Fanjingshan, the holy mountain and biodiversity hub of China
By Xing Fangyu
["china"]
Fanjingshan, or Mount Fanjing, located in Tongren City in southwest China's Guizhou Province, is the highest peak in China's Wuling Mountain Range. It has been designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
The altitude of Fanjingshan ranges from 480 to 2,570 meters above the sea level. The mountain is described as “an island of metamorphic rock in a sea of karst.”
UNESCO described the finger-like peak as an "island of metamorphic rock in a sea of karst." /VCG Photo

UNESCO described the finger-like peak as an "island of metamorphic rock in a sea of karst." /VCG Photo

The Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve was established in 1978. The relative isolation of the mountain creates an ideal home for many plants and animals. Endemic species such as Guizhou Golden Monkey and Fanjingshan fir have found their home here.
Guizhou Golden Monkey, also known as Gray Snub-nosed Monkey, is the most threatened out of the three snub-nosed monkey species in China. /VCG Photo

Guizhou Golden Monkey, also known as Gray Snub-nosed Monkey, is the most threatened out of the three snub-nosed monkey species in China. /VCG Photo

As the biodiversity hub of China, Fanjingshan contains over 2,000 different plants and 801 animals, and many of them originated in the Tertiary period (between 65 million and 2 million years ago). Endangered species such as the Chinese Giant Salamander, the Forest Musk Deer and the Reeve's Pheasant roam freely in the forests. 
Fanjingshan is a treasure-house of plants and wildlife. /VCG Photo

Fanjingshan is a treasure-house of plants and wildlife. /VCG Photo

The name “Fanjing” means “Brahma's Pure Land.” But this mountain is considered a sacred mountain in Chinese Buddhism not just because of the long history of Buddhism here but because of the natural phenomenon caused by cloud, fog and light that adds mysterious elements to this place. 
The winter view of Fanjingshan /VCG Ph

The winter view of Fanjingshan /VCG Ph