First Snow Falls on Fanjingshan: A Cool and Magnificent Winter Scene
In the early winter season, Fanjingshan occasionally welcomes its first snow. Snowflakes fall among the strange peaks, odd rocks, and mountain forests, cloaking everything in silvery white with swirling clouds and mist, presenting a cool and magnificent scene. When the sky clears after the snow, blue skies contrast with white snow, making the view exceptionally clear and pristine—a rare winter landscape.
In winter, Fanjingshan has low temperatures and abundant moisture, with snow scenes and rime frequently appearing at the summit. Under low temperatures and high humidity, clouds and mist condense on the branches, crystal clear and translucent; at this time there are relatively fewer visitors, and the mountains are especially quiet and serene. On clear days visibility is good, with snow colors contrasting against blue skies, suitable for quiet contemplation and photography. Since ancient times, Fanjingshan has been known for its ten wonders: strange rocks, rare trees, Buddha's halo, sea of clouds, cloud waterfalls, wondrous springs, rare birds, exotic beasts, snow scenes, and heavenly ladders—and the winter snow scene is one of them.
Travel Preparation: Staying Warm and Preventing Slipping Are Key
Fanjingshan has a high altitude, with an obvious temperature difference between the summit and the foot of the mountain. There is much cloud and mist, high humidity, and rapidly changing weather, so please check the day's forecast before setting out. In winter the summit may be icy, so be sure to wear a down jacket, hat, and gloves, and wear non-slip shoes; the boardwalks are wet and slippery, so walk slowly and hold on firmly.
- Stay warm: A down jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf—none can be left out. Pay attention to non-slip and warm footwear and socks.
- Windproof and non-slip: The mountain is windy with low temperatures, so take windproof and anti-slip measures.
- Keep devices warm: Pay attention to keeping phone and camera batteries warm to avoid rapid power drain in low temperatures.
- Essentials: Original ID card (real-name entry), rain gear, warm outerwear, non-slip shoes, as well as sufficient drinking water and a small amount of dry food—supplies on the mountain are limited.
Watch for Icy Roads and Cable Car Operations
Roads are slippery on snowy days with low temperatures, so please wear non-slip shoes, prepare warm clothing, and mind your gloves and hat. Before setting out, pay attention to the weather and road icing conditions. When icy, some sections and cable car operations may be affected; if operations are adjusted, follow on-site guidance, slow your pace, and put safety first.
Roads are slippery in winter—please do not venture to walk or climb near icy stone steps and guardrails; in severe weather, follow on-site guidance and adjust your itinerary promptly. Try to enter the park early and descend early, avoiding being stranded on the trails after dark.
Also Good to Know: The Winter Face of a World Natural Heritage Site
Fanjingshan is located in Tongren, Guizhou, and is the main peak of the Wuling Mountains, with a maximum altitude of 2572 m. It is one of the earliest places in southern China to rise from the ocean to land, and the summit still preserves primeval geological wonders to this day. This is one of the regions with the richest biodiversity at the same latitude worldwide, known as a "gene bank of biological resources," and was inscribed on the World Natural Heritage List in 2018.
Fanjingshan possesses a well-preserved primeval forest ecosystem at the same latitude worldwide, has a substantial area of dove tree (handkerchief tree) forest, and is the only habitat of the Guizhou golden monkey. 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. When going up the mountain in winter, provided you stay warm and prevent slipping, you can take in the scene of snow colors contrasting with blue skies, and also experience another side of this World Natural Heritage Site amid the quiet and serene mountains.