Mount Sanqing in Shangrao | Staying at the Hidden Sanctuary Hotel by Sanqing Palace

Located in the northeast of Shangrao, Jiangxi, Mount Sanqing is named after its three majestic peaks—Yujing, Yuxu, and Yuhua—which resemble the three supreme deities of Taoism: Yuqing, Shangqing, and Taiqing, seated atop the mountain. Recently, I climbed this famous Taoist mountain and stayed overnight at the Hidden Sanctuary Hotel near Sanqing Palace, enjoying a unique and unforgettable holiday experience. Taking the Gangshou Cable Car, I reached the mountaintop in no time. Turning right toward Sanqing Palace, I passed by door gods holding incense sticks, paid respects in the main hall, and then walked a few steps further into the woods to find the ancient Dan Well, a clear spring that never runs dry. The Hidden Sanctuary Hotel stands right beside this ancient well, occupying the best spot in the sacred Sanqing scenic area, where Taoist priests often sit by the well, sipping tea leisurely. Entering through the wooden door beneath a golden plaque, the hotel’s decor follows the signature minimalist aesthetic of the Hidden Sanctuary series, with wabi-sabi potted plants placed under stairwell windows. Paper lanterns not only illuminate the space but also guide guests’ gaze, while paintings of cranes and flowers at the end of the hallway echo Taoist culture. I stayed in the "Midnight Sunset" king room, unlocked with a physical key. The room was equipped with heating, a fireplace, and a down jacket near the towels—clearly prepared for the mountain’s chilly winters. The bathroom featured a separate bathtub, a smart toilet, and a Dyson hairdryer, an impressive setup at 1,500 meters above sea level. The bed offered both soft and firm pillow options, and I particularly loved the luxurious feel of the sheets. The metal buttons on the bedside lamp were a charming detail. The next morning, I rose early to hike up to Ziyan Rock near the hotel, which offers an unobstructed view of the sunrise. After watching the dawn, I fueled up with breakfast and then followed the Sunshine Coast Trail past the "Five Elders Paying Homage to Sanqing," continuing over Yu Huang Summit to see Mount Sanqing’s most iconic peaks: the Giant Python Emerging from the Mountain and the Eastern Goddess. From there, I could descend via the Jinsha Cable Car, take the middle loop through the "Thread of Sky" to the Waishuangxi Cable Car, or circle back via the West Coast Trail to Sanqing Palace and return the same way via the Gangshou Cable Car—all excellent route options. I’ll be back.