Wuzhishan

Wuzhishan

Wuzhishan is a national nature reserve.

Wuzhishan, with an elevation of 1,867 meters, is the highest peak on Hainan Island. To the west lies Limuling, where Yinggeling Peak reaches 1,812 meters, the island’s second highest peak. The Wuzhishan Mountain Range runs from northeast to southwest, with a winding mountain body extending 15 kilometers. It is covered with thick layers of granite; the northeastern section is broken and low, while the southwestern part is intact and lofty. The main peak is situated at the southwestern end, with jagged, sawtooth-like peaks and many steep cliffs. Interspersed between the mountain ridges are basins and hills, forming a multi-level terrain. Wuzhishan serves as the watershed for rivers such as the Wanquan River, the LingShui River, and the Changhua River. The southeastern foothills lie on the windward slope and are also in the path of typhoons, receiving an annual precipitation of 2,866 millimeters, making it a famous heavy rainfall center in Hainan and the wettest area on the island.

Wuzhishan is covered with dense, lush, and diverse forests featuring complex community layers and distinct vertical zonation: below 700–800 meters is the tropical monsoon rainforest and rainforest zone with lateritic soil; from 800 to 1,400 or 1,600 meters is the montane evergreen broadleaf forest (or montane rainforest) zone with yellow soil; above 1,400 or 1,600 meters is the montane mossy dwarf forest and meadow soil zone. The area boasts precious timber species such as Hopea hainanensis, Vatica astrotricha, Dalbergia odorifera, and Pterocarpus macrocarpus, along with vast suitable lands for planting tropical cash crops like rubber and natural pastures, earning it the reputation of a "green treasure house." It is also home to many rare animals. A Wuzhishan Nature Reserve has been established here. The region is rich in minerals, with large and high-quality reserves of iron and quartz. The famous Shilü Iron Mine is located in the western part of the mountain range, in Changjiang County. There are also hydrothermal vein-type deposits of copper, lead, zinc, tin, tungsten, and mercury.

The Wuzhishan area is home to ethnic Li and Miao communities. Before the 1950s, the region was underdeveloped. Today, roads, factories, mines have been built, and a number of agricultural, forestry, and animal husbandry farms have been established. Wuzhishan is an old revolutionary base on Hainan Island and was a long-standing stronghold of the Qiongya Column during their struggle.

Up close, Wuzhishan features five “fingers” arranged from southwest to northeast, initially sparse and then denser. The verdant peak nearby is the first peak of Wuzhishan, standing over 1,300 meters tall with steep, rugged cliffs, its summit tilted as if pointing toward the sky. When viewed from the Wuzhishan District Office, the entire peak resembles a massive pyramid, with the summit looking like the sharp beak of a bird. However, upon climbing it, you’ll find it’s actually a large rock surface spanning nearly 10 square meters.

The highest peak in Wuzhishan is the second peak, rising to 1,876 meters. The area between the first and second peaks is extremely precipitous and challenging to climb. There is a natural stone bridge known as a “fairy bridge,” which legend says is often frequented by celestial children and fairies for play. Behind the second peak is the third peak, originally the highest of Wuzhishan, but later struck by lightning and shortened. Then come the fourth and fifth peaks. Though their summits are separate, the five peaks are connected by the same mountain mass. Standing among these peaks, you can see clouds drifting slowly past you, giving the sensation of being in a fairyland. Gazing down at the South China Sea, you can take in the vast expanse of blue waves dotted with fishing boats—an awe-inspiring sight.

The Wuzhishan area is covered with pristine tropical rainforests, layer upon layer, stretching endlessly. The major rivers of Hainan all originate here, with shimmering waters and mountain scenery complementing each other to create a uniquely magnificent landscape.

The Wuzhishan forest region is a green treasure trove filled with countless century-old resilient trees. Stepping into the primeval forest, you’ll find fallen leaves more than 50 centimeters thick. The air is filled with a unique resinous fragrance, and a thin mist, like a transparent veil, drifts gently through the deep green valleys. Wuzhishan is also a kingdom of rare birds and animals, home to amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and more.

Wuzhishan is the highest mountain in Hainan, a symbol of the island, and one of China’s renowned peaks. It is listed as an A-level tourist attraction by international tourism organizations. Located in the central part of Hainan Island, its undulating peaks form a jagged, finger-like shape—hence its name. From a distance, Wuzhishan appears lush and green, enveloped in white clouds, with verdant slopes spiraling up to the summit, creating the illusion of clouds rising from your feet and of walking through space.

Address:

Shuiman Township, Wuzhishan City, Hainan Province

Tel:

0898-86559288

Opening Hours:

All day

Ticket:

Free

Best Time to Visit:

Suitable all year round.

Wuzhishan Tourist Area Shuttle Service: Pick-up point is inside the Wuzhishan City Bus Station. From 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM daily, buses run from the Wuzhishan Tourist Area (Shuiman Township) to downtown Wuzhishan. Buses depart from the city station to the tourist area from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with a total of 15 round trips daily. The round-trip fare is 22 RMB, and one way is 11 RMB. The route via Mao (Yang) Shui (Man) Road (i.e., Wuzhishan Shuiman – Mao Yang (Memorial Park of the Qiongya Revolutionary Base) – Wuzhishan City) passes attractions such as rafting spots, Tianhu Fishing Area, Mao Yang Town, and A’to Ridge Forest Park. The route via Nan (Sheng) Shui (Man) (i.e., Wuzhishan City – Nan Sheng Town – Wuzhishan Tourist Area) goes past Hainan’s King of Jackfruit Trees, the “blood-sealing” tree, Nan Sheng Town, Wuzhishan Eco-Tourism Scenic Highway, Millennium Brother Lychee Trees, and various Li and Miao villages along the way.

Tips:

Avoid visiting on rainy days as leeches are common during rainfall.