Mount Fanjing: A Pure Land in the Mundane World, a Sanctuary for the Soul

In northeastern Guizhou lies a heavenly sanctuary - Mount Fanjing. Like a pearl untouched by the world, it radiates a unique and captivating brilliance that draws countless travelers. As a travel blogger who loves mountains, embarking on a journey to Mount Fanjing was a soul-cleansing experience that left an indelible mark on my heart. ⛱️Must-Visit Attractions: 1. Red Cloud Golden Peak: This is Mount Fanjing's most iconic landmark, resembling a celestial city rising from the earth. Standing as a solitary peak at 2,336m, its upper section splits into two parts connected by a bridge. The two sides enshrine Sakyamuni Buddha and Maitreya Buddha respectively, exuding sacred grandeur amid the swirling clouds. Climbing Red Cloud Golden Peak is both a challenge and a scenic adventure. The narrow, steep paths and nearly vertical steps require both hands and feet to climb. However, when you finally reach the summit and gaze down at the rolling sea of clouds and distant mountain ranges, with fresh breezes weaving through the peaks, all fatigue vanishes. Your soul is overwhelmed by the magnificent landscape, feeling as if you could touch the clouds with your hands. 2. Mushroom Rock: As Mount Fanjing's "image ambassador," it has stood firm through wind and rain for billions of years. Its unique shape, larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, resembles both a mushroom and a giant spinning top descended from heaven, firmly rooted at the mountain peak. The Mushroom Rock presents different appearances under various weather conditions and times. On sunny days, sunlight reveals its clear rock textures, telling ancient geological stories. In misty weather, it appears and disappears like a mysterious guardian in a dreamlike fairyland, attracting visitors to stop and capture these magical moments. 3. Old Golden Peak: At 2,494m, it's Mount Fanjing's highest peak. Though challenging, the climb is full of surprises. Along the way, peculiar rocks form unique landscapes like the Ten Thousand Sutras and Eagle Rock. The Ten Thousand Sutras resembles neatly stacked ancient books, their pages seemingly turned by time, emanating an ancient and mysterious aura. Eagle Rock looks like a majestic eagle about to take flight, its sharp gaze fixed on the distance as if guarding the mountain's tranquility. Standing at the summit of Old Golden Peak offers an expansive view of endless mountain ranges and dense forests, allowing you to truly experience nature's grandeur and masterful craftsmanship. 4. Cheng'en Temple: Located in the saddle between Red Cloud Golden Peak and Old Golden Peak, it's the core of Mount Fanjing's temple complex. This ancient temple has a long history and solemn architectural style, its red walls and yellow tiles standing out against the green mountains and trees. Inside, incense smoke curls upward amid Buddhist chants, creating a peaceful atmosphere that inspires reverence. Here, you can devoutly worship Buddha statues, experience the profound Buddhist culture, or quietly sit on the temple steps, listening to pine winds and bird songs while letting your thoughts drift in this pure land. 🍜Food Guide: 1. Inside the Scenic Area: Mountain climbing consumes energy, but fortunately there are foods to comfort your taste buds. The top recommendation is Mount Fanjing's special rice tofu, with a tender, jelly-like texture that melts in your mouth. Paired with spicy seasonings, it's sour and spicy, instantly dispelling fatigue and bringing happiness with every bowl. Roasted sweet potatoes are also available - holding a hot, fragrant, and soft sweet potato while enjoying the scenery in the cold mountain air is incredibly pleasant. Additionally, cup noodles are a popular choice among tourists, convenient and quick to prepare in rest areas for warmth and satiety. 2. Outside the Scenic Area: After descending to nearby towns, food options become more diverse. Jiangkou rice tofu is a local specialty, different from that inside the scenic area with a firmer, chewier texture. Topped with special sauce, crushed peanuts, green onions, and other seasonings, it creates a perfect blend of rice and bean flavors that lingers on the palate. Don't miss She Fan, a traditional dish made with glutinous rice, artemisia, and preserved meat. The soft glutinous rice combines the fresh aroma of artemisia and the rich flavor of preserved meat, creating a unique taste that's both refreshing and satisfying. Additionally, sour fish soup is a local specialty - tender fish cooked in appetizing sour soup, served with smooth rice noodles, creates a dance of sour, spicy, fresh, and aromatic flavors on your tongue, making every bite an ultimate enjoyment. 🏨Accommodation Guide: 1. Inside the Scenic Area: To experience Mount Fanjing's morning beauty firsthand, staying within the scenic area is a good choice. The area has several resort hotels and guesthouses. Hotels near the cable car entrance offer convenient access, allowing you to start your mountain climb leisurely in the morning. Mountain guesthouses provide a serene environment with views of green trees and mountains from your window, letting you fall asleep to nature's sounds and wake up to fresh air, like being in a paradise. However, accommodation inside the scenic area is relatively expensive and requires advance booking. 2. Around the Scenic Area: Surrounding areas offer more diverse and cost-effective accommodation options. Jiangkou County, not far from the scenic area, has various star-rated hotels, budget hotels, and guesthouses. Star-rated hotels provide complete facilities and attentive service, suitable for those seeking high-quality stays; budget hotels offer affordable prices and convenient transportation to the scenic area; guesthouses each have their own characteristics, some featuring local folk customs, allowing you to experience local life and culture deeply. 3. Fanjing Mountain Town: Located closer to the scenic area, its guesthouses and farmstays are popular among tourists. Mostly run by locals, they offer comfortable accommodation with warm hospitality, travel tips, and local stories, all at reasonable prices, making them a top choice for backpackers. 🚄Transportation Guide: 1. Public Transportation: To reach Mount Fanjing from other places, first arrive at Tongren city, which has both high-speed rail and regular train stations. From either Tongren Station or Tongren South Station, take a bus to Jiangkou County, then transfer to public buses or special lines to the scenic area. Public buses are cheaper but less frequent, so check schedules in advance; special lines are more convenient but slightly more expensive. During peak tourist seasons, some cities operate direct tourist buses to the scenic area, providing convenient one-stop service. 2. Self-driving: Driving to Mount Fanjing offers more flexibility and allows you to enjoy Guizhou's beautiful scenery along the way. From Tongren, take the Hangzhou-Ruili Expressway and exit at Jiangkou toll station, then follow navigation to the scenic area. There are several parking lots around the scenic area with reasonable fees. However, during holidays, expect more self-driving tourists and plan accordingly to avoid traffic jams. 💗Additional Tips: 1. Mount Fanjing's weather is changeable - even on sunny days, fog or rain may suddenly appear on the mountain. Always bring rain gear and warm clothing like windbreakers and raincoats to prepare for weather changes. 2. Before climbing, prepare some light food and water, such as chocolate, beef jerky, and mineral water, for energy during the climb. Wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking boots to protect your feet and make climbing easier. 3. Mount Fanjing gets crowded, especially during holidays and peak seasons. Queuing for cable cars and climbing may take time. Consider buying tickets online in advance, plan your visit time, and try to avoid peak periods for a better experience. 4. The scenic area's ecosystem is fragile. Please protect all plants and trees, dispose of garbage properly, and maintain the area's cleanliness and beauty. When visiting temples, respect religious customs, maintain silence, and observe civilized behavior. Mount Fanjing, a pure land combining natural scenery, historical culture, and religious faith, satisfies all desires - whether you seek to challenge magnificent peaks, find inner peace, or explore ancient geological mysteries. Pack your bags and embark on your Mount Fanjing journey. You'll surely lose yourself in this otherworldly paradise and gain an unforgettable life experience.