Foding Mountain

Scenic Area Introduction

Foding Mountain, standing at 1,869.3 meters above sea level, is not only the second-highest peak in the Wuling Mountains but also a “natural ark” preserving the most intact evergreen broadleaf forest at this latitude on Earth. Spanning 15,200 hectares as a national nature reserve, it resembles a rolling kingdom of life. With over 90% forest coverage, it shelters more than 3,000 species of wildlife, including rare plants like Chinese yew and dove tree, alongside elusive animals such as leopards and forest musk deer. Thus, it is hailed as a “gene bank for flora and fauna.” For travelers seeking profound natural experiences, this place transcends ordinary mountains—it unfolds as a three-dimensional ecological epic. 

The soul of Foding Mountain lies not only in nature's grandeur but in the millennia-old wisdom of human symbiosis with the forest. The local Gelao ethnic group has passed down the ecological philosophy of “coexisting with the forest village.” The “Festival of Honoring the Sparrows,” held around the first day of the second lunar month each year, vividly embodies this philosophy. This provincial-level intangible cultural heritage, spanning over three centuries, originally honored the sacred eagle but has evolved into a celebration of all living creatures and a pledge to protect them. During the festival, Yaoshang Ethnic Culture Village transforms into a sea of joy: warm welcome wine ceremonies, spectacular intangible heritage performances, bustling nostalgia markets, and fun activities like bare-handed duck catching immerse visitors in the Gelao culture of revering nature and celebrating harmony.

To experience the essence of Foding Mountain, hiking is the best way. The ancient Tea-Horse Road still winds through the mountains, its bluestone slabs bearing deep hoofprints that now serve as ecological trails leading to waterfalls, sea of clouds, and wonders of life. Follow the trails to encounter the majestic presence of a 1,200-year-old southern yew tree, or rise early to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the “Golden Summit Sea of Clouds.” After descending, don't forget to visit the Yaoshang Mulao ethnic village at the mountain's base. Savor a piece of Huangshui Ba—a sweet, soft, and glutinous rice cake made using ancient methods. Once a simple laborer's snack, it has now become a specialty delicacy renowned both domestically and internationally, a sweet testament to the region's green lifestyle.

Address

Foding Mountain Ecological Tourism Area, Shiqian County, Tongren City, Guizhou Province.