Mount Sanqingshan National Park
Country
China
Inscribed in
2008
Criterion
(vii)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Mount Sanqingshan National Park, a 22,950 ha property located in the west of the Huyaiyu mountain range in the northeast of Jiangxi Province (in the east of central China) has been inscribed for its exceptional scenic quality, marked by the concentration of fantastically shaped pillars and peaks: 48 granite peaks and 89 granite pillars, many of which resemble human or animal silhouettes. The natural beauty of the 1,817 metre high Mount Huaiyu is further enhanced by the juxtaposition of granite features with the vegetation and particular meteorological conditions which make for an ever-changing and arresting landscape with bright halos on clouds and white rainbows. The area is subject to a combination of subtropical monsoonal and maritime influences and forms an island of temperate forest above the surrounding subtropical landscape. It also features forests and numerous waterfalls, some of them 60 metres in height, lakes and springs. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 Oct 2025
Good
Current state and trend of VALUES
Good
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Landscape of exceptional scenic quality
Criterion
(vii)
Mount Sanqingshan National Park’s (MSNP) remarkable granite rock formations combine with diverse forest, near and distant vistas, and striking meteorological effects to create a landscape of exceptional scenic quality. The most notable aspect is the concentration of fantastically shaped pillars and peaks. The natural beauty of Mt Sanqingshan also derives from the juxtaposition of its granite features with the mountain’s vegetation enhanced by meteorological conditions which create an ever-changing and arresting landscape (adapted from IUCN, 2008; World Heritage Committee, 2008; UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
Significant biological values
The site is geologically confined which creates an unusual ecological island of temperate forest within a subtropical landscape. Sanqingshan displays significant levels of species richness and endemism as well as a number of threatened species. 2,373 higher plant species and 401 vertebrate species have been recorded, of which 45 species are listed in the IUCN Red List. The property is also a refuge for a number of disjunct species (45 recorded species) being species of common biogeographic origin (IUCN, 2008; UNEP-WCMC, 2011).
Taoist Sacred Mountain
Mount Sanqingshan holds deep spiritual value as a sacred Taoist mountain, named for its three main peaks—Yujing, Yuxu, and Yuhua—which symbolize the Taoist Trinity: Yu Qing, Shang Qing, and Tai Qing (Liu, 2024). Taoist traditions here date back to the Eastern Jin Dynasty (357-361), when the renowned alchemist and sage Ge Hong practiced alchemy, taught Taoist doctrine, and wrote books in Sanqing Mountain. There remains the site of Dan Well dug by Ge Hong which, renowned as the “Immortal Well” for its clear, sweet, and magical water. Taoism flourished on the mountain during the Tang Dynasty, with the construction of the first temple, Sanqing Blessed Land, marking it as a vital center of Taoist worship and pilgrimage.
Assessment information
Overall, the park’s natural resources are in good condition. Residential occupation of the property is concentrated in lower lying valley areas with minimal impacts on the core values. Livelihoods have mostly shifted from farming, logging and hunting to tourism. Quarrying has been discontinued and quarrying sites are progressively being rehabilitated. The major threat, however, is from the growing number of tourists. The scenic area has implemented visitor flow control measures, strictly limiting the number of visitors during peak seasons. The design and implementation of a High-Quality Development Plan for Tourism Industry in Sanqingshan (2019-2025) represents a positive step forward in the planning and management of sustainable tourism development in the region.
Residential Areas
(Residential areas within the property)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Outside site
At the time of evaluation over 5,000 people were residents within the park and relocation programmes moved 1,000 people to settle in other areas. Resettlement programmes appear to be sensitively handled with adequate compensation to affected residents (IUCN, 2008). Since inscription, 1100 out of 5790 residents living inside the property have been resettled outside. Most villagers living inside the property have shifted their livelihoods from farming, logging, hunting to tourism (Su, 2016; State Party of China, 2023). Logging and hunting are banned although poaching has been reported in the past (IUCN Consultation, 2017).
Recreation & Tourism Areas
(Tourism infrastructure)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Two cable cars service the upper areas of the park providing access to most visitors. At the time of the 2008 evaluation associated visitor infrastructure was in place and stable and proposals for a third cable car had been rejected. Forecast tourism growth, however, poses the risk of further tourism infrastructure development (IUCN, 2008). Since inscription, over 100,000 sq meters of tourism facilities, including hotels and restaurants, were removed to reduce tourism impacts (Wu, 2015). No new infrastructure have been approved, and current visitor facilities aim to improve tourism quality and impact on the environment (State Party of China, 2023).
Recreational Activities
(Impact of tourism)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Tourism within the site boomed upon World Heritage inscription, increasing from 1.48 million in 2008 to 8.08 million in 2013 (Su, 2016). Even though a daily limit was set at 10,000 people/day, reports indicate that the number during the peak season could reach over 20,000/day (Sanqingshan official website, 2016; IUCN Consultation, 2025). However, in more recent years, the number of tourists received by the site has returned to around 1.3-1.4 million per year (State Party of China, 2023), and the daily average number of tourists is within the control of environmental tourist capacity. In 2024, 1.88 million visitors were reported (IUCN Consultation, 2025). Overcrowding, waste production, noise, visitor safety concerns, as well as vandalism (CGTN, 2019) require vigilant monitoring and management to mitigate impacts and ensure a quality visitor experience.
In 2017, three individuals damaged "The Giant Python Peak" hammering 26 rock anchors into the rock causing damage to the geological heritage site. The court sentenced one of three suspects to one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 yuan for the crime of intentionally damaging a scenic spot or historic site; another to six months in prison, with a one-year probation period, and a fine of 50,000 yuan; the third was exempted from criminal punishment. This case was the first in the country where damage to natural relics was punished as the crime of damaging a scenic spot or historic site (CGTN, 2019). Though this was a sporadic case, it demonstrates the need for ongoing vigilance.
According to the latest Periodic Report submitted by the State Party, a High-quality Development Plan for the Tourism Industry in Sanqingshan (2019-2025) has been formulated in 2019 and is effectively being implemented (State Party of China, 2023). The plan contains planning details for the sustainable tourism development, promotion of tourism environmental protection, strengthening supervision on tourism development.
In 2017, three individuals damaged "The Giant Python Peak" hammering 26 rock anchors into the rock causing damage to the geological heritage site. The court sentenced one of three suspects to one year in prison and a fine of 100,000 yuan for the crime of intentionally damaging a scenic spot or historic site; another to six months in prison, with a one-year probation period, and a fine of 50,000 yuan; the third was exempted from criminal punishment. This case was the first in the country where damage to natural relics was punished as the crime of damaging a scenic spot or historic site (CGTN, 2019). Though this was a sporadic case, it demonstrates the need for ongoing vigilance.
According to the latest Periodic Report submitted by the State Party, a High-quality Development Plan for the Tourism Industry in Sanqingshan (2019-2025) has been formulated in 2019 and is effectively being implemented (State Party of China, 2023). The plan contains planning details for the sustainable tourism development, promotion of tourism environmental protection, strengthening supervision on tourism development.
The most significant potential future threat relates to the rapid increase in the number of tourists visiting the property and the development of associated infrastructure, especially pressure to develop greater road access in response to increased visitor demand. Equally careful management of the buffer zone is needed to maintain an appropriate setting for the core areas of MSNP. Climate change impacts on the ecological and meteorological values of the site are monitored through one national meteorological observation station and ten meteorological observation points in Mount Sanqingshan, which can monitor the climate change in the site in real time. However, further study is required to fully understand the impacts of climate change on the values of the site.
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(Potential for road construction and upgrades)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
Upon inscription, concern was noted that increasing popularity will create pressure to widen roads and establish a through road system, particularly in low lying areas in the western section of the park (IUCN, 2008). Upgrades to transportation infrastructure within the site include a 40km-special tourism highway, connected to external transportation such as the Shangrao High-speed Railway Station and the surrounding expressways (IUCN Consultation, 2020). These upgrades have been constructed in the interests of managing tourism, ans so may be considered low threat, however care should be taken that they do not cater for tourist numbers which are beyond the carrying capacity for visitation, exceeding which may impact the values of the site.
Changes in Temperature Regimes, Changes in Precipitation & Hydrological Regime
(Climate change)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
The park is potentially vulnerable in part due to the vertical zonation of plants and animals and the lack of connectivity of the area to other natural areas. The development of appropriate buffer zones and corridors could alleviate this potential threat (IUCN, 2008). The extreme weather of heavy rainfalls has led to occasional small and medium-sized landslides (State Party of China, 2023). Preventative and control measures, such as mass monitoring and prevention, monitoring by patrol, and early warning and forecasting, have been developed. Sanqingshan Meteorological Bureau was established for the heritage site to monitor real-time climate change through one national meteorological observatory and ten meteorological observation sites. The data are logged and analyzed to assess the impact of climate change on the ecological and meteorological value, as well as the important geological heritage sites in the property (State Party of China, 2023). Despite comprehensive meteorological data to monitor climate within the site, there is a lack of understanding how exactly these changes may impact the values of the site (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
Considerable efforts to inform and gain the support of locals to the conservation of this site have been made both with the conduct of a campaign around the WH nomination and via the setting up of Village Committees. However more could be done to enhance participatory approaches in decision making. The State Party at the time of evaluation noted a successful resettlement programme was underway to remove people from more sensitive parts of the property. Resettlement programmes are sensitive and often contentious, however in this case resettled villagers appear to have been adequately compensated and appear satisfied (IUCN, 2008). According to local government report, all residents inside the property have either been relocated or involved in tourism (Wu Baolong 2015; Su, 2016). Indeed, Sanqingshan Administration Commission has set up special fund from the tourism revenue to return benefits to community residents using a series of beneficiary polices, such as providing medical insurance and offering free compulsory education (State Party of China, 2023).
Legal framework
The property is state owned land and protected under a number of national laws. It was designated a National Park in 1988 and a national Geopark in 2005 (IUCN, 2008). Global Geopark status was awarded in 2012 (UNESCO, 2014). A set of protective regulations on Management of Mount Sanqingshan National Park of Jiangxi Province enacted in 2006 overarch the national laws (State Party of China, 2023). All forest lands in the property are management by the park with compensations to resettled villagers (Wu Baolong, 2015). A series of management regulations were developed after the Geopark was awarded, including land, resources, wildlife, environment and tourism, including the Management Regulations of Sanqingshan Scenic Area, and the Stipulations on the Protection and Management of Geologic Relics in Sanqingshan (State Party of China, 2023). The Regulations on the Management of Sanqingshan was adopted for implementation by the Standing Committee of the Provincial People’s Congress of Jiangxi Province. The Regulations authorizes the status of the Sanqingshan Administration Commission as the main body of administrative law enforcement and clarifies the prohibited acts in the protected areas at all levels (State Party of China, 2023).
Governance arrangements
Management of the site has been the responsibility of the National Forestry and Grassland Administration Jiangxi Forestry Bureau and Shangrao Municipality with direct management delegated to the Management Committee of the MSNP. The Management Committee also acts as a coordination body bringing together the various departments of government at State, Provincial and Municipal levels who have a mandate or interest in the park (IUCN, 2008).
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
In the past, concerns regarding the consistency of the different Plans the property is subject to, with respect to development proposals have been expressed. The Master Plan (2020-2035) and a more detailed Conservation & Management Plan, and a High-quality Development Plan of Sanqingshan Tourism Industry have been revised and are currently under implementation. However, the documents were not publically available and thus could not been assessed regarding this matter. In general, the MSNP Management Committee acts as a coordination body which brings together the various departments at State, provincial and Municipal levels who have an interest in the park (IUCN, 2008), which will aid in the integration of site management into wider regional and national planning.
Boundaries
The park boundaries are appropriately drawn to protect the natural values of the landscape and the areas required to maintain the scenic qualities of the property. The property includes all of the granite peaks and pillars which provide the framework for its aesthetic values as well as important forest remnants and wildlife habitats. Boundaries are accurately surveyed and demarcated on the ground with more than 100 boundary markers and the buffer zone is similarly well demarcated and is actively managed in sympathy with the park (IUCN, 2008; State Party of China, 2023).
Overlapping international designations
Sanqingshan joined the Global Geopark Network (GGN) in 2012 and became a member of the UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015. The territory of Sanqingshan World Natural Heritage Site overlaps partially with that of Sanqingshan Global Geopark. Despite of differences in the highlights of work, both have commons goals in conservation and sustainable development and have been cooperating closely in various programs and activities (State Party of China, 2023).
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
There has been no State of Conservation report for the property since its inscription nor have there been any monitoring missions or State Party Reports. Hence Sanqingshan has not come back to the WH Committee to assess follow through on the recommendations at time of inscription (World Heritage Committee, 2008)
Climate action
Sanqingshan Meteorological Bureau was established for the heritage site to monitor real-time climate change through one national meteorological observatory and ten meteorological observation sites. The data are logged and analyzed to assess the impact of climate change on the ecological and meteorological value, as well as the important geological heritage sites in the property (State Party of China, 2023). No further information is available on the topic.
Management plan and overall management system
The direct management institution of the property and its buffer zone is Sanqingshan Administration Commission (State Party of China, 2023). The previous Master plan expired in 2020. According to the last Periodic Report submitted by the State Party, a new round of efforts on revising the Master Plan of the scenic and historic area was launched to effectively develop the "Revision of the Master Plan of Sanqingshan (2020-2035)". Various plans have been successively prepared, such as "Sanqingshan Conservation Management Plan" and "the High-quality Development Plan of Sanqingshan Tourism Industry". According to the latest periodic report, implementation could be improved (State Party of China, 2023).
Law enforcement
The Comprehensive Law Enforcement Administration assigns designated personnel to take charge of the management and maintenance of the geological heritage (State Party of China, 2023). Law enforcement is applied, e.g. in 2019 tourists who managed to scale the Giant Python peak by drilling holes into the mountainside were sentenced to prison and fined over six million yuan (about 859,800 U.S. dollars) in total for damage caused to a world heritage site (CGTN, 2019). An annual law enforcement crack-down on wildlife trade in restaurants of tourist facilities is applied.
Sustainable finance
Funding levels are considered adequate and stable on both the medium and long term (State Party of China, 2023). The majority of funds are provided by the government (around 70%), while the rest is covered by individual visitor charges. The management body of the site functions as a treasury of the county level financing with independent accounting qualifications. With rapid tourism development, tourism income is growing yearly, contributing to year-on-year increase in the total financial revenue and yearly decreasing ratio of no-tax revenue in total financial income. Besides, special funding from the national and provincial geological funds were applied with substantive increase.
Staff capacity, training and development
In 2023, the management body had 350 management staff members including 76 professions and technicians (State Party of China, 2023), showing a decrease compared to 583 staffs in 2015 (IUCN consultation, 2020). This significant change in number remains to be explained. Overall, staff capacity is considered adequate (State Party of China, 2023), despite a shortage in professional talent (IUCN consultation, 2024). Training programmes are in place and all technical skills are being transferred to those managing the property locally. Local villagers are engaged in park jobs (IUCN, 2008). Given that there is increasing wear on stepped and cantilevered pathways a strong maintenance team and safety culture are clearly major priorities.
Education and interpretation programmes
A large amount of visitor information is available and a new visitor centre in Fenshui has been built with state of the art interpretation in addition to new visitor centre and museums in the south and east of the site (IUCN, 2008; IUCN Consultation, 2020). The site has built the Sanqingshan Geo-Museum, Jinsha Visitor Center and Waishuangxi Visitor Center equipped with facilities such as LED display, bulletin boards, panels and broadcast centres, sand board models, etc., where information materials such as brochures, tour maps and guide books are available. With over 300 interpretive panels installed within the site, it provides tourists with information on geology, nature and culture as well as safety precautions (IUCN Consultation, 2025).
Tourism and visitation management
A High-quality Development Plan for Tourism Industry in Sanqingshan (2019-2025) was formulated in 2019 (State Party of China, 2023). The plan contains planning details for the sustainable tourism development, promotion of tourism environmental protection, strengthening supervision on tourism development so that the overall environment for tourism development in Sanqingshan will be upgraded. Pursuant to The Tourism Management Plan of Sanqingshan WHS, strict management and close monitoring have been implemented, and the conservation awareness of the general public was raised to achieve sustainable development and to maintain and enhance the property’s OUV (State Party of China, 2023). Two visitor centres with state of the art interpretation and museums in the south and east of the site provide large amount of visitor information (IUCN, 2008; IUCN Consultation, 2020; State Party of China, 2023). Tourist service facilities in the property provide daily services and necessities for tourists. The reasonably hidden arial plank paths and cable car system provide favorable transport means for tourists to access the scenic area for appreciating the unique landscapes and to experience the heritage value while minimizing damages to the tourism resources. The site has established a Smart Tourism Platform, which functions in perimeter protection, real-time visitor assistance, electronic guidance, big data and public opinion monitoring (IUCN Consultation, 2020) as well as the construction of special tourist highways within the site, which transport visitors around the site and to external modes of transport (IUCN Consultation, 2020). While tourism management is considered effective (State Party of China, 2023), concerns remain over the number of tourists within the site (between 1.3 and 1.5 million annual visitors between 2018 and 2022), and that such tourism infrastructure does not facilitate excess numbers of tourists to impact the values of the site.
Sustainable use
The most significant threat to the park comes from the rapid growth in tourism. The park plans to manage tourism growth through maintaining access restrictions and limiting daily numbers. Tourism facilities will be developed outside the core zone. There are two cable car systems in place which focus use. Visitor numbers are monitored and access is controlled through ticket and permit sales. Trail use is closely monitored and trails are well constructed in granite and would have the capacity to withstand larger numbers of visitors (IUCN, 2008). A High-quality Development Plan for Tourism Industry in Sanqingshan (2019-2025) was formulated in 2019 (State Party of China, 2023), containing planning details for the sustainable tourism development, promotion of tourism environmental protection and strengthening tourism monitoring. Its effectiveness remains to be assessed.
Monitoring
According to the latest Periodic Report, an indicator system conforming to heritage management requirements is developed to carry out regular monitoring of the integrity of granite geological and geomorphological relics, ecological and geological processes and biodiversity indicators, ecological environment, land use, tourist management, and natural disasters at the property (State Party of China, 2023). However, no further information was available to confirm it. All-weather monitoring is conducted at the Sanqingshan Meteorological Bureau.
Research
There is a comprehensive, integrated programme of research, which is relevant to management needs and/or improving understanding of Outstanding Universal (State Party of China, 2023). The site has cooperated with domestic and international research institutes and universities to carry out research projects, such as heritage conservation, geosciences, biodiversity inventories, landscape, and conservation planning, which has generated plentiful research achievements. For example, a doctoral dissertation paper titled “The Formation of Granite Geological and Geomorphic Features and Its Mechanisms of Sanqingshan, Jiangxi” was published in 2009 (Yang et al., 2009). However no more recent (since 2020) publications were identified.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
Mount Sanqingshan National Park is a small but well protected site which has historically benefitted from its remote access, however upgrades to external transportation hubs in recent years render the site increasingly accessible. The management measures and impressive levels of resourcing which have been applied to the property are effectively combatting external threats. Resettlement programmes have moved some people into the surrounding buffer zone and alternative livelihoods are being developed which are linked to the park. Controls and standards are in place for village development. The potential impact of climate change has not been investigated yet and requires more careful attention.
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
Four protective zones are allocated in management planning, each linked to use controls (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). More formal management effectiveness evaluation using the IUCN Framework has still not been undertaken to date. The park has however, invested significantly in resource survey programmes (UNEP-WCMC, 2011). Clear efforts have been made to address the tourism management issue through the construction and upgrading of tourism infrastructure, the development of a Tourism Plan and monitoring of key climate indicators. However concerns remain over the effectiveness of measures put in place and the implementation of management actions based on monitoring data.
The property has effective legal protection, a sound planning framework and is reported as being well managed with a revised Master plan for the site (2020-2025). Strong government support and funding ensures that the property’s natural resources are maintained in good condition and threats are considered manageable. The most significant threat relates to the increase in tourism, and careful and sensitive planning of the related infrastructure and access development is required. Concerns remain over the number of tourists within the site, and that upgraded tourism infrastructure does not facilitate excess numbers of tourists to impact the values of the site, however it’s rugged inaccessible typography affords protection to some extent in this regard and the development of a High-Quality Development Plan for Tourism Industry in Sanqingshan is a positive step forward to the development of sustainable tourism, even if its effectiveness still needs to be assessed. Overall, the protection and management of Mt Sanqingshan National Park is mostly effective.
Good practice examples
There are 165 households with 716 people in Baqi Village, Fenglin Town in Sanqingshan WHS, among whom, 28 are poor households with 73 people (State Party of China, 2023). Baqi Village is located in a remote mountainous area with scattered habitations, few income alternatives and poor infrastructure. The road network has not yet developed, communication facilities were outdated. Weak self-development ability make it difficult for them to master various new skills and agricultural sciences and technology. Sanqingshan Administration Commission has implemented poverty alleviation measures including infrastructure improvement, tourism projects, housing projects, and others, plans for the development of featured rural tourism industry were formulated with high standards. An ecological and environment-friendly hiking trail system for tourism was constructed, and various measures were taken to protect the roadside vegetation, streams, rocks and so on. The original residential settlements in Baqi were renovated, and boutique homestay inns were created maintaining traditional rural style and original cultural elements. Local villagers were guided to vigorously develop homestay inns and organize its own associations. The operation and management models were standardized to improve service quality. Baqi Village was transformed from a "provincial poverty village" to a "Provincial 3A Rural Tourist Area". Baqi Village is a successful model of ecotourism poverty alleviation. The commission has guided community residents to actively participate in conservation, management and development of the resources and environment, implemented a series of policies that benefit the people, and properly harmonized the relationship between "scenic preservation" and "making the people rich". The awareness of community residents to participate in conservation management continues to increase, forming satisfying situations of active participation in resource management and protection.
Landscape of exceptional scenic quality
Good
Trend
Stable
The remarkable granite rock formations which combine with the surrounding forest and meteorological conditions to give the site the scenic values for which it is inscribed on the World Heritage list are in good condition and intrinsically resilient to degradation. The 2008 evaluation provided a baseline for understanding the condition and state of the park’s Outstanding Universal Value. Since that time an updated WCMC Site Data sheet and limited stakeholder consultation report that values are stable. Up to date data is therefore somewhat lacking however, the park’s natural resources are reported to be in good condition and threats are considered manageable despite concerns over tourism numbers. In the past, act of vandalism by tourists damaged the Giant Python pillar (CGTN, 2019). Law enforcement was effectively implemented and will deter future inappropriate tourism activities. Overall, there is an effective management regime in place for the park which will ensure that the property retains its aesthetic values, with a delicate balance being found between the provision of visitor access and the maintenance of the OUV of the property (UNESCO SoOUV, 2008; UNEP-WCMC, 2011; IUCN Stakeholder consultation, 2012; IUCN Consultation, 2020, 2024; State Party of China, 2023).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Stable
At the time of the 2008 evaluation the values for which Sanqingshan was inscribed were fully intact. The park’s delicate granite rock features were in excellent condition as were the biological values of the site. More recent data is limited; however, rapid increases in tourist numbers since inscription may pose management challenges. Nevertheless, the area's rugged topography may limit access and human impacts, and the management system in place is considered appropriate to effectively maintain the integrity of the property's OUV.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important biodiversity values
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
Sanqingshan also has significant geological, biological and cultural values. Consistent with the assessment above it is assumed that biological values have equally been afforded good protection. Despite, forest cover being reported to have has suffered a net loss between 2000 and 2013 (Wang, 2015), class II forest resources survey in 2019 carried out by the site management, report that the forest coverage rate of the heritage site is higher than that in 2009. Therefore it is unclear as to the exact status of forest cover and health at this time. Monitoring of wildlife, land use and community development is being implemented through annual observation surveys, the previously mentioned class II forest resources survey and the third national land survey, however data or results do not appear to be made widely available.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
Good
Stable
The authenticity of the heritage sites and ruins, namely the Saqinggong Temple Complex, the Tomb of Zhan Biyun, and the Tomb of Wang Gu, is preserved (Lie, 2023). The Management Committee of Sanqingshan National Park effectively implements measures to protect the 1600-year-long Taoism cultural heritage of the property (IUCN consultation, 2024). Further enhancing the presentation of the heritage's cultural significance will help show the relative completeness of the Taoist landscape and form a solid basis for sustainable local tourism (Liu, 2023).
Additional information
History and tradition,
Sacred natural sites or landscapes,
Cultural identity and sense of belonging
Taoism is an ancient religious culture founded in China. Sanqingshan has been an important spiritual centre for Taoism since the East Jin Dynasty (A.D.317-A.D.420) and today historic Taoist stone structures, such as Sanqing Temple, Dragon and Tiger Palace and Wind and Storm Pagoda, remain important relics of the Taoism culture and add significantly to the cultural landscape of Sanqingshan (MSNP Management Committee, 2005). Mt Sanqingshan is one of eight mountain systems which are noted as comprising the sacred mountains of China.
Outdoor recreation and tourism
According to the State Party the ongoing benefits of tourism development include revenue raising, which in turn is used for conservation and research and promotion of the scientific and aesthetic values of the Park to both the academic community, and the general public (MSNP Management Committee, 2005)
The natural features of Sanqingshan assume significant importance in Chinese and global culture and add to the broader cultural and spiritual values of the park. The park includes a diversity of physical features including a series of v-shaped valleys, numerous waterfalls up to 60 m in height, lakes and springs, and 48 granite peaks and 89 granite pillars. These natural phenomena have proven to be a significant drawcard to a huge and ever-increasing number of tourists to the site over many years. With tourism come the benefits of income generation and investment in local communities and the promotion of alternative livelihoods linked directly to the park and indirectly through goods and service provision. The property also delivers significant ongoing possibilities for research and education.
References
| № | References |
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| 4 |
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YANG Ming-gui, YIN Guo-sheng, MA Zhen-xing, HUANG Zhi-zhong, LONG Mei-mei. 2009: The granite types and the formation of “Sanqingshan-type” granite peak forest in the Sanqingshan area, northeastern Jiangxi, China. Geological Bulletin of China, 28(10): 1511-1525. DOI: 10.12097/gbc.20091018
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