FanjingShan – Peace LiLy

A view of the New Golden Summit, looking west. Costfoto / Barcroft Media via Getty

Clouds roll past the New Golden Summit on Mount Fanjing. Clkraus / Shutterstock

Fanjingshan, also known as Mount Fanjing, is situated in the eastern part of Guizhou Province, China, within Tongren City. It is positioned approximately 248 kilometers away from Guiyang and 220 kilometers from Zhangjiajie. Mount Fanjing proudly claims the title of being the highest peak within the Wuling Mountains, with an impressive elevation of 2572 meters. The mountain stands adorned with primitive vegetation, its landscape characterized by majestic peaks, a continuous succession of towering summits, babbling streams interwoven with cascading waterfalls.

Moreover, Fanjingshan holds great spiritual significance as a revered Buddhist site. It’s widely believed among Buddhists that Fanjingshan is a place where spiritual enlightenment akin to that of Maitreya Buddha can be attained.

The appellation “Fanjing” finds its origins in “Fantian Jingtu,” a Buddhist term that translates to “Brahma’s Pure Land.” This hallowed mountain has been acclaimed as China’s Fifth Buddhist Mountain, a distinction following the likes of Mount Wutai in Shanxi Province, Mount Putuo in Zhejiang Province, Mount Emei in Sichuan Province, and Mount Jiuhua in Anhui Province. With a history spanning over 2000 years, embellished by extraordinary rock formations and abundant biodiversity, Mount Fanjing unveils itself as a serene, distinct haven. A sojourn to this tranquil expanse offers a revitalizing and spiritual respite from the bustling clamor of urban life.

Unique geological landforms, including the “Mushroom Stone” at right. Sanyanwuji / Shutterstock

In geological terms, Mount Fanjing assumes the form of a “fold belt,” an arrangement akin to stacked layers of rock resembling an assemblage of intricate shapes, an occurrence seldom witnessed elsewhere. The Mushroom Stone serves as a prime exemplar, where layers of rock have taken on the semblance of a towering mushroom.

Throughout antiquity, Fanjing Mountain stood as a venerable hub of Buddhist culture within the Wuling Mountain range. Historical records attest to the proliferation of numerous Buddhist temples along its slopes, catering to pilgrims from around the world. Yet, during the 16th century in the Ming Dynasty, a substantial number of these temples met destruction, effectively suppressing Fanjing Mountain’s renown. The subsequent Qing Dynasty saw a revival of fortunes, with governmental initiatives aimed at temple reconstruction and expansion along the mountain’s pathway to the “Red Clouds Golden Summit.” Notable temples such as Cheng’en Temple and Baoguo Temple were erected. By 1896, the fifth phase of Fanjingshan Temple reconstruction reached its culmination, bestowing upon Fanjing Mountain an esteemed status in the global Buddhist sphere and solidifying its position as China’s “No. 5 Great Buddhist Mountain.”

Mount Fanjing boasts three soaring summits that pierce the heavens – the Red Clouds Golden Summit (2336 meters), the Old Golden Summit (2493 meters), and the Phoenix Golden Summit (2572 meters). From these majestic pinnacles, visitors are treated to breathtaking panoramic vistas of Mount Fanjing’s expansive landscape. Crowning the preeminent “Red Clouds Golden Peak” stands the remarkable Fanjingshan Temple, perched at a daring elevation of 2,336 meters above sea level. Nestled atop the columnar peak, this temple’s elusive location beckons travelers to witness its ethereal presence firsthand and capture mesmerizing, novel photographs.

Fanjingshan Temple, encompassing the revered Temple of the Buddha (释迦殿) and the Maitreya Temple (弥勒殿), graces the summit of the “Red Clouds Golden Summit” (also known as the New Golden Summit) on Fanjing Mountain. The former is dedicated to the worship of Sakyamuni, symbolizing the present, while the latter venerates Maitreya, representing the future. These two temples trace their origins back to the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty, over five centuries ago. Presently, they have been meticulously reconstructed to echo their original splendor, their structures fortified with iron tiles to withstand the mountain’s formidable winds. Each temple is embodied by a single hall, constructed from meticulously arranged stone pieces measuring 5.4 meters in width and 5.55 meters in depth. A bridge gracefully connects the two temples, spanning the depths of the Gold Sword Gorge.

For pilgrims journeying to Fanjingshan, the ascent involves ascending thousands of steps to initially reach the Temple of the Buddha on the southern facet. Subsequently, crossing the bridge leads to the Maitreya Temple on the northern side of the “Red Clouds Golden Summit.” This sequence mirrors the Buddhist concept of transition from the present (Sakyamuni) to the future (Maitreya). As the “Red Clouds Golden Summit” often finds itself enshrouded by mist and enveloped in sea of clouds, standing upon the terrace outside Fanjingshan Temple offers a surreal experience of gazing upon the world from above, capturing an otherworldly perspective amidst the natural elements.

Much like the iconic Avatar Hallelujah Mountain in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Fanjingshan stands as a towering pinnacle, slender and vertically oriented, evoking the image of a pencil standing upright on a desk. Scaling its summit requires ascending over 8,000 steps or opting for a cable car ride up from the road below. Most visitors opt for a full day to thoroughly explore this remarkable sacred mountain. Its attractions span a diverse range, encompassing the Red Cloud Golden Peak, Old Golden Summit, Ten-Thousand Sleeping Buddha, Mushroom Stone, Jiulong Pond, Fenghuang Mountain, Numerous Rolls of Books, and more.

Situated in the mountainous expanse of Guizhou Province, Fanjingshan falls within the ambit of a subtropical humid monsoon climate, distinctly marked by four seasons. Throughout the year, the average annual temperature oscillates between 13.1°C and 14.7°C. July witnesses the hottest days, with an average temperature hovering around 24°C, while January holds the chilliest nights, registering an average temperature of approximately 4.6°C. On the whole, Fanjingshan enjoys a temperate climate, graced by ample sunlight and rainfall. Summers remain moderate, and winters remain mild, with neither excessive heat nor biting cold. Rainfall predominantly occurs from May to October, while the frost-free period spans a generous 270 to 278 days annually.

The prime window to explore Mount Fanjing extends from March to November. For those seeking to capture stunning photographs, the early morning hours are particularly enchanting. The aftermath of rain unveils captivating spectacles, such as the Sea of Clouds, Zen Fog, Buddha Light, and breathtaking sunrises, which contribute to the mountain’s mystique and allure.