
Yangqi Mountain Scenic Area is located in the central part of Shangli County, Pingxiang City, Jiangxi Province, with a planned area of 57.2 square kilometers. It is 10 kilometers away from Pingxiang City, 100 kilometers away from Changsha, and 240 kilometers away from Nanchang. National Highway 319, Shanghai-Kunming Expressway, Changli Expressway, and Changnanhang High-speed Railway pass through the area, and the inter-regional transportation and location conditions are very advantageous.
The scenic area comprises four scenic areas: Yangqi Putong Temple, Nielong Cave, Fengming Lake, and Jiulong Cave, as well as surrounding attractions such as Yaojinshan Temple and Li Ting's former residence. Featuring ancient Zen temples, karst landscapes, and natural ecology, it primarily offers religious culture, leisure and vacation activities, karst exploration, and science education. On March 29, 2017, it was listed as one of the ninth batch of national scenic spots.
The Yangqi Mountain Scenic Area boasts rich and unique natural and cultural resources, primarily embodied in the light of Zen Buddhism. With a history spanning over 1,200 years, Yangqi Putong Temple is the founding site of the Yangqi sect and the site of its revival. The Yangqi sect, one of the five schools and seven sects of Chinese Zen Buddhism, is deeply revered by its teachings of "directly pointing to the human heart, realizing the true nature and the Buddha" and closely integrated with daily life. This tradition laid the foundation for the Yangqi sect to succeed the Linji sect as the orthodox lineage. The saying "Yangqi's lamp shines through the ages" is widely hailed within Buddhist circles, and the sect holds a prominent position and extraordinary influence within Chinese Buddhism. The Qing Dynasty's "Zhi Yue Lu" compiles records of 710 individuals with outstanding deeds, sayings, biographies, and pagoda inscriptions from the Southern Song Dynasty to the reign of Emperor Kangxi, of which 470 are from the Yangqi clan.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate;
You can enjoy flowers in spring, escape the heat in summer, climb mountains in autumn, and enjoy the snow scenery in winter. All four seasons are suitable for travel.
The Yangqi Mountain Scenic Area has "Twenty-Four Scenic Spots": the five main peaks of Yangqi Mountain - Shoutao Peak, Yangqi Putong Temple, Fengming Lake, Anshan Pass, Mountaintop Spring (Yangqi Reservoir or Xiaotianchi), Monkey Rock, Hanpo Rock, Guanyin Cliff, Guanyin Cave, Ziwu Spring, Zhangkou Lion Ridge, Wanshan Nest, Pig's Mouth, Yinshui Cave, Qianqiu Field, Tielongguanhu, Hexian Temple, Square Bamboo Forest, Chenjiatian Guanyin Hall, Yangqi Thousand Caves (Nielong Cave, Jiulong Cave, Baiyuan Cave, Luohan Cave, Wanren Cave), the Three Treasures of the Tang Dynasty (Tang Pagoda, Tang Stele, Tang Cypress), Wen Tingshi Tomb, Yangqi Wan'an Temple (destroyed), Wanshou Palace, White Horse Temple, Mao Family Cultural Village, Red Fish Cultural Village, and Caodong Sect Ancient Tombs.
Two days of play are recommended
Free admission. The scenic area is free to open. If you want to visit Miyun Cave, you need to buy a separate ticket for 80 yuan.
Open all day
Yangqi Mountain is a famous scenic area in Jiangxi known for its natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage. It has been a place of worship for centuries and is home to a number of temples, ancient structures, and natural landmarks that attract both tourists and spiritual seekers.
Yangqi Mountain is located in Pingxiang, Jiangxi Province. Visitors can reach it by taking a taxi or private car from Pingxiang city center. There are no direct metro lines, but local buses may also provide access to the base of the mountain. From there, visitors can walk or take a short shuttle to the main attractions.
The scenic area is open year-round, but the best times to visit are in the spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the mountain foliage is vibrant. The park generally opens from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
The entrance fee is approximately 60 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. Some online platforms may offer ticket reservations in advance, but it is not mandatory.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance, but booking ahead may be helpful during peak seasons (such as holidays). You can book tickets online a few days in advance if preferred.
A visit to Yangqi Mountain can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the extent of exploration. For those who enjoy hiking and photography, it may take a full day to appreciate the scenery and visit all the key sites.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and can be arranged at the entrance. Audio guides may also be available for rental, depending on the season.
The best viewpoints are near the summit temple, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges and valleys. The waterfalls along the trails also offer great photo opportunities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset.
The recommended route begins at the base of the mountain, where visitors can take a leisurely hike up the trail, stopping at key points such as the waterfalls and unique rock formations. The summit temple should be the final destination, where visitors can enjoy the views before descending.
Night visits are not typically available, as the scenic area closes in the evening. There are no light shows or special tours offered, but the area offers a peaceful atmosphere for daytime exploration.
The area can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit on weekdays, particularly during the morning hours after the park opens.
The area has basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas along the trails. There are no large food courts, but small shops selling snacks and bottled water are available. It’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks if planning to hike extensively.
The hiking trails may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors, as the terrain can be uneven and steep. However, there are some paved paths leading to the temple that are more accessible. Children will enjoy the natural beauty but should be supervised during the hike.
Cash is accepted at most places, but mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay or Alipay) are also commonly used throughout the area. It is recommended to bring both cash and a mobile payment option for convenience.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local restaurants, particularly dishes made with tofu, vegetables, and noodles. Halal food is limited, but there are a few options available in nearby Pingxiang.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance where visitors can purchase local crafts, such as handmade pottery, traditional paintings, and postcards featuring the scenic views of Yangqi Mountain.
After visiting, taxis and buses are available to take visitors back to Pingxiang city or onward to other nearby attractions. For longer trips, the Pingxiang Railway Station offers access to other cities in Jiangxi province and beyond.