Forest Colours and Summit Views After the Arrival of Autumn
After autumn arrives, as temperatures drop and the difference between day and night temperatures widens, the trees of Fanjingshan gradually turn from green to yellow and then to red, dyeing the forest in layer upon layer of colour. If you happen to be there just after rain when the sky first clears and the mist has not yet dispersed, the sea of clouds and the colourful forest set each other off — a splendid sight rarely seen at the summit in any other season of the year.
The main peak of Fanjingshan rises about 2572 m above sea level and is the highest peak of the Wuling Mountains. With its great elevation difference and abundant moisture, it is shrouded in cloud and mist all year round. The huge vertical drop meeting plentiful water vapour has created such celestial wonders as seas of clouds, cloud waterfalls and Buddha's halo. The autumn climate is relatively pleasant and well suited to hiking, but the summit is windy and cold, with chilly mornings and evenings, so please bring warm clothing.
Seas of Clouds and Cloud Waterfalls: When and Where to See Them
When water vapour in the valleys condenses under certain conditions, cloud and mist gather at the mountainside into a sea, spill over the peaks and pour down along the cliffs, forming a "cloud waterfall." Standing at the summit at such a moment, with lone peaks piercing the clouds and the scene changing by the second, is one of the most moving sights of Fanjingshan. Seas of clouds mostly form in the early morning just after rain when the sky first clears and the day-night temperature difference is large; they appear relatively more often in autumn, winter and early spring. They depend heavily on weather and season, so a little luck is needed.
- Looking down from high places: Climb to a high point and watch the waves of cloud surge and the peaks fade in and out of view — the most magnificent spectacle of all.
- The Hongyun Golden Summit area: The summit and the sea of clouds in one frame make the most classic picture.
- Along the cable car route: On the way up by cable car you may also pass through the clouds — don't spend the whole ride looking down.
Around sunrise in the early morning and around sunset in the evening, when the angle of light is right, it is easier to see the sea of clouds. Whether you see it depends on the weather, and conditions on the ground are what count; while enjoying the view, stand firm and hold on, never climb over the railings, and put safety first.
How to See the Buddha's Halo: Conditions and Viewing Tips
The "Buddha's halo" is an optical phenomenon: when sunlight shines from behind the observer, the light is diffracted by water droplets in the cloud and mist around the person's shadow, forming a coloured ring in which your own shadow can be seen. Around the New and Old Golden Summits, this phenomenon appears from time to time. It is more likely to be encountered just after rain when the sky first clears and the mist has not dispersed, around sunrise in the early morning and around sunset in the evening, and in autumn and winter when moisture and temperature-difference conditions are favourable.
- Seeing it takes luck; it is worth staying on the mountain a while longer and watching in several directions.
- The summit is windy and cold, so dress warmly and guard against the wind while enjoying the view.
- Visibility is low in cloud and mist, so view only within open areas and do not cross the railings.
- When photographing the Buddha's halo, let your shadow fall on the cloud and mist and keep your back to the sunlight — the ring is more likely to appear.
Photography and Itinerary Planning
Early morning and late afternoon offer soft light and fewer visitors — the best times for photographs; just after rain when the sky first clears, the sea of clouds is easy to see and makes the classic Fanjingshan picture; at midday the light is harsh, so you can shoot the texture of the rock faces or use tree shadows in your composition. Must-shoot spots include the Hongyun Golden Summit, Mushroom Rock, the Old Golden Summit and the sea of clouds: at the Hongyun Golden Summit you can shoot upward at the steepness of the lone peak soaring into the sky, or from the viewing platform opposite capture the twin peaks and the sky bridge; Mushroom Rock, shot in side-backlight, reveals its layers of rock slabs and its strange shape — broad on top and narrow below; from the Old Golden Summit you look down over the mountains and the sea of clouds, with the best light at sunrise and sunset; and the sea of clouds can be shot through ridges and peak forests for clearly defined layers.
- Check the sunrise time, arrive early to pick your spot, and wait ten or twenty minutes — the scene often changes.
- Use a wide angle for the grand scenes of cloud sea and peak forest, and a medium-to-long telephoto to compress the layers; bring plenty of batteries and memory cards, as supplies on the mountain are limited.
- It is windy and slippery, so guard your equipment against slipping and falling; mornings on the mountain are windy and cold, so bring warm clothing and non-slip shoes.
- While enjoying the scenery, please stay on the open trails and do not pick flowers or break branches — leave the beauty in the mountains.