Hello everyone, I’m Michael Zhang, a seasoned traveler who’s passionate about both culture and nature. Over the years, I’ve explored mountains and ancient sites across the globe, but what fascinates me most are the places that blend historical depth with natural spirit. Sanqing Mountain in Jiangxi, China, is one of those destinations that truly captivated me. In this article, I’ll take you deep into this mountain—often praised as “the most beautiful mountain in the world.” You’ll not only discover its breathtaking landscapes and must-see attractions but also understand, from a cultural and natural perspective, why Sanqing Mountain holds such timeless allure.

Summary

About Sanqing Mountain

Sanqing Mountain National Scenic Area covers 229.5 square kilometers, with its main peak, Yujing Peak, reaching an altitude of 1,819.9 meters. The area features countless granite peaks, deep valleys, ancient trees, and rare birds. Wrapped in clouds and mist throughout the year, it radiates a mysterious, almost divine aura, earning its title as “the most beautiful mountain in the world.”

The name Sanqing (Three Pure Ones) comes from its three main peaks—Yujing, Yuxu, and Yuhua—which resemble the three supreme Taoist deities: Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing. Recognized as a National 5A Tourist Attraction, Sanqing Mountain has also been officially listed by UNESCO as part of the Global Geopark Network.

  • Address: Sanqingxiang, Yushan County, Shangrao City (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: Cable car operates from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Recommended Visiting Time: 5–7 hours
  • Best Seasons: All year round
  • Ticket Price: 245 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase:Trip.com Discounts
Sunrise over Sanqing Mountain sea of clouds

Sanqing Mountain Map

Sanqing Mountain scenic map and hiking routes

Why You Should Visit Sanqing Mountain

Natural Wonders

Over 1.4 billion years of geological evolution have sculpted the unique granite forest landscape of Sanqing Mountain. Signature landmarks include the “Giant Python Coming Out of the Mountain” (a 128-meter-tall granite pillar) and the “Oriental Goddess” (an 86-meter-high formation shaped like a serene woman gazing into the distance).

The mountain experiences over 200 days of mist annually, creating a surreal vision of “floating islands” among the clouds. Chinese writer Qin Mu once described it as “the homeland of mist and the gallery of pine and stone.” Spring brings rhododendron blooms, summer offers refreshing cool air (average 23°C / 73°F), autumn paints the mountains in golden hues, and winter covers everything in shimmering frost and snow.

Taoist Heritage

During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, the famous Taoist master Ge Hong practiced alchemy here, leaving behind the legendary “Immortal Well.” By the Ming Dynasty, Sanqing Mountain had become a central hub of Taoist activity. Today, the Sanqing Palace, a vast ancient architectural complex designed on the Bagua (Eight Trigrams) layout, still stands proudly.

Experts often call it an “open-air museum,” where centuries of Taoist faith and philosophy blend seamlessly with the grandeur of nature. Visiting Sanqing Mountain isn’t just a visual journey—it’s a spiritual encounter with China’s deep-rooted cultural essence.

Top Things to Do in Sanqing Mountain

Main Attractions

Giant Python Coming Out of the Mountain

The Giant Python Coming Out of the Mountain is one of the most iconic peaks of Sanqing Mountain. Its name comes from its shape—a towering granite column that looks like a massive python raising its head from the forest. Standing about 128 meters tall, it was formed through millions of years of granite weathering. Seen from the viewing platform, the “python” appears to break free from the mountains and reach toward the sky, an awe-inspiring sight that embodies the raw power of nature.

Giant Python Coming Out of the Mountain rock formation at Sanqing Mountain

Oriental Goddess

The Oriental Goddess is celebrated for its graceful curves and natural elegance, making it one of the most spiritually resonant peaks on Sanqing Mountain. From a distance, the rock formation resembles a serene Eastern woman seated quietly, her face calm and her gaze fixed on the distant mountains. Locals regard her as the guardian goddess of Sanqing Mountain, symbolizing both beauty and tranquility.

Goddess Peak rock at Sanqing Mountain

Narrow Sky Crack

The Narrow Sky Crack, known in Chinese as Yixiantian, is an astonishing natural wonder formed by two massive granite cliffs standing face to face, leaving only a slim gap between them. Looking upward, you can see a single beam of light streaming through the slit—like heaven itself opening a narrow window. Walking through this passage, with stone walls so close you can touch them, is an unforgettable experience that feels both humbling and transcendent.

Narrow Sky Crack trail at Sanqing Mountain

Sanqing Palace

Located in the heart of the Nanqing Garden Scenic Area, Sanqing Palace is one of the most important Taoist temple complexes on Sanqing Mountain. Built during the Song Dynasty, this ancient structure has stood for over a thousand years. Inside the palace are statues of the three supreme Taoist deities—Yuqing Yuanshi Tianzun, Shangqing Lingbao Tianzun, and Taiqing Daode Tianzun—making it a major site for worship and pilgrimage. Constructed along the mountainside, surrounded by ancient pines and incense smoke, the palace radiates an atmosphere of serenity and reverence, offering visitors a glimpse into China’s rich spiritual heritage.

Sanqing Palace ancient Taoist temple

West Coast Skywalk

The West Coast Skywalk stretches nearly 4 kilometers, clinging to the cliffside high above the clouds. It’s one of the most thrilling experiences in Sanqing Mountain National Park. As you walk along the pathway, you’ll see waves of mist rolling beneath your feet and jagged peaks piercing the sky. The route is especially breathtaking at sunrise or after rainfall, when the clouds drift between the cliffs, creating an ethereal landscape that feels like walking through a dream.

  • Price: Free
Cliffside glass walkway at Sanqing Mountain

Sanqing Mountain Ticket Guide

When visiting Sanqing Mountain, you’ll need both an entrance ticket and a cable car ticket. Technically, the cable car is optional, but skipping it means an extra 2.5 hours of uphill hiking. Even after taking the cable car, you’ll still walk about 3–5 hours on the mountain trails, where the best scenery awaits. Therefore, purchasing a cable car ticket is highly recommended.

Ticket Prices (Entrance + Cable Car)

  • Includes: Entrance + Jinsha or Waishuangxi cable car (round trip)
  • Adults: 245 CNY
  • Children (ages 6–18): 123 CNY
  • Seniors (ages 60–65): 185 CNY (half-price ticket)
  • Seniors (65+): 125 CNY (free entrance, cable car not included)

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Online: Official WeChat mini-programs or third-party platforms
  • Offline: Tickets are available at on-site counters, but it’s best to buy in advance—once tickets are sold out, no same-day entry is allowed. Since the park is far from the city center, last-minute changes can be inconvenient.
  • Small Loop Route (2–3 hours): Ideal for visitors with limited stamina, this short loop takes about 2–3 hours and offers an easy, scenic walk.
    • Jinsha Cable Car (turn right) → Giant Python → Penguin Offering Peach → Oriental Goddess → Goddess Hotel → Goddess Skywalk → descend via Jinsha Cable Car
  • Medium Loop Route (5–6 hours): The most popular route for average hikers. Shaped like a “figure-8,” it covers nearly all the major attractions without being overly strenuous. Expect about one hour of stair climbing, followed by mostly downhill and flat sections.
    • Jinsha Cable Car (turn right) → Oriental Goddess → Giant Python → Penguin Offering Peach → Rhododendron Valley → Jade Maiden’s Smile → Narrow Sky Crack → Fairy Drying Baby → Yuhuang Peak → Fox Biting Chicken → back to Penguin Offering Peach → descend via Jinsha Cable Car
  • Grand Loop Route (6–8 hours): Perfect for those wanting to see both sunrise and sunset. Completing it in one day is tough, so staying overnight on the mountain is recommended.
    • Jinsha Cable Car → Giant Python → Penguin Offering Peach → Jade Platform → Jade Maiden’s Smile → Narrow Sky Crack → Sunshine Coast → Skywalk → West Coast → Oriental Goddess → Rishang Lodge → Yuhuang Peak → Rhododendron Valley → Yusong Forest → Fox Biting Chicken

You’ll find restaurants both on the mountain and near the entrance, but for a better culinary experience, head to Yushan County.

  • On-mountain hotel restaurants: Try Sunshine Lodge or Goddess Hotel—their signature Stone Ear Chicken Soup is a must-try! The stone ear fungus soaks up the broth’s golden richness, bursting with flavor, while the braised mountain frog is tender and delicious. Dishes are a bit pricey but worth it for the authentic mountain taste.
  • At Waishuangxi Cable Car base: Packed with local eateries and farm-style restaurants, this area offers unbeatable value. Don’t miss free-range chicken, stream fish, wild vegetables, and the famous stir-fried smoked pork—the ultimate comfort food.
  • In Yushan County: Explore the local snack street, where you can sample Dengzhan Cake, Qingming Cake, Sticky Rice Mochi, Shangrao Fried Noodles, and Hot Rice Noodles. Every dish bursts with authentic Jiangxi flavor—soft, savory Dengzhan Cake, wok-fired noodles loaded with toppings, and just the right level of spice. Keep in mind that Jiangxi cuisine tends to be spicy, so if you prefer milder flavors, let the chef know when ordering.
Local restaurant meal at Sanqing Mountain scenic area

Staying overnight on Sanqing Mountain is one of the best ways to experience its natural beauty up close. Watching the sunrise and sunset from above the clouds is absolutely unforgettable. However, staying on the mountain requires a bit of stamina—it takes about 40 minutes of hiking from most hotels to reach the best sunrise viewpoints, and carrying luggage up and down can be challenging. If you prefer convenience, there are also great hotels at the base of the mountain, especially near the cable car stations, where transportation is easier and local restaurants are plentiful.

Goddess Hotel

Goddess Hotel
  • Location: About a 30-minute walk from the East Jinsha Cableway and 1.5 hours from the South Waishuangxi Cableway.
  • Price per night: from 1080 CNY
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 9.1 / 10 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: None

Perfectly located in the heart of the scenic area, making it ideal for catching the sunrise. The view from here is wide and open, and the night sky is stunningly clear.

Rooms offer views of the Goddess Peak right from the window. Everything is clean and tidy, with soft bedding, private bathrooms, 24-hour hot water, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms even allow you to enjoy the sunrise without leaving your bed.

Hilton Sanqingshan Resort

Hilton Sanqingshan Resort
  • Location: Only a 5-minute walk from the South Waishuangxi Cableway entrance.
  • Price per night: from 468 CNY
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
  • Rating: 9.2 / 10 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Gym, indoor swimming pool

The hotel enjoys an excellent location—just 200 meters uphill from the Waishuangxi Cableway entrance.

Rooms are spacious and spotless. The breakfast is generous and flavorful. While the hotel is slightly older and not equipped with smart facilities, the surrounding mountain views more than make up for it.

Grand New Century Resort Sanqingshan Shangrao

Grand New Century Resort Sanqingshan Shangrao
  • Location: About a 15-minute walk from the Jinsha Cableway, with a free shuttle service from the Jinsha Service Area to the main cable car stations.
  • Price per night: from 470 CNY
  • Check Rates:Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: 9.4 / 10 on Trip
  • Special Amenities: Gym, indoor swimming pool, family rooms

The hotel’s location is unbeatable—just steps away from the Jinsha Cableway, making it extremely convenient for visitors. After a long day of hiking, it’s a relief to return quickly to a comfortable room to rest.

Rooms are equipped with soft, skin-friendly linens and fully separated wet-and-dry bathrooms. Even the toiletries feel luxurious. The facilities are well maintained, making it one of the best value options near Sanqing Mountain.

How to Get to Sanqing Mountain from Shangrao

Take a bus from Shangrao High-Speed Railway Station directly to the Shuangxi or Jinsha Cableway entrance. Tickets can be purchased via the “Xingrong Travel” WeChat Mini Program.

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Cost: 47 CNY

How to Get to Sanqing Mountain from Wuyuan

At Wuyuan Bus Station, buy a direct ticket to the Jinsha Cableway. The boarding point is right across from the Wuyuan High-Speed Rail Station, near the “Most Beautiful Village in China – Wuyuan” sign.

  • Duration: 1.5 hours
  • Cost: 35 CNY

How to Get to Sanqing Mountain from Yushan

Take a direct bus from Yushan Bus Station to the Jinsha Cableway entrance. For the return trip, you can take the same route from the same station.

  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Cost: 8 CNY

FAQ

Is Sanqing Mountain suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?

No, it isn’t. Some stairways are extremely narrow and steep, which makes carrying or pushing strollers very difficult.

Where can I store my luggage?

There are storage lockers available at the Sanqing Mountain Tourist Service Center. If they’re full, you can also store your luggage at nearby convenience stores for about 10–20 CNY.