Take China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
Fanjing Mountain Facts
Location: Tongren City, Guizhou Province, China.
Elevation: 2,570 meters (8,430 ft) at its highest peak (Fenghuang Peak).
Geology: Part of the Wuling Mountain Range, formed over 600 million years ago.
Unique Landforms: Known for its "mushroom rocks", steep cliffs, and pillar-like peaks.
Fanjing Mountain is a landmark attraction in eastern Guizhou Province and was listed as a World Natural Heritage Site in 2018 for its biodiversity and unique ecosystems. It' s also regarded as the "Maitreya (弥勒) Bodhisattva' s Pure Land" with a few Buddhist Temples.
Main Highlights of Fanjing Mountain
Fanjing Mountain’ s core scenic area is centered around Cheng’ en Temple (承恩寺), near the Pudu Square (普渡广场). From here, the mountain branches out in two directions—Red Clouds Golden Summit on one side, and Old Golden Summit with Mushroom Stone on the other.
Visitors typically enter the mountain from either the East Gate (Popular) or the West Gate.
Red Clouds Golden Summit (红云金顶) - 2,236m
Rising to an altitude of 2,236 meters, Red Clouds Golden Summit is a core scenic spot. It sits atop a sheer cliff with a vertical drop of over a hundred meters and is split into two peaks connected by a bridge.
Each peak houses a temple: Sakyamuni Hall (释迦殿) on the left and Maitreya Hall (弥勒殿) on the right. They are small but occupy almost the entire summit area.
Two narrow and perilous cliffside paths lead to the top – one for ascending and one for descending. Some sections require using iron chains for climbing, making it quite thrilling. Be cautious of strong winds during the climb, as they can easily blow off your hat.
There is a limit to the number of people allowed to climb Red Clouds Golden Summit at any one time, so queuing may be necessary during peak seasons.
Mushroom Stone (蘑菇石) - 2,318m
Mushroom Stone is another iconic landmark of Fanjing Mountain. This gravity-defying natural wonder looks like a giant mushroom, hence its name. It formed over 1 billion years of erosion.
From afar, it resembles a mushroom with a large top and a small base, standing approximately ten meters tall. Upon closer inspection, the rock formation is composed of paper-thin layers of stacked rocks.
This seemingly precarious yet stable structure, appearing both otherworldly and naturally grown, is truly astonishing.
There are several giant wind-eroded rock formations near the Mushroom Rock, including the Ten-Thousand Volume Scripture Rock (万卷经书岩).
Old Golden Summit (老金顶) - 2,494m
Reaching an elevation of 2,494 meters, Old Golden Summit features the Burning Lamp Hall (燃灯殿) at its peak, echoing the Sakyamuni and Maitreya Halls on the opposite Red Clouds Golden Summit . They form the Three-Life Buddha Halls, representing the present, future, and past.
The hiking trails to Old Golden Summit are more challenging, with steeper and more precipitous paths. There are two routes to the summit: one passing by Mushroom Stone (蘑菇石) and the other via the Worshiping Platform (望佛台) (both can be used for ascent and descent).
Worshiping Platform (拜佛台) - 2,300m
The Worshiping Platform (拜佛台) is a pavilion located below Old Golden Summit. From here, you can enjoy a distant view of Red Clouds Golden Summit and the Ten-Thousand-Meter Sleeping Buddha (万米睡佛), hence its name.
It is also a key point for those hiking to the Golden Summit from the West Gate.
Other Buddhist Temples (佛寺)
Cheng’en Temple (承恩寺), near the upper cable car station and Pudu Square (普渡广场), serves as the spiritual heart of the mountain.
Huguo Temple (护国寺), near the West Gate, welcomes hikers coming from the western trail.
Unique Biodiversity & Wildlife
During the journey in Fanjing Mountain, you have the opportunity to meet the most respective Biodiversity and Wildlife.
Guizhou snub-nosed monkey (黔金丝猴) is one of the rarest primates on Earth, with only ~800 left, endemic to Fanjingshan. They have gray-brown fur, and adults have a light blue face.
Chinese dove tree (Davidia involucrata珙桐) is a "living fossil" tree (at the same time as dinosaurs) with white flower bracts that look like fluttering doves. They usually blooms during April to May .
How to Explore Fanjing Mountain in One Day (Routes with Map)
Fanjing Mountain is not particularly large, and a one-day trip is enough to explore the main highlights. There are two main ways to visit: the popular cable car + hiking combo, suitable for most travelers, or a full hiking route for those with stronger endurance and a love for nature.
1. Cable Car + Hiking Route
This is the most common and efficient way to explore the mountain.
Route:
East Gate → Shuttle Bus → Lower Cable Car Station → Upper Station → Cheng’ en Temple → Red Clouds Golden Summit → Worship Platform → Old Golden Summit → Mushroom Stone → Cheng’ en Temple → Return the same way
If there are no long queues, this route takes around 5 hours, with about 3 hours of actual walking. It’ s relatively easy and well-suited for casual hikers.
To avoid long waits at the summit, it's best to enter the park early in the morning. Alternatively, after getting your queue number at Cheng’ en Temple, use the wait time to visit Old Golden Summit and Mushroom Stone, then return for your summit climb.
2. Full Hiking Routes
Option 1 (East Gate Route): After taking the shuttle bus, skip the cable car and hike 5 km to Puduo Square via a well-maintained boardwalk. This takes about 1.5–2 hours and involves a steady uphill climb.
Option 2 (West Gate Route): After the shuttle bus, start hiking directly—no cable car available here. This 5 km trail is slightly gentler than the East Gate route and offers better scenery, including distant views of the Red Clouds Golden Summit (红云金顶) and the Ten-Thousand-Meter Sleeping Buddha (万米睡佛), a mountain ridgeline shaped like a reclining figure. Estimated hiking time is about 1.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit Fanjing Mountain:
The best time to visit Fanjing Mountain is from April to November.
In spring, the mountain is often wrapped in mist, creating a mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere. Around April, pink rhododendrons bloom across the slopes, adding unexpected charm to the hike on clear days.
Summer (especially July and August) is peak season. Thanks to its elevation, Fanjing stays cooler than surrounding areas and becomes a popular summer escape. However, frequent rain and fog, plus long queues to reach the Golden Summit, can affect the experience.
Autumn offers the best hiking conditions, with clearer skies and comfortable weather—ideal for those seeking wide views and fewer crowds. Late September to October is especially pleasant, but try to avoid the first week of October due to holiday crowds.
If you don' t mind the cold, winter brings fewer tourists and the chance to see snow-covered temples, though strong winds and low temperatures at the summit can make the climb challenging.
How to Get to Fanjing Mountain
To get to Fanjing Mountain, you should first reach Tongren City(铜仁).
A high speed train will take you to Tongren Railway Station (铜仁站) from Guiyang or Changsha. Then a private transfer (1.5h) can take you directly to Fanjing Mountain.
Tourists from other remote areas can take a domestic flight to Tongren Fenghuang Airport (TEN), which is 90 km east of the mountain. Then a private transfer will bring you to Fanjing Mountain in 2 hours.
For more details, please check out How to Get to Fanjingshan >>
Where to Stay in Fanjing Mountain
There is no accommodation available at the summit of Fanjing Mountain, and camping is not allowed. However, there are plenty of lodging options at the foot of the mountain and in the surrounding areas.
| Location | Distance to East Gate | Driving Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
|
East Gate Area (东门) |
<1 km | <5 min | Closest to entrance, walking distance; very convenient for early visits |
|
Zhaisha Dong Village (寨沙侗寨) |
<3 km | <10 min | Dong ethnic village with evening performances and bonfire parties |
|
Yunshe Scenic Area (云舍景区) |
~15 km | ~25 min | Tujia ethnic village with unique local architecture and rural scenery |
|
Jiangkou County Town (江口县城) |
~20 km | ~35 min | Best value with standard hotels and amenities |
|
Tongren Zhongnanmen Old Town (铜仁市中南门古城) |
~70 km | ~1.5 h | More hotel options, lively nightlife, traditional charm at Zhongnanmen Old Town |
|
Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城) |
~120 km | ~2 h | One of China’ s most charming ancient towns, rich in Miao and Tujia culture |
|
Zhenyuan Ancient Town (镇远古镇) |
~160 km | ~2.5 h | Riverside ancient town with stilt houses and 1,000+ years of history |
For most travelers, staying near the East Gate or in Jiangkou County is the most practical.
Nearby Attractions to Combine with Fanjing Mountain
If you have extra time, there are some great nearby destinations to explore before or after your visit to Fanjing Mountain:
- Fenghuang Ancient Town (凤凰古城) – About 2 hours' drive (120 km) away. One of China’ s most famous ancient towns, known for its riverside stilt houses, stone alleys, and Miao and Tujia ethnic culture. Ideal for a relaxed cultural extension.
- Zhenyuan Ancient Town (镇远古镇) – Around 2.5 hours’ drive (160 km). A 2,000-year-old riverside town full of history and charm. Famous for its preserved architecture, ancient city wall, and beautiful night views along the river.
- Zhongnanmen Old Town, Tongren (中南门古城) – Just 1.5 hours' drive (70 km). A lesser-known but lively old town in Tongren City, with traditional buildings, local snacks, and a more modern vibe compared to the ancient towns.
These places offer a perfect mix of natural beauty and cultural depth to complement your Fanjing Mountain adventure. Here is an overview of the suggesting itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Zhenyuan Ancient Town for exploration, stay for overnight
- Day 2: Drive 2.5 hours to Fanjing Mountain. Enjoy cable car ride and hiking to the summit. Stay in Jiangkou County for overnight.
- Day 3: Drive 2 hours to Fenghuang Ancient Town, enjoy a relaxing day tour and wondeful nightlife.
- Day 4: Departure or continue your journey with another 3 hours drive to Zhangjiajie.
Extend Your Fanjing Mountain Adventure in Guizhou
Guizhou is beyond your imagination. It’ s a hidden gem full of living ethnic culture, dramatic landscapes, and off-the-beaten-path experiences. After exploring the peaks and temples of Fanjing, consider extending your trip to dive deeper into what this fascinating province offers.
Kaili (3–5 Days):
Known as the heart of Miao and Dong ethnic culture, Kaili is your gateway to traditional villages like Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village and Langde Miao Village. Expect wooden stilt houses, silver headdresses, and vibrant festivals. It’ s ideal for cultural immersion, photography, and discovering Guizhou’ s living traditions.
Anshun (2–3 Days):
Home to the majestic Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of Asia’ s largest, and nearby sights like Tianxingqiao Scenic Area and Dragon Palace Cave (Longgong). This area offers spectacular karst landscapes, caves, and water-based adventures.
Libo (2–3 Days):
A UNESCO-listed natural wonder, Libo is famous for its Xiaoqikong Scenic Area, featuring emerald rivers, stone arch bridges, waterfalls, and limestone forests. It’ s perfect for nature lovers and hikers looking for tranquility.
Xingyi (1–2 Days):
Located in southwest Guizhou, Xingyi offers dramatic karst formations in the Wanfenglin (Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks) area. It’ s less touristy, great for scenic drives, biking, and enjoying Guizhou’ s rural beauty.
Here is an outline of the suggesting itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Guiyang
- Day 2: Guiyang to Huangguoshu Waterfall (黄果树瀑布), stay in Anshun for overnight.
- Day 3: Drive from Anshun to Kaili (4 hours). Visit Matang Gejia Village (麻塘亻革家寨).
- Day 4: Visit Langde Miao Village(朗德苗上寨), then turn to Zhenyuan Ancient Town (镇远古镇) for exploration, stay for overnight
- Day 5: Drive 2.5 hours to Fanjing Mountain. Enjoy cable car ride and hiking to the summit. Stay in Jiangkou County for overnight.
- Day 6: Drive back to Guiyang and departure.
Explore Fanjing Mountain with Asia Odyssey Travel
Discover the mystical beauty and spiritual serenity of Fanjing Mountain with Asia Odyssey Travel, your trusted local travel expert in China.
Our Fanjing Mountain tours are thoughtfully designed for all types of travelers—from casual explorers taking the cable car to seasoned hikers seeking adventure on foot. We handle everything: transportation, entrance tickets, guided hiking routes, hotel bookings, and even nearby extensions to places like Phoenix Ancient Town or Zhenyuan Old Town.
With our local insight and personalized service, you won’t just visit Fanjing—you’ll connect with its culture, legends, and hidden corners. Let us take you beyond the photos, and into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage wonder.
Data in submission...
