Sanqing Tianxia Xiu’ Poetry and Literature Recitation” took place at the Jinsha Tourist Square (金沙游人广场) in Sanqing Mountain.
From October 8 to 11, 2015, the “Diplomatic Mission in China Cultural Tour: The Beauty of Sanqing Mountain” event was held at Sanqing Mountain.
On May 19, 2019, the “2019 China Tourism Day Shangrao Sub-venue” ceremony was held, marking the grand opening of the Sanqing Mountain International High-altitude Rhododendron Flower Viewing Month.
On June 8, 2019, the “2019 Sanqing Mountain Aerial Cross-Country Race” opening ceremony was held at Jinsha Tourist Square.

Local Cuisine (特色小吃)

Sanqing Mountain Famous Dishes (三清山名菜)

• Sanqing Peak Soup with Monkey Head Mushrooms (三清顶汤猴头菇)
• Sanqing Wild Fish Scale Jelly (三清野生鱼鳞冻)
• Special Pumpkin Stew (特色南瓜煲)
• Tea-flavored Oxtail in Mist (茶香牛尾雾中寻)
• Wulong Flying Fish (卧龙腾飞鱼)
• Golden Tea Duck Head (黄金茶鸭头)
• Sanqing Nourishing Soup (三清养生羹)
• Jiutian Divine Elixir (九天神丹)
• Handheld Happiness (幸福就手)
• Cilantro Mixed Pig’s Trotters (香菜拌猪手)

Sanqing Mountain Snacks (三清山小吃)

• Farmer’s Dried Fish Casserole (农家纤夫鱼干煲)
• Hydrangea Fish Balls (绣球鱼丸)
• Sanqing Three-colored Fish (三清三色鱼)
• Kudzu Flour Double Circle Soup (葛粉双圆汤)
• Thick Soup Reservoir Fish (浓汤水库鱼)
• Sanqing Fresh Dish (三清山一品鲜)
• Steamed Pork with Cured Meat (腊肉蒸茄子)
• Sanqing Stone-ground Tofu (三清山石磨豆腐)
• Bitter Sweet Memories (忆苦思甜)
• Countryside Pigeon (田园牧鸽)

Management Organization (管理机构)

The management body of Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area is the Sanqing Mountain Management Committee (三清山管委会). The management bureau was established in 1984 and was later replaced by the Scenic Area Management Committee in March 1996. In 2006, the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Congress passed the “Regulations on the Management of Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area,” and the Shangrao City Government, in accordance with these regulations, established the Sanqing Mountain Management Committee as an agency of the city government. The committee is responsible for the unified management of all matters in the Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area, exercising administrative management and administrative licensing functions. The Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area is also home to the state-owned “Sanqing Mountain Tourism Industry Development Group Co., Ltd.” and includes Sanqing Township and Fenglin Sub-district, with 15 administrative villages and a population of over 21,500.

Notable Figures (相关人物)

Wang Jian (王鉴)

Wang Jian, from Taiyuan, Shanxi, served as the governor of Xinzhou (now Shangrao, Jiangxi) during the reign of Emperor Xizong of the Tang Dynasty (874-879 AD). After serving his term, he retired to the northern slopes of Sanqing Mountain, where he enjoyed the scenic beauty, notably the towering pines and the crystal-clear waters. He eventually settled at the foot of the mountain, living a life of self-cultivation and tranquility. Today, the area is known as “Hidden General Village” (隐将村, now called Yinjia Village).

Wang Lin (王霖)

Wang Lin (1101–1206), also known as Ji Shen, was a Taoist priest from Lütian, Dezheng, and a descendant of Wang Jian. In his later years, Wang Lin devoted himself to Taoism, building the Sanqing Temple (三清观) at Sanqing Mountain and venerating the “Three Pure Ones” (三清), the Taoist triad. He lived to the age of 104 and was posthumously honored as “The Gentleman of Respect” (致敬公).

Wang Hu (王祜)

Wang Hu (1423-1515), also known as Wang Zhao Hu, was a Taoist priest from the Ming Dynasty and a descendant of Wang Lin. A lover of poetry and calligraphy, he moved to Sanqing Mountain after his youth to practice Taoism. During the Jingtai period, he refurbished the Sanqing Palace and invited Taoist priests from Zhejiang to be the head. Throughout his life, he devoted himself to the Taoist cause and made significant contributions to the development of the Sanqing Mountain Taoist community.

Honors and Recognition (所获荣誉)

• In 1985, Sanqing Mountain was approved as a provincial key scenic area by the Jiangxi Provincial People’s Government.
• In 1988, Sanqing Mountain was approved by the State Council as a national scenic area.
• In September 2005, Sanqing Mountain was approved by the Ministry of Land and Resources as a national geological park.
• On March 3, 2007, Sanqing Mountain officially opened its National Geological Park.
• On July 8, 2008, the World Heritage Committee unanimously approved the inclusion of Sanqing Mountain in the World Heritage List as a geological park.
• In September 2011, Sanqing Mountain was officially awarded the title of “National AAAAA Tourist Area.”
• On September 21, 2012, Sanqing Mountain was listed as a World Geological Park by UNESCO.
• In 2016, Sanqing Mountain received the National Green Tourism Demonstration Base Award.
• In November 2021, Sanqing Mountain was rated as one of the first batch of National Civilized Tourism Demonstration Units by the National Tourism Standardization Technical Committee.

Tourism Information (旅游信息)

Admission Fees (门票)

• Adult Ticket: ¥120 per person.
• Half-price Ticket: ¥60 per person.

Cableway Tickets (索道票)

• Round-trip Cableway: ¥125 per person.
• Discount Round-trip Cableway: ¥63 per person.
• One-way Cableway (Up): ¥70 per person.
• Discount One-way Cableway (Up): ¥35 per person.
• One-way Cableway (Down): ¥55 per person.
• Discount One-way Cableway (Down): ¥28 per person.

Opening Hours (开放时间)

• Scenic Area Opening Hours: 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM (January 1 – December 31)
• Cableway Hours:
  • Weekends: 7:30 AM – 05:00 PM
  • Non-weekends: 8:00 AM – 05:00 PM [34]

Transportation (交通)

• East Entrance of Sanqing Mountain (三清山东部):
  Yushan to East Entrance: 6:20 AM – 5:10 PM
  East Entrance to Yushan: 6:40 AM – 5:20 PM, about 40-50 minutes per bus.
• South Entrance of Sanqing Mountain (三清山南部):
  Yushan to South Entrance: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  South Entrance to Yushan: 8:10 AM – 6:20 PM, approximately 45 minutes per bus.
• Taxi from Shangrao to Sanqing Mountain:
  Taxi fares typically range from ¥100-¥200 per trip.

How to Get There

Travel with China Dragon Tours(Top Recommended)

If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can book a private tour package which covers sightseeing dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to Mount Sanqingshan National Park with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.

Independent Travel

Take the train to Shangrao or Yushan County, then transfer to Sanqingshan (Yushan railway station is closer to Sanqingshan).

Useful Travel Tips

Accommodation

Southern Hotels: Jinxiu Mountain Villa (3 stars), Nanxing Hotel (3 stars), Tianlun Hotel (3 stars)

In the East, there are Shuiyun Mountain Villa (4 stars), Paradise Hotel, Yinhu Mountain Villa, Oriental Goddess Mountain Villa, Jinchen Mountain Villa, etc.

Sanqingshan farmhouse: in the East, there are Sanqing Family, Penglai Villa, Ancient Residential Villa, Fenshui Resort Villa, Jinye Hotel, etc.

The temperature on the mountain is low in the morning and evening. Pay attention to adding clothes.

Nearby Attractions in Shangrao

● Huangbi She Ethnic Township in Yanshan County, Shangrao

● Taiyuan She Ethnic Township in Yanshan County, Shangrao

● Wuyuan Scenic Area in Shangrao

● Jiangling Village in Wuyuan County, Shangrao

● Jiangwan Village in Wuyuan County, Shangrao

Edited by Winnie/张赢