Shangtian Peak in Jinqiao Township

Shangtian Peak in Jinqiao Township

Shangtian Peak is located in Jinqiao Township, Jiangxi Province, about 40 kilometers north of Nanchang City. The peak stands at an elevation of 480 meters above sea level, covering an area of over 4,800 acres.

Shangtian Peak boasts beautiful scenery, with towering peaks and unique rocks, presenting a majestic and integrated landscape. It is a popular destination for travelers and renowned both domestically and internationally. It is mentioned in the "Dictionary of Scenic Spots in China," and has inspired poetic verses from numerous visitors throughout history, especially the Ming Dynasty poet Wang Shaohua. For example, his poem about the Stone Bed reads: "Where the goddess once dwelled high above, a bed remains as legacy; In what year did she rest her head, dreaming in warmth on beams? Clouds and rain whisper of dawn and dusk, lingering thoughts recall grace; Chang’e may be fair, but none compare to the fragrance held close." This place is both a sacred Buddhist site and a renowned tourist attraction. With steep terrain, winding mountain ranges, solitary peaks, and picturesque scenery, coupled with a pleasant climate, it offers breathtaking views. On clear evenings or after rain when the sun slants through, climbing to the summit reveals the charming beauty of Hongdu, the elegance of Mount Lu, the jade-like hues of the Western Hills, and the emerald-green Cloud Mountains—all stretching out as if freshly washed and sparkling beyond the heavens.

The views are pristine and transcendent. Legend has it that the Eight Immortals once gathered here, Emperor Wu once toured the area, Emperor Ruizong of Tang (Li Dan) sought refuge here, Su Dongpo wandered here, and the Ming Dynasty playwright Tang Xianzu often accompanied his mentor Zhang Wei to Shangtian Peak for excursions. During the late Ming and early Qing periods, the virtuous scholar Xu Xiuzhong lived in seclusion here, while the Ming Dynasty’s Su Fen studied and opened a library here, eventually becoming a top imperial scholar.

Shangtian Peak features bizarrely shaped and colorful rocks, along with many scenic spots and historical sites. Attractions such as Thunderstruck Hoop, Heavenly Ladder, Wisdom Spring, Immortal Cave, Immortal Bed, One-Line Sky, East Drum, West Chime, Ming Mountain Lake, Four Carp Facing Heaven, Golden Plate Courtyard, Tianfeng Temple, Monks’ Tomb, Bull Demon, Star-Gazing Platform, Horse-Racing Ridge, Old Mother’s Chicken Call, Turtle Drinking Fly, Snake Brain Peak, Little Shangtian Peak, East Lake, Five-Li Pavilion, Maple Trees, Ink Cypress, Xu Family Ancestral Hall, and Chastity Monument, are all rare and breathtaking sights. Each location is associated with a beautiful and moving legend.

Shangtian Peak combines beautiful legends, touching stories, stunning scenery, and historic sites. The deep valleys within the scenic area are filled year-round with the gentle sound of flowing springs, and the pleasant climate makes it an ideal destination for leisure, vacation, sightseeing, tourism, and summer retreat.