Mount Fanjing, or Fanjingshan, located in Tongren City, Guizhou Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and spiritual significance as one of China’s five sacred Buddhist mountains. Rising to 2,570 meters as the highest peak of the Wuling Mountains, it offers dramatic landscapes, unique rock formations like the iconic Mushroom Stone, and ancient temples perched on precarious summits. This guide will help you plan a memorable trip to this mystical destination, celebrated by National Geographic as one of the “Best Trips in 2019.”
A Travel Guide to Mount Fanjing
Why Visit Mount Fanjing?
Mount Fanjing is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, photographers, and spiritual seekers. Its subtropical forests harbor over 2,000 plant species and rare animals like the endangered Guizhou golden monkey. The mountain’s three summits—Red Clouds Golden Summit (2,336m), Old Golden Summit (2,493m), and Phoenix Golden Summit (2,572m)—offer panoramic views of mist-shrouded peaks and bizarre geological formations. As the “bodhimaṇḍa” of Maitreya Buddha, it’s a pilgrimage site with temples like the Temple of the Buddha and Maitreya Temple atop the Red Clouds Golden Summit, connected by a narrow bridge over a gorge. Its UNESCO status (2018) underscores its ecological and cultural value, making it a must-visit for those exploring China’s southwest.
How to Get There
Mount Fanjing is in Tongren City, at the junction of Jiangkou, Yinjiang, and Songtao counties, about 248 km from Guiyang and 220 km from Zhangjiajie. Tongren is the main gateway:
By Air: Tongren Fenghuang Airport (87 km from Fanjing, ~1.5-hour drive) serves domestic flights from Beijing (2.5h), Shanghai (2.5h), Guiyang (1h), Guangzhou (1.5h), and more. Taxis or direct buses to Fanjing cost ~¥100–150. From the airport, take a shuttle bus or taxi to Jiangkou County, then a local bus to the scenic area.
By Train: Tongren South Railway Station offers bullet trains from Guiyang (1.5h, ¥147 second-class), Chengdu (5h), Chongqing (3.5h), Changsha (2–2.5h), and Guangzhou (5h). From the station, walk 500m to the Tongren Tourism Passenger Station for buses to Fanjing (7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 2:50 PM; ¥32, ~1h 40m). The last bus back to Tongren is at 6:00 PM.
By Bus: From Guiyang, a direct coach to Fanjing takes ~4–5 hours (¥120–150). Buses depart from Guizhou Provincial Stadium North Gate at 7:00 AM. Alternatively, take a bullet train to Tongren, then transfer to a local bus. From Jiangkou County (closest town, 30-minute bus to Fanjing), buses to the mountain gate run from 6:00 AM (~¥10).
By Car: A private car from Guiyang takes ~3.5 hours; from Tongren, it’s ~1 hour. Parking is available at the visitor center (¥10–20).
Tip: Book train or bus tickets in advance via Trip.com or Ctrip, especially during peak seasons. Combine Fanjing with nearby Zhangjiajie or Fenghuang Ancient Town for a multi-destination trip.
Best Time to Visit
Optimal Seasons (March–November): Spring (March–May) offers blooming rhododendrons and mild weather (13–20°C), while autumn (September–November) features clear skies and vibrant foliage. Summer (June–August) is lush but crowded and rainy.
Weather Considerations: The summit is cooler (8–9°C lower than the base) and often foggy, enhancing the mystical vibe but requiring rain gear. Avoid national holidays (e.g., National Day in October) to escape crowds.
Winter (December–February): Less recommended due to fog, ice, and cold (-1°C to -6°C), but rime and snow can be scenic for hardy travelers.
Photography Tip: Visit early morning after rain for Zen fog, Buddha Light (a halo-like phenomenon), and stunning sunrises.
Tickets and Opening Hours
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry at 2:00 PM for safety; no overnight stays allowed). Summits may close during heavy snow, rainstorms, or icy conditions.
Ticket Prices: Entrance: ¥100 (includes shuttle bus to cable car station). Cable Car (round-trip): ¥140. Combo ticket (entrance + cable car): ~¥240. Discounts for students, seniors (60+), and children under 1.2m (free).
Booking: Reserve tickets 7 days in advance via Trip.com or WeChat during peak seasons (July–August, October). On-site purchase is available but riskier during holidays.
What to See and Do
Red Clouds Golden Summit: The highlight, a 94m-tall pinnacle with two temples (Temple of the Buddha and Maitreya Temple) atop split peaks, connected by a stone bridge. The 100m vertical climb is challenging but offers surreal views. Not recommended for those with acrophobia.
Mushroom Stone: A 10m-high rock formation resembling a mushroom, formed over millions of years. Located near the Old Golden Summit, it’s a must-see for its geological wonder and cultural significance, symbolizing Buddhist resilience.
Old Golden Summit (2,493m): Features a temple to Buddha Dipamkara and reflective rock surfaces dubbed “Moon Mirror Mountain.” Offers panoramic views and proximity to Mushroom Stone.
Hiking: Climb ~8,888 steps (4–5 hours) from the base for a rewarding trek through forests and past waterfalls. Alternatively, take the cable car (20 minutes) and hike 30–40 minutes to key sites. The “Stairway to Heaven” to the summits is steep but iconic.
Wildlife and Flora: Spot rare species like the Guizhou golden monkey, Chinese dove tree, or Reeve’s pheasant. The forest is a biodiversity hotspot, with over 7,100 species.
Cultural Sites: Visit Cheng’en Temple (Ming Dynasty, at the summit base) and Longquan Temple (with a 5m golden Maitreya statue) for Buddhist heritage. The Fanjingshan Buddhist Cultural Park is another spiritual stop.
Photography: Capture the sea of clouds, rock formations, and temples. Drones require a permit due to park regulations.
Where to Eat
On-Site: Food stalls along the hiking paths and near the cable car station offer snacks (noodles, dumplings, tea; ¥10–30). Options are basic, so bring your own snacks for variety.
Jiangkou County: Restaurants serve Guizhou specialties like spicy noodles, grilled fish, and Miao-style sour soup (¥20–50). Try local eateries near the bus station.
Tongren City: More dining options, including Dicos, KFC, and Chinese restaurants (¥30–80).
Tip: Pack water and high-energy snacks, as hiking can be strenuous.
Where to Stay
No accommodations exist on the mountain, so stay in nearby towns:
Jiangkou County (30 minutes from Fanjing): Mount Fanjing Borui Resort: Modern, ideal for UNESCO site access, ~¥300–500/night. Budget guesthouses: ¥100–200/night, with basic amenities.
Tongren City (1–1.5 hours away): Vienna Hotel Tongren: Mid-range, ~¥200–350/night. Tongren Grand Hotel: Upscale, ~¥400–600/night.
Near Mountain Entrance: Small guesthouses (~¥80–150/night) offer convenience but limited facilities.
Booking: Use Ctrip or Booking.com for deals. Book early for spring and autumn.
Tips for a Great Visit
Dress Appropriately: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a raincoat, umbrella, and long-sleeve layers, as weather is unpredictable. Physical Preparation: The 8,888 steps are strenuous; those with health issues or fear of heights should opt for the cable car.
Safety: No hiking after 4:00 PM or summit access after 2:00 PM. Watch for snakes in autumn and avoid cliffs during thunderstorms. Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at temples and follow Buddhist etiquette (no loud noises or photography inside).
Combine Your Trip: Visit nearby Fenghuang Ancient Town (2 hours away), Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (3–4 hours), or Kaili’s Miao villages for a richer Guizhou experience.
Final Thoughts
Mount Fanjing is a captivating blend of natural splendor, spiritual depth, and cultural heritage. From the gravity-defying temples atop Red Clouds Golden Summit to the lush forests teeming with rare wildlife, it offers an adventure that’s both physically exhilarating and soul-stirring. Plan ahead to avoid crowds, embrace the misty ambiance, and immerse yourself in this “Brahma’s Pure Land” for an unforgettable journey in China’s heartland.
Happy travels!
