Mount Sanqingshan National Park in China

Facts and Data

Webpages:
Official Unesco Page
Protectedplanet.net

Basis Data:
Unesco World heritage since: 2008
Size of heritage: 22,950 ha
- Buffer zone: 16,850 ha

Coordinates:
Longitude: 118,064°
Latitude: 28,916°

Summary

Mount Sanqingshan National Park, a 22,950 ha property located in the west of the Huyaiyu mountain range in the northeast of Jiangxi Province (in the east of central China) has been inscribed for its exceptional scenic quality, marked by the concentration of fantastically shaped pillars and peaks: 48 granite peaks and 89 granite pillars, many of which resemble human or animal silhouettes. The natural beauty of the 1,817 metre high Mount Huaiyu is further enhanced by the juxtaposition of granite features with the vegetation and particular meteorological conditions which make for an ever-changing and arresting landscape with bright halos on clouds and white rainbows. The area is subject to a combination of subtropical monsoonal and maritime influences and forms an island of temperate forest above the surrounding subtropical landscape. It also features forests and numerous waterfalls, some of them 60 metres in height, lakes and springs.

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Mount Sanqingshan National Park

Mount Sanqingshan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the northeastern part of Jiangxi Province, China. It is situated at coordinates N28 54 57 E118 3 52 and covers an area of approximately 229 square kilometers. The park is renowned for its unique granite peaks, lush forests, and diverse flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

History

The history of Mount Sanqingshan dates back thousands of years. It has long been considered a sacred mountain and a place of spiritual significance. The mountain is associated with Taoism, one of the major religions in China, and is believed to be the birthplace of the Sanqing Taoist sect. The Sanqing Taoist sect worships the three highest deities in Taoism, known as the "Three Pure Ones," and considers Mount Sanqingshan as their holy land.

In the 17th century, during the Ming Dynasty, the mountain became a popular destination for scholars and poets who sought inspiration from its breathtaking scenery. Many famous poets and artists of that time left behind numerous poems and paintings depicting the beauty of Mount Sanqingshan.

Current State

Mount Sanqingshan National Park was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2008 due to its outstanding natural beauty and cultural significance. The park is home to over 2,000 species of plants, including rare and endemic species such as the Sanqingshan fir and the Chinese dove tree. The diverse vegetation creates a vibrant and colorful landscape throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery red leaves in autumn, and snow-covered peaks in winter.

The granite peaks of Mount Sanqingshan are the highlight of the park. These unique rock formations, shaped by millions of years of erosion, resemble human figures, animals, and mythical creatures. The most famous peak, Yujing Peak, stands at an impressive height of 1,817 meters and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.