21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Travel
Celestial Jade Pavilion in Penglai Sanxian Mountain 1

The Sanxian Mountain Scenic Area (Three Fairies Mountain) is located on the northern coast of Penglai District, Yantai City, Shandong Province, along the shores of the Yellow Sea. It is adjacent to the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea Scenic Area and the Three Immortals Mountain Hot Springs to the west, and faces the Changshan Islands across the sea to the north. It is a comprehensive scenic area that combines tourism, sightseeing, and leisure vacation. It is a shining gem on the golden tourist route of the Shandong Peninsula and is designated as a national AAAAA-level tourist attraction. It's name refers to the three immortal mountains in ancient mythological legends, namely "Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou." It is the place where Emperor Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Han Wu sought immortality and longevity during their eastern expeditions in search of immortals and elixirs. It is the origin of Chinese Eastern mythology, and the title of "Fairyland on Earth" is derived from here. Besides, the Scenic Area covers an area of over 360 acres, with a construction area of over 60,000 square meters. Designed by renowned universities such as Tsinghua, Peking, and Fudan, the construction cost amounted to 3.2 billion RMB. The gardens within are considered another model of classical Chinese gardens after the Old Summer Palace and the Summer Palace. It is acclaimed as a "mythical fairyland, Penglai reborn."

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 10.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: China
Copyright: © Yunxuan Dong