Sea of clouds + red leaves + starry sky, breathtaking beauty｜Nanny-level guide
Who gets it! Autumn at Sanqing Mountain literally brings a fantasy martial arts drama to life 😭
Certified by "Chinese National Geography" as the "top autumn destination," it’s no exaggeration. When the sea of clouds surges, it feels like walking on immortal mist; when the red leaves turn fiery, they’re more stunning than an oil painting. Even the ancient Taoist architecture comes with its own filter—every casual phone shot is wallpaper-worthy!
These three exclusive scenic wonders are locked in! Miss them and wait a whole year 👇
🌫️ Sea of Clouds and Strange Rocks: Fantasy drama at 0.5x speed
Be sure to catch the sunrise early in the morning! The moment the first ray of sunlight pierces the clouds, the entire valley transforms into the "hometown of mist."
The two top iconic rocks, Giant Python Emerging and Eastern Goddess, appear faintly in the sea of clouds. When the wind blows and the mist flows, it’s like a slow-motion fantasy drama! A friend on the trip posted a photo and everyone asked, "Is this photoshopped?" 😂
✨ Photo Tips: Go to the Nanqingyuan viewing platform between 6-7 AM, shoot the strange rocks and sea of clouds with the light behind you, 100% chance of great shots
🍁 West Coast Plank Road: The ultimate autumn atmosphere
The 1600-meter-high cliffside plank road is truly amazing! Below your feet are swirling ribbons of mist, beside you are contrasting red leaves and ancient pines, and sunlight streams through the gaps in the walkway. Every step feels like walking into a fairy tale.
The highlight is if there’s light fog in the afternoon, the mountains instantly turn into a "Monet garden," with pink and purple mist wrapping the red leaves. Straight out of the camera, it has a soft light filter effect—your posts will definitely get asked for the location!
🌌 Sanqing Palace Starry Sky: Comes with its own starry theater
Who would have thought there’s a surprise after nightfall! Sanqing Palace is far from city light pollution; looking up reveals a dazzling Milky Way pouring down. The flying eaves of the Taoist ancient buildings framed by the starry sky instantly give a "cultivating immortality and crossing tribulations" vibe.
✨ Photo Tips: Bring a tripod, shoot after 10 PM, and use your phone’s night mode for great shots
📝 Nanny-level travel guide (save to avoid pitfalls)
⏰ Best time
Mid to late October through mid-November! Peak red leaves, high chance of sea of clouds, and comfortable temperatures between 50-68°F (10-20°C)
🗺️ Must-do routes
- One-day tour: Take the cable car up → Nanqingyuan (see strange rocks and sea of clouds) → West Coast Plank Road (shoot red leaves) → Sanqing Palace (catch ancient buildings at dusk)
- Two-day tour: Day 1 Nanqingyuan + West Coast → stay at a mountain guesthouse; Day 2 watch sunrise at Yujing Peak → shoot starry sky at Sanqing Palace
🏠 Accommodation suggestions
For sunrise shots, choose a mountain guesthouse (like Rishang Mountain Villa, 10-minute walk to the viewing platform); for cost-effectiveness, stay in Sanqingshan Town at the foot of the mountain, around $15+ per person including breakfast
⚠️ Notes
- Big temperature difference on the mountain, bring a light down jacket or windbreaker
- Some plank road sections are steep, wear anti-slip sports shoes!
- Check weather forecast in advance; rainy days have thick mist but slippery paths, clear days have clearer starry skies
Take advantage of the perfect autumn light, stop going to overcrowded trendy spots! Come to Sanqing Mountain for a fantasy martial arts rendezvous with sea of clouds and red leaves, and pack the poetry of autumn in your bag~
Post by DragonfireEnchantment1234 | Oct 22, 2025
