There is a long cable car to the halfway point, and you don't see the mountain until quite a way up the cable. When you eventually see it, it is an amazing sight. The climb from the cable car to the base is strenuous & although I resolved not to, this 80 y.o. did finally make it up!! There is a further climb up the mountain, but the view from the initial climb was sufficient for me to gauge the magnificence of Mount Fanjing.

A beautiful and scenic location. We entered by the west gate and because of its higher level of difficulty with many steps and continous ups and downs in the terrain, we were almost on our own with nature and the scenery all to ourselves. This was so worth the experience. Upon arriving at the base of Mt Fanjing we met the crowds. The ascent was very steep and required a good level of fitness and appropriate hiking shoes. Similiarly the descent. The exit by the east gate was helped by 3 levels of very steep escalators, which were covered, and therefore there was no view to be seen. Most groups will enter and leave by the east gate as it is closer and easier with the escalators, however it loses out on the scenery. The entire experience requires at least 5 - 6 hours, if you enter in by the west gate, shorter if entering and leaving by the east gate. The temples at the top of Mt Fanjing have been there for almost 1000 years and it an amazing feat how these were built.

My journey to Fanjing Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Guizhou, was a blend of nature and spirituality. Ascending its 2,494 meters, the highest peak of the Wuling Mountains, I was enveloped in lush greenery and fresh air. The sight of the rare Guizhou golden monkey was a highlight, as was the challenging hike to the Red Clouds Golden Summit. The ancient temples there offered tranquility amidst the clouds. Witnessing the mystical 'Buddha’s Light' was a spiritual experience, adding to the mountain's sacred aura. Fanjing Mountain is not just a natural wonder; it's a journey into spiritual connection and inner peace.