A "Gene Bank" of Species
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 ocean to land, and the summit still preserves primeval geological wonders. Here, one of the world's rare subtropical primary ecosystems is preserved, sheltering ancient and rare species dating back tens of millions to millions of years. According to scientific surveys, the number of species here runs into the thousands, making it an important "gene bank" of species in southwest China and one of the regions with the richest biodiversity at the same latitude worldwide. In 2018, Fanjingshan was inscribed on the World Natural Heritage List.
Fanjingshan has a well-preserved primary forest ecosystem at the same latitude worldwide, with a substantial area of dove tree (handkerchief tree) forest, and it is the only habitat of the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey. From evergreen broad-leaved forest at the foot of the mountain to deciduous broad-leaved forest higher up, the vertical vegetation zones are distinct, and higher plant species are rich. Nationally protected plants include the dove tree, and large areas of dove tree distribution have been found.
The Guizhou Snub-nosed Monkey and Other Rare Animals
The Guizhou snub-nosed monkey is a rare primate endemic to Fanjingshan, fewer in number than the giant panda. It is known as the "world's only child" and also called the "spirit of Fanjingshan." They live in evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forests at elevations of about 1,000 to 2,000 m, and their movements are secretive, so ordinary visitors usually find it hard to meet them in the wild. Besides the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey, nationally protected wild animals here also include the Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, clouded leopard, musk deer, tufted deer, serow, pangolin, mandarin duck, Temminck's tragopan, golden pheasant, Reeves's pheasant, and giant salamander.
- Amphibians such as the giant salamander live in the mountain streams;
- Birds such as the white-necked long-tailed pheasant, Temminck's tragopan, and golden pheasant can be seen in the forest, along with common forest birds such as the red-billed blue magpie;
- There are also mammals such as the masked palm civet and porcupine, together forming a complete forest ecology.
For rare species such as the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey and the dove tree, as well as ecosystems such as forests and streams, long-term monitoring and habitat protection work continue, to track species dynamics and maintain the ecological baseline.
Watch Civilly and Keep Your Distance from Wildlife
Whether you meet wild animals depends on luck and season, so please take it in stride and observe quietly. After entering the mountain forest, do not feed, chase, or disturb wild animals, and keep a safe distance; do not buy or carry wild animals or their products; take your rubbish with you and do not disturb the animals' habitat.
A Few Things You Can Do During Your Visit
Fanjingshan draws attention for its unique mountain ecosystem and rich biodiversity. Every plant, every stone, every stream here is hard-won; show a little more care during your visit, and the landscape will endure a little longer.
- Carry your rubbish down the mountain or put it in sorting facilities; do not drop or bury it on site;
- Do not pick flowers or branches, do not dig up plants, and do not take away any plant or stone;
- Walk along open trails, do not trample vegetation, and do not enter closed areas;
- Do not waste resources on single-use items, and reduce leftover food and packaging;
- Do not bring fire sources into the forest, and help keep forest fire safety.
Protecting this landscape depends on the participation of every visitor, so that the vitality of Fanjingshan continues for a long time to come.