Pengzu Ping

Pengzu Ping

The Pengzu Ping Nature Reserve is situated in Mati Township in the northeastern part of Longsheng Various Nationalities Autonomous County, Guilin, about 45 kilometers from the county town. It borders Ziyuan County, Xing'an County, and Chengbu County of Hunan Province, covering a total area of approximately 50,000 mu. The highest peak, Dabai Mountain, stands at an elevation of 1,700 meters. The forested area features complex terrain with undulating mountains and crisscrossing ravines, as well as rich natural vegetation. Combining ruggedness with beauty, it is referred to locally as the "Little Huangshan" or "Little Little Xing'an Mountains." Within the Pengzu Ping Reserve, there are a series of Pengzu-themed landscapes, such as: Pengzu Elderly Mountain, Pengzu Buddha’s Halo, Pengzu Rock House, Pengzu Gathering Herbs, and Pengzu Guarding the Pass. There are also rare plant species including Alsophila spinulosa, yew, China fir, five-needle pine, Fujian cypress, monkey head rhododendron, and color-changing rhododendron. In addition, there is a series of uniquely shaped waterfalls, among which the Shansi Waterfall reaches over 100 meters in height. Furthermore, attractions such as the Divine Elephant Mountain, high mountain pastures, and Monkey Bay, along with many rare animals, make Pengzu Ping a paradise for wildlife and a haven for plants.

Pengzu Ping is another pristine forest in Longsheng that remains largely untouched by humans. Located in Mati Township, it borders the Longsheng Hot Springs National Forest Park to the east and is 45 kilometers from the county town of Longsheng, covering a total area of 50,000 mu, with its main peak, Dabai Mountain, reaching an elevation of 1,700 meters.

Time weaves the beautiful legends of Pengzu here. Scenic spots such as Pengzu Mountain, Pengzu Rock House, and Pengzu Buddha’s Halo, along with stories like Pengzu Gathering Herbs and Pengzu in Love, give the impression of deep cultural roots related to Pengzu. Pengzu, who lived to be 800 years old, is a symbol of longevity in ancient Chinese legends. Experts who study Pengzu culture say that Pengzu culture is mainly spread around Wuyi Mountain in Fujian, where the philosophy of Pengzu's health preservation originated. The presence of Pengzu legends in this pristine forest in Longsheng, Guangxi, is considered a new discovery. Here, streams meander, dense forests stretch to the sky, and everywhere is covered with lush shades of life, infused with a rich fragrance of vitality. It would be strange if anyone living in such a fairyland-like, refreshing, and pleasant environment of green hills and clear waters did not enjoy a long life—let alone the open-minded, elegant, and immortal-like Pengzu himself.

China fir is the largest community of rare plants in the Pengzu Ping Nature Reserve. For generations, these proud, towering, and weather-beaten heroic trees have known no sorrow or gloom, exhaling the grandeur of ancient and modern times, and trimming the vigor of the seasons. Their vigorous resilience and indomitable spirit command deep respect. This place is also fertile ground for the survival of Alsophila spinulosa, a living fossil of ancient plants. The monkey head rhododendron, color-changing rhododendron, yew, five-needle pine, and Fujian cypress, among other rare tree species, either occupy cliff faces or settle atop peaks, interacting affectionately with one another and responding in harmony, composing an ever-playing green symphony of Pengzu Ping.

Pengzu Ping also boasts numerous attractions such as Divine Elephant Mountain, Monkey Bay, and high mountain pastures, among which the waterfall landscapes are incredibly diverse. The most breathtaking is the curtain-like waterfall on Jizhong Mountain, with a drop of over 100 meters. A rushing stream leaps down from the mountain pass and suddenly disperses into thousands of sparkling droplets that cascade into the deep valley, producing a thunderous roar like muffled thunder. The resulting mist, like dust kicked up by stampeding horses, vividly illustrates the indomitable and heroic spirit of the flowing water.

Auspicious sacred mountains are always accompanied by auspicious celestial phenomena. Just as one can see a Buddha’s halo when visiting Mount Emei, visitors to the Pengzu Ping scenic area can also witness a Buddha’s halo. Since ancient times, the Pengzu Buddha’s Halo has been a famous attraction in Longsheng, highly captivating. Of course, just like seeing the Buddha’s halo on Mount Emei, timing and season matter—but as long as you have an appointment with Pengzu Ping, the Pengzu Buddha’s Halo will miraculously appear before you.

In the Pengzu Ping Nature Reserve, there are a series of Pengzu-themed landscapes, such as: Pengzu Elderly Mountain, Pengzu Buddha’s Halo, Pengzu Rock House, Pengzu Gathering Herbs, and Pengzu Guarding the Pass; there are also rare plant species including Alsophila spinulosa, yew, China fir, five-needle pine, Fujian cypress, monkey head rhododendron, and color-changing rhododendron; as well as a series of uniquely shaped waterfalls, among which the Shansi Waterfall reaches over 100 meters in height. Furthermore, attractions such as Divine Elephant Mountain, high mountain pastures, and Monkey Bay, along with many rare animals, make Pengzu Ping a paradise for wildlife and a haven for plants.

Source: Longsheng Tourism Website