Three Dragons Soaring to the Sky

Three Dragons Soaring to the Sky

Three Dragons Soaring to the Sky is located in the Nanshengyuan Scenic Area, where it is best viewed from Yuhuangding. The view is most spectacular here. Three uniquely shaped peaks resemble three giant dragons leaping out of the valley and emerging dramatically through the clouds, as if they are about to break through the sky.

The Nanshengyuan Scenic Area is situated at the center of Mount Sanqing and features the most extraordinary natural landscapes on the mountain, with an average elevation of 1,577 meters. It showcases the granite peak forest landform shaped by 1.4 billion years of geological evolution, representing the essence of Mount Sanqing’s natural beauty. The area spans a circular route from Liuxiatai, passing through Yuhuangding, Huge Python Emerging from the Mountain, Goddess of Spring, Azalea Valley, One-Line Sky, and ending at Youxian Valley. Many of Mount Sanqing’s iconic landscapes are found here, including peculiar peaks, majestic mountains, vast sea of clouds, and rare plants, offering a rich variety of scenery.

The most remarkable sights in Nanshengyuan are Mount Sanqing’s iconic peak formations, such as Huge Python Emerging from the Mountain and Goddess of Spring, which are strikingly lifelike. The main viewpoints in the area offer excellent spots to watch the sunset and sunrise—Liuxiatai provides stunning sunsets and sea of clouds, while Yutai offers breathtaking sunrises, sunsets, and divine light phenomena, all grand and colorful. The scenic area also features a thousand-acre ancient azalea valley, home to numerous thousand-year-old azalea trees. During the blooming season from May to June, the fragrance fills the mountains, creating a truly magnificent spectacle.

Nanshengyuan is the most physically demanding part of Mount Sanqing after Yujing Peak. The 299 steps of One-Line Sky are the most challenging section. Moreover, the scenic area is densely packed with attractions, and it’s easy to miss many if you’re not careful. Therefore, it’s essential to be well-rested before visiting Nanshengyuan. As the walking trail forms a loop, going clockwise helps conserve energy, and you’ll descend during One-Line Sky (which makes the steepness even more thrilling). The recommended route is to start from Liuxiatai and exit via Youxian Valley. Several major viewpoints allow for short breaks, such as Yuhuangding, Huge Python Emerging from the Mountain, Goddess of Spring, Yutai, and Jade Maiden’s Smile. Each rest should not exceed 10 minutes to avoid missing other attractions. The whole visit takes approximately 2–3 hours.

The Nanshengyuan Scenic Area offers a rich variety of landscapes, allowing flexible timing for your visit. A common choice is to go in the afternoon—have lunch, rest a bit, then hike up the mountain, enjoy the scenery along the way, watch the sunset from Yutai, and finish exploring Nanshengyuan before dinner.

Location of the Attraction

Nanshengyuan Scenic Area, Mount Sanqing, Yushan County, Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province

Mount Sanqing

Sanqing Palace

Sanqing Blessed Land

Guanyin Appreciating Music at Mount Sanqing

Jade Maiden’s Smile

Jinsha Cable Car

Sunshine Coast Scenic Area

Three Cave Entrances of Mount Sanqing

Tiyun Ridge

Nanshengyuan

Yujing Peak

Yuling Temple of Mount Sanqing

Shigu Ridge

Xihua Platform of Mount Sanqing

West Coast

Old Taoist Worshiping the Moon at Mount Sanqing

Longevity Park Scenic Area

Goddess of Spring