West Huatai at Mount Sanqing

West Huatai at Mount Sanqing

The West Huatai Scenic Area is located on the northern foothills of Mount Sanqing. It features ancient stone stairways dating back to the Song and Ming dynasties, stretching from FenShui Village to Fengmen. The most distinctive feature of this area is its idyllic pastoral scenery, much like the “Peach Blossom Spring” depicted by Tao Yuanming. Along the path, the harmonious sounds of pines and springs, dense greenery, and vibrant flowers create a serene atmosphere. The stone-paved trails meander through shaded woodlands, offering a cool retreat even during the peak summer heat, earning it praise as a “kingdom of green,” a “cool paradise,” and a “garden of a hundred flowers.”

The West Huatai Scenic Area is located on the northern foothills of Mount Sanqing. It features ancient stone stairways dating back to the Song and Ming dynasties, stretching from FenShui Village to Fengmen. The most distinctive feature of this area is its idyllic pastoral scenery, much like the “Peach Blossom Spring” written about by Tao Yuanming. Along the way, the sounds of pines and springs blend together, with lush trees and blooming flowers everywhere. The stone paths wind through shaded woods, and even during the intense heat of midsummer, visitors can escape the sweltering heat. It is praised as a “green kingdom,” a “cool world,” and a “garden of a hundred flowers.”

The West Huatai Scenic Area is celebrated for its pastoral scenery and tranquil ancient paths. The Buyun Ancient Path was once the retreat of Wang Jian, the governor of Xinzhou, as early as the Tang Dynasty. Here, water winds around mountains, and terraced fields paint a picturesque scene. The villages on the hillsides are She ethnic enclaves that still maintain a simple and authentic way of life. Since Wang Jian’s descendant, Wang Lin, built the Sanqing Palace on the mountain in the sixth year of the Qiandao era of the Song Dynasty (1170 AD), the Buyun Ancient Path has become a vital route for pilgrims and tourists. It connects to the ancient Huizhou region of Wuyuan to the north, links to the historic “Wu-Chu Divide” post road to the east, and leads down to Poyang Lake to the west, making it a “golden route of ancient paths.”

In addition, the West Huatai Scenic Area boasts vast stretches of pristine forest, boundless greenery, towering ancient trees, and a profusion of rare flowers and plants.

The scenic area is rich in precious trees and exotic flowers, and is also home to two major waterfalls. Therefore, the best time to visit is generally in the mornings during spring and summer. The entire tour takes about 2–3 hours and requires a good level of physical fitness.

Due to the development of southern scenic areas and hiking routes within Mount Sanqing, the West Huatai Scenic Area has long been neglected and remains largely in its primitive state. As such, it is more suitable for visitors with substantial outdoor experience. General tourists are advised not to visit West Huatai without a reliable guide.

Address: Within the Mount Sanqing Scenic Area, Shangrao City

Type: Forest, Mountain, Waterfall, Ancient Path

Recommended Visiting Time: About 2–3 hours

Ticket Information:

No separate ticket required. Included in the Mount Sanqing Scenic Area ticket.

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Sanqing Palace

Sanqing Blessed Land

Guanyin Appreciating Music at Mount Sanqing

Jade Maiden Bursting into Laughter

Jinsha Cableway

Sunshine Coast Scenic Area

Three Cave Entrances of Mount Sanqing

Tiyun Ridge

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Yujing Peak

Yuling Temple at Mount Sanqing

Shigu Ridge

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Old Taoist Worshiping the Moon at Mount Sanqing

Longevity Park Scenic Area

Goddess of Spring

The Giant Python Emerging from the Mountain