How high is Sanqing Mountain? Is climbing Sanqing Mountain tiring? How long does the hike take?

Its highest point stands at 1,819.9 metres above sea level.

It is manageable for young adults. However, elderly visitors and children are strongly advised to take the cable car both uphill and downhill to avoid fatigue.

The boardwalks along the West Coast and Sunshine Coast are flat. There is also a level boardwalk section right after getting off the cable car, as well as the path between Goddess Peak and Giant Python Peak. Altogether, these flat sections take roughly 3 hours to walk.

The rest of the trail consists of stone steps, most of which are gentle. Only three uphill sections have steep stairs: the Single Stairway to Heaven, the climb from Risheng Platform to West Coast, and the ascent from Risheng Platform to Yuhuang Summit. These steep stretches take no more than one hour in total.

After exiting the upper station of the East Cableway, you will see two trails: the Goddess Boardwalk and the Giant Python Boardwalk. I cannot remember precisely which one is on the left or the right.

From my personal experience, you can choose either direction for a clockwise or counter-clockwise loop around South Qing Garden. Both trails will eventually converge at the same spot.

The whole South Qing Garden forms a large loop that contains a smaller inner loop, marked by the red circle on the second map.

If we zoom in on the upper right section of South Qing Garden: Point C is the upper terminal of the East Cableway. Route A leads left, and Route B leads right. Whichever you pick, you will end up at Point D — the Goddess Hotel.

Together they make a complete circle. Along with Risheng Villa, the Goddess Hotel is a major transport hub. From here, you can reach the South Coast Boardwalk, the main South Qing Garden scenic zone (different from the South Coast Boardwalk, explained below), and the East Coast.

Therefore, there is no difference between turning left or right after getting off the East Cableway. I did not know this at first and happened to take the left trail.