Why This Mountain Needs Extra Care
Fanjingshan is located in Tongren, Guizhou, and is the main peak of the Wuling Mountains, with a maximum elevation of 2572 m. It is also one of the earliest places in southern China to rise from the sea to land, and pristine geological wonders remain at the summit to this day. It has a well-preserved primeval forest ecosystem at the same latitude worldwide, is one of the regions with the richest biodiversity at the same latitude globally, and is known as a "gene bank of biological resources." In 2018 it was inscribed on the World Natural Heritage List.
Every plant, every tree, every rock and every stream in the mountains is hard-won. For visitors preparing to go, a little more care during the trip means the landscapes will last a little longer; protecting nature is, in fact, also protecting our own journey.
Specific Ways to Visit Respectfully
After entering the scenic area, put the following into practice. It will not affect your own travel experience, and it will reduce disturbance to the mountain ecology.
- Waste disposal: Carry your waste down the mountain with you or put it in sorting facilities. Do not drop it on the spot or bury it.
- Vegetation protection: Do not pick flowers or branches, do not dig up plants, and do not trample vegetation.
- Animal protection: Do not disturb or feed wild animals. Fanjingshan is the only habitat of the Guizhou golden monkey, known as the "spirit of Fanjingshan." Its existing population is small, and it is found only in the Fanjingshan area of the Wuling Mountains. The area is also home to nationally key protected wild animals such as the Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, clouded leopard, forest musk deer, tufted deer, serow, pangolin, mandarin duck, Temminck's tragopan, golden pheasant, Reeves's pheasant and Chinese giant salamander.
- Walking routes: Walk along open trails and do not enter closed areas.
A Few More Things to Keep in Mind
Beyond waste and vegetation, some details also matter for mountain safety and resource conservation. Reduce the use of single-use items, avoid wasting resources, and reduce leftover food and packaging. Do not bring fire sources into the forest, and help keep forest fire prevention safe.
Be a respectful visitor and leave the wonderful experience for the next guest. May the mountains and waters remain as they are with every visit.
A Little Background: What Kind of Mountain You Are Protecting
Fanjingshan has a substantial area of dove tree (handkerchief tree) forest. Nationally key protected plants include the dove tree, and large areas of dove tree distribution have been found. From evergreen broad-leaved forest at the foot of the mountain to deciduous broad-leaved forest higher up, the vertical vegetation zones are distinct. Thousands of species of wild animals and plants thrive here, and the forest coverage rate is high, making it an important refuge for rare animals and plants.
In terms of climate, Fanjingshan belongs to the East Asian monsoon climate zone. Temperatures decrease as the terrain rises; summers are cool and winters are not severely cold, and the air is humid, making it a well-known mountain retreat for summer. There is a lot of cloud and mist in the mountains and relatively abundant precipitation, which also creates the unique sea of clouds and Buddha's halo landscapes. As for scenery, since ancient times there has been talk of ten wonders: strange rocks, remarkable trees, Buddha's halo, sea of clouds, cloud waterfalls, wondrous springs, rare birds, unusual beasts, snow scenes and the heavenly ladder. Landmark attractions include Hongyun Golden Summit, Moon Mirror Mountain, the Ten-Thousand-Meter Sleeping Buddha, Mushroom Rock, Ten Thousand Scrolls of Scriptures, Nine Dragons Pool and Phoenix Mountain. Knowing these things makes it easier to understand why every step along the way is worth taking a little more lightly and a little more slowly.