Why Take the Classroom into the Mountains
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 ocean to land, and pristine geological wonders are still preserved at the summit today. It has a well-preserved primeval forest ecosystem at the same latitude in the world, and is one of the regions with the richest biodiversity at the same latitude globally. It is known as a "gene bank of biological resources" and was inscribed on the World Natural Heritage List in 2018.
Mountains and rivers, forests and rocks, and ancient temples can all become part of the lesson. Centered on themes such as geology, plants, animals, and ecological protection, study tours and nature observation activities for young people and the public are gradually emerging, allowing participants to integrate natural and cultural knowledge into on-site visits and to understand this mountain more intuitively while walking.
How to Choose Among the Three Themed Routes
- Nature and ecology: Observe forest vegetation, rare animals, and vertical climate zones. From evergreen broad-leaved forest at the foot of the mountain to deciduous broad-leaved forest higher up, the vertical vegetation spectrum is distinct, making it a good time for observation and record-keeping.
- Geology and landforms: The origins of strange peaks, unusual rocks, and rock strata can be understood with the help of illustrations and text. Hongyun Golden Summit, Mushroom Rock, and Wan Juan Jing Shu are all intuitive subjects for observation.
- History and culture: Ancient temple remains and mountain legends are suitable for experiencing the cultural threads.
Plant and animal resources are the focus of nature observation. In terms of plants, nationally protected species include the dove tree, and a large area of dove tree distribution has been found. In terms of animals, there are hundreds of vertebrate species, and nationally protected wild animals include the Guizhou golden monkey, Assamese macaque, rhesus macaque, clouded leopard, forest musk deer, tufted deer, serow, pangolin, mandarin duck, Temminck's tragopan, golden pheasant, Reeves's pheasant, and giant salamander. Among them, the Guizhou golden monkey is known as the "spirit of Fanjingshan," with a small remaining population found only in the Fanjingshan area of the Wuling Mountains.
Itinerary Design and On-Site Organization
Before setting out, divide into groups, clarify topics and small tasks, and take notes while observing. Combine explanation with observation, control the number of stops, and allow enough time for experience. After the activity, organize sharing sessions and turn what was seen and heard into a short summary. Group leaders should supervise throughout, clarify meeting points and contact methods, and arrange routes according to ability.
Climate also affects itinerary arrangements. Fanjingshan belongs to the East Asian monsoon climate zone. Temperatures decrease as elevation rises, summers are cool, winters are not severe, and the air is humid, making it a well-known mountain for summer retreats. There is much cloud and mist in the mountains and relatively abundant precipitation, which also creates the unique landscapes of sea of clouds and Buddha's halo. Since ancient times, there has been a saying of ten wonders: strange rocks, rare trees, Buddha's halo, sea of clouds, cloud waterfalls, wondrous springs, rare birds, unusual beasts, snow scenes, and heavenly ladders. Landmark scenic spots include Hongyun Golden Summit, Moon Mirror Mountain, Ten-Thousand-Meter Sleeping Buddha, Mushroom Rock, Wan Juan Jing Shu, Jiulong Pool, and Phoenix Mountain.
A Few Rules to Remember Before Entering the Mountains
- Carry trash down the mountain or put it into sorting facilities; do not discard or bury it on site;
- Do not pick flowers or branches, do not dig up plants, and do not disturb or feed wild animals;
- Walk along open trails, do not trample vegetation, and do not enter closed areas;
- Do not waste resources by using disposable items, and reduce leftover food and packaging;
- Do not bring ignition sources into the forest, and help protect forest fire safety;
- Care for plants and cultural relics, do not carve or make noise, visit respectfully, and pay attention to safety.
When carrying out nature education activities, please follow the relevant requirements of the reserve, do not disturb wild animals, and do not damage vegetation. Every plant and tree, every rock and stream in the mountains is hard-won. With a little more care during your visit, the landscapes will endure a little longer.