Watching Sunrise and Sunset on Sanqing Mountain

Shortly after 4 a.m., I heard voices outside the tent calling everyone to watch the sunrise. I got up at around 5 a.m. and followed the tour guide in the dark to Yuqing Platform at 5:30. The whole path was made of stone steps, packed shoulder to shoulder with crowds of tourists. Perched high above the valleys, the platform commands an unobstructed panoramic view.

The ideal visiting periods are March to May and September to November. Rainfall is scarce with dry and crisp weather, perfect for viewing sunrises and seas of clouds. If lucky, you may even catch a rare sight of the Buddha’s Halo.

Spring, summer and winter each have their unique charms. From April to June, the mountain receives heavy rainfall with erratic weather, so rain gear is essential. Azaleas bloom beautifully from late May to mid-June. Abundant waterfalls make summer an excellent time to escape the heat. In winter, visitors can admire icicles and snow-covered peaks.

The mountain will be overwhelmingly crowded during the May Day and National Day holidays. Weekdays and ordinary weekends offer far fewer crowds and far more stunning scenery. Always check the weather forecast before departure. Clear skies bring breathtaking mountain views. While mist and rain create a special mood, hiking and photography will become difficult chores. Low visibility will leave your photos filled with fog rather than mountain landscapes.

Sunrise: Yuqing Platform and Yujing Peak. Yuqing Platform lies in the southeast of South Qing Garden, near the azalea forest. It is a favourite campsite for tent stayovers. Yujing Peak is Sanqing Mountain’s highest summit with superb vistas, ideal for sunrise watching.

Sunset & Glow: The Monkey King Presenting Treasure site on the West Coast