Jade Terrace of Mount Sanqing

Jade Terrace of Mount Sanqing

Jade Terrace is located in the eastern part of the Nanshuiyuan Scenic Area within Mount Sanqing, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and a National Key Scenic Spot, at an altitude of 1,530 meters. It derives its name from the line in the “Nine Elegies · Sorrow for the Times” from the Songs of Chu: “Ascend the Supreme One’s Jade Terrace, and let the plain maiden play the reed mouth organ.”

To the east of Jade Terrace lies an open valley with fields and cityscapes stretching as far as the eye can see; to the north, one can gaze toward Yujing Peak, surrounded by jagged peaks standing in competition. The hilltop on the northeastern side is flat and extends eastward, while the hilltop on the southern side is steep and winds toward the direction of Sanpaijian. The area is surrounded by ancient trees and dense bamboo and pine forests. In 1998, an observation deck and railings were built on the hilltop to the right. Jade Terrace is one of the best spots to watch the sunrise in the morning, the divine light and colorful glow during the day, the sea of clouds at night, and the sunset glow.

Jade Terrace is the highest point along the Nanshuiyuan hiking route. From here, you can watch both the sunrise and sunset, as well as admire the sea of clouds and unique rock formations. Nearby, there are Jade Terrace Mountain Villa and Azalea Mountain Villa that offer meals and tent accommodations. This spot is about a 20-minute walk from Goddess Peak, and to the south lies the unique scenic wonder known as the Goddess’s Open Embrace.

Jade Terrace is the best spot to watch the sunrise. It takes about two hours to walk from the South Gate to Jade Terrace, passing through the Longevity Garden and Nanshuiyuan Scenic Areas to reach Jade Terrace at an altitude of 1,520 meters. From Jade Terrace, you can see overlapping peaks and jagged mountains surrounding the area, with a distant view of Yujing Peak. This is also one of the camping spots on Mount Sanqing, but only tents rented from the management station below Jade Terrace are allowed to be pitched on the terrace itself. Visitor-owned tents can only be set up on nearby steps or mountain paths. At 8 PM, park rangers will come to clear out unauthorized tents.

Location of the Scenic Spot

At the border between Yushan County and Dexing County in Shangrao Region, Jiangxi Province