Sanqing Mountain, Shangyao – The Most Beautiful Peak Forests

Nanquanyuan Scenic Area (南清园景区)

• Location: Central Sanqing Mountain.
• Highlights: Known for its breathtaking granite peak formations created over 1.4 billion years of geological evolution. Key spots include Liuxia Terrace, Yuhuang Peak, and the scenic areas of Juming Mountain and Yuxian Valley. This area showcases some of the most unique natural landscapes of Sanqing Mountain.

Sanqing Palace Scenic Area (三清宫景区)

• Location: Mid-mountain, beneath Yujing Peak.
• Highlights: This historical area is the spiritual heart of Sanqing Mountain. It includes the ancient Taoist temple Sanqing Palace, where historical figures like Ge Hong practiced alchemy and Taoism. The site features stone carvings of Taoist deities and figures.

Yujing Peak Scenic Area (玉京峰景区)

• Location: The highest peak of Sanqing Mountain.
• Highlights: Standing at 1,819.9 meters, Yujing Peak offers panoramic views. This area includes the Nine Heavens Palace, Hongcha Flower Stone, and the stunning Flying Immortal Valley and Queen Mother Valley, with its dramatic landscapes and meteorological phenomena such as sea of clouds and sunrise.

West Sea Coast Scenic Area (西海岸景区)

• Location: Western Sanqing Mountain.
• Highlights: This area provides expansive views and features the highest and longest mountain plank road in China. It traces the former coastline of the area, offering a 4-kilometer scenic walk with smooth paths and impressive cliffside vistas.

Sunshine Coast Scenic Area (阳光海岸景区)

• Location: Eastern Sanqing Mountain.
• Highlights: A newly developed high-altitude plank road area, stretching 3,600 meters. It connects the South Qing Garden to the Taoist site of Sanqing Palace, offering visitors breathtaking views of distant mountains and forests while walking among the clouds and mist.

Wan Shou Garden Scenic Area (万寿园景区)

• Location: Southern slopes of Sanqing Mountain.
• Highlights: This area is themed around longevity and fortune. The landscape includes natural rock formations and peaks that embody traditional Chinese cultural themes of health and wellness. Key spots include Pengzu’s Longevity Statue and Xianfo Peak.

Yuling Temple Scenic Area (玉灵观景区)

• Location: Below the Wind Gate, extending to Jinsha and Longquan Bridge.
• Highlights: This eastern hiking route features winding paths through lush pine and bamboo forests, offering picturesque views of mountain peaks and scenic vistas along the way.

Xihua Terrace Scenic Area (西华台景区)

• Location: Northern Sanqing Mountain.
• Highlights: Known for its ancient stone paths from the Song and Ming Dynasties, this area features poetic, pastoral landscapes reminiscent of a “peach blossom spring.” It offers lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and a cool climate even in summer.

Shigu Ridge Scenic Area (石鼓岭景区)

• Location: Eastern Sanqing Mountain.
• Highlights: Famous for its impressive waterfalls and flowing springs. Notable waterfalls include the Yulian Waterfall, one of the largest in the region, and the Shimen Fourfold Waterfall, creating a dramatic water spectacle.

Sandongkou Scenic Area (三洞口景区)

• Location: Western Sanqing Mountain.
• Highlights: This area is characterized by deep valleys and intricate gorges. It provides unique perspectives of the Yujing Peak, Penglai Immortals, and the Qiong Tai Langyuan from various vantage points, offering an unmatched exploration experience.

Oriental Goddess (东方女神)

• Location: Northeast of Nanqing Garden.
• Description: Standing at over 1,180 meters in altitude and 86 meters in height, this iconic landmark resembles a young maiden with flowing hair, sculpted by nature’s forces over millions of years. The goddess is believed to be Yao Ji, the twenty-third daughter of the Queen Mother of the West, and is regarded as the embodiment of spring. Her serene and majestic presence is a focal point of Sanqing Mountain.

Giant Python Emerging from the Mountain (巨蟒出山)

• Location: North of Nanqing Garden.
• Description: At over 1,200 meters in altitude, this massive granite pillar stands 128 meters high. Its flat top and slightly tapered neck give it the appearance of a gigantic python emerging from the mountain, a formation created by weathering and gravity. Despite the ravages of time, it remains a striking and enduring feature of the landscape.

Jade Maiden Opening Her Embrace (玉女开怀)

• Location: Nanqing Garden.
• Description: This attraction symbolizes the purity and beauty of Sanqing Mountain. The rugged stone peak presents a surprisingly soft and graceful form, an extraordinary natural marvel that epitomizes the mountain’s aesthetic splendor.

Monkey King Offering Treasure (猴王献宝)

• Location: Northwest of the West Sea Coast Scenic Area.
• Description: This feature depicts a giant stone figure of the Monkey King, approximately 7 meters tall, seated on a cliff and holding a treasure. The whimsical statue is both charming and emblematic, capturing the playful spirit of Sanqing Mountain’s natural artistry.

Old Taoist Bows to the Moon (老道拜月)

• Location: Within Wan Shou Garden, near the Sun Mountain Villa.
• Description: This mountain formation resembles an old Taoist priest standing in solemn reverence to the sky. The statue-like figure is particularly striking under a full moon, when it appears to offer a heartfelt bow to the moon.

Ge Hong Offering Elixirs (葛洪献丹)

• Location: Nanqing Garden Scenic Area.
• Description: Named after Ge Hong, a legendary Taoist alchemist and a revered figure in Sanqing Mountain’s history, this peak resembles a Taoist holding an alchemical gourd. Ge Hong, who traveled to Sanqing Mountain between 357 and 361 AD, is celebrated here for his contributions to Taoism and alchemy.

The Sea of Clouds is one of Sanqing Mountain’s most enchanting spectacles. It appears as a vast, ocean-like expanse of mist that blankets the landscape, creating an illusion of a sea where there is none. The sea of clouds varies with the seasons, with winter and spring offering the most dramatic views. The phenomenon is characterized by its ethereal quality – expansive yet calm, pure, and smooth. Peaks and ridges rise through the cloud cover, their forms bathed in a soft, otherworldly light. The rugged peaks of Sanqing Mountain, such as the jade-like cliffs and ancient pines, create striking contrasts against the white mist. The scenery evokes poetic imagery, with mountains appearing to merge into the sky, creating a breathtaking vista where “the thousand peaks are bathed in purple haze under the slanting sun.”

Buddha’s Light is another extraordinary natural phenomenon found in Sanqing Mountain. This optical effect occurs on clear days when the sun’s rays, filtered through mist, create colorful halos around shadows. These halos, reminiscent of rainbows, are formed when sunlight interacts with tiny water droplets in the mist. Observing from high vantage points, such as the cliffs of Shemen Cliff or the peaks of Tianmen Peak and Yujing Peak, one can see these halos encircling a person’s shadow, with the shadow perfectly centered within the halo. The halos typically display a spectrum of colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet, creating a dazzling, multi-colored ring. This radiant phenomenon, which resembles the halo seen around Buddha statues, is thus often referred to as “Buddha’s Light.”

Sanqing Palace (三清宫)

• Description: Situated at an altitude of 1,460 meters, Sanqing Palace is a significant Taoist temple. It was initially established during the Eastern Jin Dynasty by Ge Hong and Li Shangshu as a place for alchemy and Taoist practices. In the Tang Dynasty, it was known as Laozi Temple, and during the Yuan Dynasty, it was renamed Sanqing Temple. The Ming Dynasty saw it expanded and renamed Sanqing Palace. The temple was destroyed by fire in 1813 and was later rebuilt by local Taoists from Yushan and Dexing counties.

Yanjiao Hall (演教殿)

• Location: On the northern side of Jiulong Mountain, in the pine forest behind the scenic area.
• Description: This hall features a granite structure with a central high hipped roof and lower side roofs. Inside, there are 18 stone carvings of deities. The entrance is inscribed with “演教殿” in classical characters.

Discipline Office (纠察府)

• Location: 150 meters northeast of Sanqing Palace, on the west side of the Chenggang area.
• Description: This structure is built from rock and features a hipped roof. The front is inscribed with “Jiucha Fu” in characters. The office contains six stone carvings of deities and is flanked by stone statues of warriors. A large rock at the back is inscribed with the characters “Teng Gang.”

Dragon and Tiger Hall (龙虎殿)

• Location: At the summit of Longshou Mountain, 1,568 meters above sea level.
• Description: This hall has an area of 46 square meters and features a courtyard layout with a hipped roof. Constructed entirely from granite, it includes stone carvings of a green dragon on the left and a white tiger on the right.

Pan Gong Temple (潘公庙)

• Location: On the peak of Linggui Mountain, 1,557 meters high.
• Description: A small, simple temple built from granite, featuring a square layout and a hipped roof. The temple is known for its unadorned, rustic style.

Jade Spirit Pavilion (玉灵观)

• Location: Northeast of the scenic area, between Longquan Bridge and Fengmen.
• Description: Originally built in the Ming Dynasty, the pavilion was destroyed by fire and later reconstructed in the Qing Dynasty, only to be destroyed again. Today, only remnants of the pavilion, such as broken pillars and inscriptions, remain.

West Hua Pagoda (西华塔)

• Location: On Qingyun Ridge, between Fenshui and Fengmen.
• Description: A seven-story pagoda with a unique design, featuring both solid and hollow hexagonal eaves. It is constructed without bonding materials and stands on a tall square base. The tower’s distinctive design and rough construction make it a rare architectural example.

Wind and Thunder Pagoda (风雷塔)

• Location: Situated on a cliff between Linggui Peak and Longshou Mountain.
• Description: This five-story pagoda, made entirely from a single piece of carved stone, stands on a dramatic outcrop. Although not very tall, its elevated position gives it a commanding presence. Originally an auxiliary structure to Wang Hu’s tomb, it was constructed to avoid the winds at the mountain pass, which is why it is named “Wind and Thunder Tower.”

Step Cloud Bridge (步云桥)

• Location: At the entrance of Fenshui Village.
• Description: This ancient stone arch bridge is the first landmark for climbers ascending Sanqing Mountain. The path from the bridge leads up to Sanqing Palace, 5,200 meters away, and further to Yujing Peak, 6,900 meters away. The name “Step Cloud Bridge” reflects the ascent as it gradually rises into the clouds.

Floating Cloud Bridge (浮云桥)

• Location: On Qianbu Ridge, within the Chongxu Gate area.
• Description: A stone arch bridge situated at an altitude of 1,500 meters. It spans a deep chasm and is perched on a high cliff. The bridge’s location between Chongxu Gate to the north and Tianmen to the south adds to its dramatic and scenic appeal.

Flowing Cloud Bridge (流霞桥)

• Location: Positioned between the Jingshui Pool and Qinghua Pool.
• Description: A small, flat stone bridge that spans over the flowing streams of Jingshui Pool and Qinghua Pool, providing a serene crossing in the midst of the landscape.

Ascension Platform (登真台)

• Location: 380 meters below Yujing Peak, at an altitude of over 1,700 meters.
• Description: This platform, measuring around 20 square meters, offers a stunning view of the surrounding area. The platform features a rock with the inscription “A登真台” and has two large footprints on its southern edge, believed to be the traces of a Taoist practitioner achieving immortality.

Minister’s Enlightenment Platform (尚书悟仙台)

• Location: On the southwestern side of Yuhua Peak, at 1,700 meters above sea level.
• Description: This platform, carved from a large rock about 4 meters high, is known for its steep and challenging access. It features a weathered stone statue of a deity and an inscription “尚书悟仙台.” According to legend, Sun Yuanzhen, a Minister of the Ming Dynasty, achieved enlightenment here while observing the flowing clouds and mist below.

Immortal’s Platform (飞仙台)

• Location: On Tiger Head Mountain.
• Description: A tower-like structure with a base featuring two large square supports. The upper part has a square structure with small archways, while the top is a slightly smaller round shape with remaining archways. Though partially collapsed, its unique design and elevated position offer dramatic views of the surrounding landscape.

Rock Wall Sculptures (岩壁浮雕)

• Location: Along the path from Fengmen to Sanqing Palace.
• Description: The rock wall sculptures feature 24 stone figures, each approximately 1 meter tall. Most of these depict Ming Dynasty officials in traditional attire, with a serene and dignified expression, and exhibit a rugged craftsmanship. Notable sculptures include:
  • Thunder God: Located on the rock wall near Yibai Steps, this sculpture depicts the Thunder God with sharp features, bare feet, armor, and weaponry, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship.
  • Subduing Demon Deity: Carved into the rock wall at the northern end of Hanxing Pool’s dam, this deity wears wide robes and a Taoist headscarf, holding a jade scepter and sitting in a meditative pose.
  • Dragon and Tiger Statues: Found on the large rocks flanking the entrance to Longhu Hall, the stone dragon on the left spans about 4 square meters, with prominent eyes and raised whiskers, while the stone tiger on the right, approximately 1 meter in height and width, is depicted crouching with a raised head and curved tail.

Granite Round Sculptures (花岗岩圆雕)

• Location: Various sites including Shaohua Fudi, Sanqing Palace, Yan Jiao Hall, Jiu Tian Ying Yuan, and Tianfu.
• Description: This area features over 30 stone sculptures including deities and incense burners, crafted from granite. Highlights include:
  • Stone Guardians: Positioned in front of the stone archway at Shaohua Fudi and the deity shrine at Sanqing Palace, these granite guardians are over 1 meter tall with fine detailing.
  • Stone Incense Burner: Standing over 1 meter high, this incense burner is adorned with beast-head patterns and is praised for its exquisite and traditional craftsmanship.
  • Stone Lions: Found on the railing of the bamboo platform at Zhan Biyun’s Bamboo House, these stone lions are robustly designed with a rugged, simplistic style.

Cliff Inscriptions (峭壁字刻)

• Location: Throughout the Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area.
• Description: These inscriptions include names of peaks, scenic spots, and geographical names, with a total of 63 recorded inscriptions. Examples include:
  • Peak Names: Like Baishi Well, Xianghua Cave, Wangjia Rock, Denghan Bridge, and Gua Guan Ridge.
  • Artistic Style: The inscriptions are carved with a strong brushwork style, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship and conveying the essence of the characters inscribed.