Introduction: According to geological investigations, Sanqingshan was submerged by the sea three times. Some people say that the West Coast was the coastline back then. In order to let tourists experience the infinite charm of the West Coast, in 2002, the Sanqingshan Management Committee invested more than 20 million yuan. Workers tied long ropes and hung down from the cliff to drive piles and construct, and paved roads by erecting scaffolding. It took five months to build a high-altitude plank road on the cliff, namely the Xihai Plank Road. The West Coast starts from the fork in the road 50 meters after Liuxia Terrace in the south and ends at the southwest side of Hanxing Pond in Sanqingfudi of Sanqinggong Scenic Area in the north. The average altitude is about 1600 meters. The total length is about 4 kilometers, and the width is only 1.3-2 meters. From a distance, it is like a jade belt surrounding the precipitous cliff. It is the most breathtaking and beautiful scenic area of Sanqingshan. Visiting the West Coast, you can see four major wonders: high-altitude plank road, sea of clouds (in addition to the ordinary sea of clouds, there are also roaring ‘loud clouds’ and surging ‘waterfall clouds’, etc.), grand canyon, and famous ancient trees. Along the way, there are sheer cliffs, steep peaks and crags, stretching for thousands of meters and winding for several miles. Strange rocks and ingenious rocks are in various poses and welcome visitors on both sides. Ancient pines, fragrant cypresses, redwoods, and azaleas are dazzling and come into view. Flying clouds and flowing mists, immortal winds and holy auras surround and embrace you, caressing your face and refreshing your heart. What you see and feel is extraordinary.
Recommended scenic spots: Child Prodigy Carrying a Pine Tree, Vows of Eternal Love, Xixia Port, West Sea Bay, Guanyin Presenting a Son, Immortal Bridge Pier, Mazu Navigation, Feixian Valley, Emerald Valley, Monkey King Presenting a Treasure, Mother and Son Pine, Gourd Bay. Opening hours: Open all day throughout the year. Must-see tips: 1. The Sanqingshan entrance ticket allows for free mountain climbing twice. However, you need to register your ID card before entering or exiting the station. During the National Day Golden Week, this service is not available. For specific operations, consult the ticket window. 2. One of the major features of the West Coast is watching the sunset. It is recommended to play in scenic areas such as Wanshouyuan, Nanqingyuan, and Sunshine Coast during the day. In the afternoon, come around from Sanqinggong and wait for the sunset while touring the West Coast. 3. It takes about an hour of walking on steps from the upper station of the southern cableway to reach the plank road of the West Coast. The suspended plank road on the West Coast is relatively flat. It is about 4 kilometers long and is easier to walk than climbing the mountain earlier. 4. The Monkey King Presenting a Treasure and Vows of Eternal Love on the West Coast, as well as Liuxia Terrace in the southwest of the West Coast, are ideal shooting spots for sunset and sunset glow. 5. Sanqingshan sunset and darkness schedule: Spring (February – April): Sunset: 17:00 – 18:30, Darkness: 18:00 – 19:00. Summer (May – July): Sunset: 18:30 – 19:00, Darkness: 19:00 – 19:30. Autumn (August – October): Sunset: 17:30 – 19:00, Darkness: 18:30 – 19:30. Winter (November – January of the following year): Sunset: 17:00 – 17:30, Darkness: 17:30 – 18:00.For those who wish to view the sunset, it is important to remember that it will be dark afterward. Don’t forget to bring a flashlight with you.
