Let's explore the beauty of Mount Sanqing, as depicted by Su Dongpo!
Located in the northeast of Jiangxi Province, Shangrao is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, earning it the title of "Fairyland of Jiangnan." Here's a detailed travel guide for exploring the mountains of Shangrao, covering major attractions, itinerary suggestions, and practical tips:
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### **I. Recommended Attractions**
1. Mount Sanqing
- Features: A World Natural Heritage site famous for its unique peaks, sea of clouds, and Taoist culture. Iconic sights include the "Oriental Goddess" and "Giant Python Coming Out of the Mountain."
- Things to do:
- Hiking and sightseeing: Recommended routes include the South Qingyuan Garden, Sunshine Coast, and West Coast, suitable for hiking or taking the cable car.
- Sunrise and sea of clouds: Enjoy the sunrise over the sea of clouds from the viewing platforms at Yujing Peak or Goddess Peak in the early morning.
- Taoist culture: Visit the Sanqing Palace and experience the thousand-year-old Taoist atmosphere.
- Accommodation: Choose from hotels near the Jinsha Cable Car at the foot of the mountain or hotels on the mountaintop for convenient sunrise viewing.
2. Huangling, Wuyuan
- Features: A combination of ancient villages and terraced fields, famous for its "Shaiqiu" (sun-drying) tradition, especially spectacular in autumn.
- Things to do:
- Shaiqiu photography: Capture scenes of sun-drying chili peppers, chrysanthemum flowers, and persimmons from September to November.
- Stroll through ancient villages: Explore Hui-style architectural villages like Likeng and Wangkou, and experience the poetic charm of small bridges, flowing water, and traditional houses.
- Nighttime experiences: Enjoy light shows and folk performances during summer evenings.
3. Wangxian Valley
- Features: A fairy-tale town perched on cliffs, with dazzling night lights reminiscent of the filming location for "Love Between Fairy and Devil."
- Things to do:
- Waterfall exploration: Admire the 100-meter-high cliff waterfall.
- Night view appreciation: The valley transforms into a dreamy atmosphere at night when the lanterns are lit, perfect for taking photos.
4. Mount Lingshan
- Features: A scenic spot with fewer crowds, featuring 72 peaks resembling a "Sleeping Beauty," known as a blessed land of Taoism.
- Things to do:
- Hiking: Recommended attractions include the "China Dragon Spine" and "Sky Mirror."
- Seasonal scenery: Enjoy flower viewing in spring, escape the summer heat, admire red leaves in autumn, and appreciate snow scenes in winter.
5. Mount Damao (Dexing)
- Features: High forest coverage, ideal for escaping the summer heat, camping, and traditional Chinese medicine wellness activities.
- Things to do:
- Hiking in Wufeng Cave: Explore Guanyin Waterfall and Xiannv Pool.
- Traditional Chinese medicine experience: Try moxibustion and medicinal cuisine at the wellness center.
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### **II. Recommended Itineraries**
3 Days and 2 Nights Highlights Tour
- Day 1: Mount Sanqing (hiking + sea of clouds) → Overnight stay on the mountaintop or at the foot of the mountain
- Day 2: Huangling, Wuyuan (Shaiqiu + ancient village) → Wangxian Valley (night view)
- Day 3: Mount Lingshan or Mount Damao (hiking/wellness) → Return trip
5 Days and 4 Nights In-depth Tour
- Days 1-2: Mount Sanqing (full exploration)
- Day 3: Wuyuan (Huangling + Likeng)
- Day 4: Wangxian Valley + Gexian Village (Tang Dynasty-style town)
- Day 5: Mount Damao (Wufeng Cave + traditional Chinese medicine experience)
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### **III. Practical Tips**
1. Transportation:
- Shangrao's attractions are scattered, so self-driving or chartering a car (approx. CNY 500/day) is recommended.
- High-speed trains are available to Shangrao Station or Wuyuan Station, followed by scenic area buses.
2. Accommodation:
- For Mount Sanqing, choose mountaintop hotels (convenient for sunrise viewing) or hotels at the foot of the mountain (cost-effective).
- In Wuyuan, Huangling guesthouses or Likeng riverside inns are recommended.
3. Food:
- Shangrao chicken legs, Wuyuan steamed rice cakes, Qianshan hot rice noodles, Qingmingguo (green rice balls), etc.
4. Important Notes:
- There is a large temperature difference in the mountainous areas, so bring warm clothing.
- Reservations are required for some attractions (e.g., Huangling Shaiqiu guesthouses).
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Shangrao's landscapes combine natural wonders with cultural heritage, offering something for everyone, whether you enjoy hiking, photography, or wellness activities. Choose your itinerary based on the season, with spring and summer ideal for hiking and escaping the heat, and autumn and winter perfect for experiencing Shaiqiu and snow scenes.