South Qingyuan

South Qingyuan

The South Qingyuan Scenic Area is situated in the central part of Mount Sanqing and is home to the mountain’s most extraordinary natural landscapes, sitting at an average altitude of 1,577 meters. It highlights the granite peak forest landform formed over 1.4 billion years of geological evolution, encapsulating the very best of Mount Sanqing’s natural beauty. The area spans from Liuxia Platform through Yuhuang Summit, Giant Python Emerging from the Mountain, Goddess of Spring, Azalea Valley, and One-Line Sky, all the way to Youxian Valley, forming a circular route. Several of Mount Sanqing’s most iconic landscapes are found here, featuring breathtaking peaks, majestic mountains, vast sea of clouds, and rare flora, making it a richly diverse scenic destination.

The most striking sights in South Qingyuan are the iconic pinnacle-shaped rock formations of Mount Sanqing, such as Giant Python Emerging from the Mountain and Goddess of Spring, which are remarkably lifelike. The main viewing platforms in the area offer some of the best spots to watch sunsets and sunrises — for instance, the sunset and sea of clouds at Liuxia Platform, and the sunrise, sunset, and divine light at Yutai. These displays are grand and magnificent. Moreover, the area includes an ancient azalea valley spanning hundreds of acres, where thousand-year-old azalea trees abound. During the blooming season from May to June, the fragrance fills the mountains, presenting a truly remarkable spectacle.

South Qingyuan is the most physically demanding section of Mount Sanqing, second only to Yujing Peak. The 299 steps of One-Line Sky are the most challenging part of the hike. Additionally, the scenic area is densely packed with attractions, and it’s easy to miss many if you’re not attentive. Therefore, it's essential to be well-rested and physically prepared before visiting. The hiking trail forms a loop, so traveling clockwise helps conserve energy, especially since you’ll be descending through One-Line Sky (making the steepness more manageable). The recommended route is to enter via Liuxia Platform and exit through Youxian Valley. There are several main viewpoints where you can take short breaks, such as Yuhuang Summit, Giant 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 entire hike typically takes about 2–3 hours.

Thanks to its abundant scenic resources, South Qingyuan offers flexible timing options. A common choice is to visit in the afternoon — have lunch, rest a bit, then start hiking to enjoy the views along the way, reach Yutai for the sunset, and finish exploring the whole area before dinner.

After Liuxia Platform in South Qingyuan, there is a fork in the trail that leads to the West Sea Scenic Area, and not far past the Immortal Maiden Drying Her Shoes viewpoint, another fork leads to Yujing Peak.

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

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

Giant Python Emerging from the Mountain