Why Fanjingshan's sky phenomena stand out
The main peak rises about 2,572 m, the highest in the Wuling range, with a huge relief and abundant moisture that keeps it wreathed in cloud. Great vertical drop meets plentiful vapour to create cloud seas, cloud waterfalls and the "Buddha's halo," making it a well-known spot for such sights.
Cloud seas and cloud waterfalls
When valley vapour condenses under the right conditions, cloud gathers at mid-height into a sea, spills over the summit and pours along the cliffs as a "cloud waterfall." Standing on the summit as peaks break through the cloud is one of Fanjingshan's most moving sights.
The Buddha's halo (glory)
The "halo" is an optical phenomenon: sunlight from behind the observer diffracts through water droplets in the cloud, forming a coloured ring around the observer's shadow. It appears from time to time near the new and old Golden Peaks, and was once seen as an auspicious omen.
When it is more likely
- After rain clears, while cloud still lingers;
- Around sunrise and sunset, when the light angle is right;
- In autumn and winter, when moisture and temperature differences favour it;
- It takes luck — linger on the summit and look in several directions.
Viewing tips
- It is windy and cold on top — dress warmly and block the wind;
- Visibility is low in cloud — stay within open areas and behind barriers;
- To shoot the halo, let your shadow fall on the cloud with the sun behind you.
