Known as the top mountain in Guizhou and the highest of the Wuling Mountain Range, Fanjing Mountain is situated at the intersection of the three counties of Jiangkou, Yinjiang and Songtao in Tongren city, Guizhou province. Its highest peak, Mount Phoenix, stands some 2,572 meters above sea level. In 1986, it was listed as one of the first national nature reserves in China and brought under the protection of UNESCO's Man and Biosphere Program.

Fanjing Mountain became a sacred Buddhist site early in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It was as famous as Mount Emei, Mount Wutai, Mount Putuo and Jiuhua Mountain for a long time. However, the mountain is now better known for its magnificent natural landscape and subtropical ecology, featuring rare plants and wildlife. The over 80-meter-high Larger Golden Peak at the top of the mountain offers a fantastic sight: a steep stone pillar supporting a huge square rock known as the "Pile of 10,000 Books". The most precious wildlife and plant species include the golden monkey and the Chinese dove tree.

Visitors can feast their eyes on views of mountains shrouded in mist and clouds, beautiful vegetation, steep cliffs, echoing caverns and ancient bridges. Those lucky enough will see the mysterious spectacles of Buddha's light and the projection of human shadows against the fog. Also, don't forget to experience the authentic cultures of the Tujia, Miao, Dong and Qiang at the foot of the mountain.

Tips

Best time to go: March to November

Admission: 110 yuan ($17.97)/person in peak-season (March 1-November 30), 90 yuan/person in low-season (December 1-February 28)

How to get there: You can take a bus to Fanjing Mountain at Tongren Railway Station or follow the transfer route: Yuping Railway Station -- Tongren Bus Station -- Jiangkou Bus Station -- Fanjing Mountain