Shénlóng Xìsōng (Dragon Playing with Pine) on Mount Sanqing

Shénlóng Xìsōng on Mount Sanqing

Shénlóng Xìsōng is located beneath the One-Line Sky in the Nánqīngyuán Scenic Area. On the rock face of the mountain peak clings a long serpent, its eyes fixed intently on a pine tree at the summit—as if playing with the tree or plotting some scheme. Local legend says the snake has been lying in wait here, hoping to sneak into the South Heavenly Gate, but was discovered by the Kunpeng guarding it and has since had no opportunity.

Legend has it that Dōnghuáng Tàiyǐ, daughter of the Divine Dragon (Shénlóng), traveled across China with her father. Everywhere they went, she taught people how to plant grains, weave cloth, and gather herbs for healing, bringing benefits to humankind. After the Divine Dragon passed away in Chaling, Dōnghuáng Tàiyǐ carried on his mission, fulfilling his legacy. She came to Mount Sanqing, captivated by its beauty, and settled there in a thatched hut. Later, for saving the local people of Mount Sanqing, she was bestowed by the Jade Emperor the title of Goddess of Azaleas, tasked with overseeing the vitality of all things on the mountain. Every summer, the vast fields of high-mountain azaleas blooming before Goddess Peak embody her wish for everlasting flowers, evergreen trees, and abundant harvests for the people.

Sīchūn (Spring Leader) rallied the people and laid an ambush on Mount Sanqing, defeating the Giant-Scaled Spirit, who tumbled from the clouds and rolled eighteen times before fleeing back to its cave. This place later became known as the Eighteen Dragon Pools. The defeated spirit, vowing revenge, hatched a sinister plan—poisoning the upstream waters with venomous fluid to kill Sīchūn and the villagers. After drinking the tainted water, the villagers fell ill. Sīchūn spent the night brewing an antidote, administered it to the sick, and even delivered it door to door, gradually restoring their health.

Like the spring breeze, wherever Sīchūn went, warmth followed. Her virtuous deeds moved the heavens, immortals, and spirits. One day, upon arriving at Yùtái on Mount Sanqing, she met the Patriarch and pleaded to remain forever on the mountain to benefit the people. The Patriarch responded, “Well said, well said!” and appointed her as the Sanqing Fairy Sīchūn, Goddess of Spring, guardian of all life. Thus, Sīchūn ascended to become a goddess.

The vicious Giant-Scaled Spirit remained intent on avenging itself against the goddess. One midnight, while the goddess meditated, the spirit suddenly spewed fiery dragon fire, surrounding her. But amidst the flames, the goddess sat calmly, unflinching. Soon, golden light emerged beneath her, forming a seven-treasure lotus, upon which she rose unharmed from the fire, radiant and resplendent. The Giant-Scaled Spirit fled in panic underground.

One morning, as the goddess strolled at Yùtái, she noticed eerie demonic mist rising from Xuěyù Valley. Using her divine vision, she discovered the Giant-Scaled Spirit and other demons spying on the jade treasures of Mount Sanqing. She swiftly rode a colorful cloud to Yùjīng Peak to report to the Patriarch, who granted her a Five-Lustrous Precious Fan and a divine decree to capture the spirit. After an intense magical battle, the goddess finally trapped the Giant-Scaled Spirit beneath a mountain of blades, leaving only its grotesque head exposed as a warning to future generations—that justice prevails and evil meets its due.

To this day, the goddess’s incarnation remains at Yùtái, ever watchful over the wicked Giant-Scaled Spirit, ensuring peace for the people below. She continues to nurture the mountain’s beautiful pines, cypresses, rare flowers, and miraculous herbs for the heavenly realm of Sanqing.

Attraction Location

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

Mount Sanqing

Sanqing Palace

Sanqing Blessed Land

Guānyīn Appreciating Music on Mount Sanqing

Yùnǚ Kāihuái (Maiden’s Open Heart)

Jīnshā Cableway

Sunshine Coast Scenic Area

Three Cave Entrances of Mount Sanqing

Tíyúnlǐng (Ladder Cloud Ridge)

Nánqīngyuán (South Green Garden)

Yùjīng Peak

Yùlíng Temple on Mount Sanqing

Shígǔlǐng (Stone Drum Ridge)

Xīhuátái (West Flower Terrace) on Mount Sanqing

West Coast

Lǎodào Bàiyuè (Old Taoist Worshiping the Moon) on Mount Sanqing

Wànshòuyuán (Longevity Park) Scenic Area

Sīchūn Goddess (Goddess of Spring)