Fanjingshan: The Ultimate Guide!

I finally made it to Fanjingshan, a place I've been dreaming of! The whole trip felt like stepping onto the set of a fantasy drama, with the misty mountaintop, breathtaking rock formations, and even a chance encounter with Guizhou snub-nosed monkeys... It was truly amazing! While it's still fresh in my mind, let me share my authentic experience and some tips to avoid pitfalls! 1. Mountaintop Wonders: Mushroom Rock and Red Cloud Golden Summit are a Must-See! Head straight to Mushroom Rock after reaching the summit! This iconic rock formation stands tall like a giant mushroom, surrounded by a sea of white clouds. Every photo you take here is a masterpiece! I heard that this place used to be under the sea 1.4 billion years ago, and now it has become a "city in the sky." You can't help but marvel at the wonders of nature. The Red Cloud Golden Summit is even more spectacular! It's a 90-degree vertical cliff, and you need to use both hands and feet to climb the iron chains to reach the top. Although my legs were shaking like jelly, the moment I stood on the summit—with the clouds swirling beneath my feet, the sun piercing through the clouds, and the old Golden Summit Temple looming in the distance—I truly felt a sense of awe and wonder! No wonder this place is called the "Kingdom of Buddha in the Sky." 2. Unexpected Encounters: Buddha's Light, Sea of Clouds, and Guizhou Snub-nosed Monkeys! What a lucky day! It was cloudy when I started climbing in the morning, but suddenly the clouds parted at noon, and the sun shone through, creating a circle of Buddha's light! The guide said this is one of the four celestial phenomena of Fanjingshan, and only those who are destined can see it. I immediately made a wish to become rich and beautiful! On the way down the mountain, I also encountered the "national treasure," the Guizhou snub-nosed monkey! Their golden fur shimmered as they leaped among the trees, so adorable! I heard that this is the only place in the world where you can see them. I felt like I had won the lottery! 3. Cultural Immersion: Ancient Temples and the Maitreya Bodhimanda The Cheng'en Temple on the mountaintop is a must-visit! The red-walled and gold-tiled ancient temple is hidden in the clouds, filled with the scent of incense and the sound of chanting, instantly calming the mind. The guide said that this place has been a Buddhist holy site since the Tang Dynasty, and even Emperor Wanli issued an imperial inscription for it. It's steeped in cultural heritage. 4. Super Practical Tips! Must-Read to Avoid Pitfalls! ✅ Weather is crucial! Check the weather forecast in advance. You can only see the sea of clouds and Buddha's light on a clear day! Some attractions will be closed in winter due to freezing conditions, so check the official website of the scenic spot in advance to confirm the opening status. ✅ Clothing recommendations: Sneakers + windproof jacket! It's windy and the temperature difference is significant on the mountaintop. Crampons are essential in winter (anti-slip is super important). ✅ Get up early! Get up early! Arriving at the scenic spot before 7 am can help you avoid the crowds and skip the line for the cable car! You can also visit Zhenyuan Ancient Town on your way down the mountain in the afternoon. The sour soup fish hot pot is highly recommended! ✅ Photo spots: The side of Mushroom Rock offers fewer people and a complete view. The cliffside plank road at Red Cloud Golden Summit is super atmospheric for aerial shots! Fanjingshan is more than just a mountain; it's like a bridge connecting nature and faith. Standing on the summit, all fatigue is carried away by the sea of clouds, leaving only awe and gratitude. Perhaps this is the meaning of travel—in the face of magnificent nature, human worries are as insignificant as dust.