Baima Mountain Nature Reserve

Baima Mountain Nature Reserve

Baima Mountain is located in the central-southern part of Wulong County, standing in distant echo with Fairy Mountain. The former National Highway 319 winds through the area, with elevations ranging between 1,100 and 1,951 meters and covering an area of 454 square kilometers. From afar, Baima Mountain resembles a swift horse galloping across the blue sky. The mountain is abundant with clear springs, rolling ridges, ancient trees, and old vines, with lush greenery spreading across the land. The pine and fir forest spans 170,000 mu, home to over a thousand plant species. The primeval forest features towering ancient trees that block out the sun. Among them are more than 450 trees of Cathaya argyrophylla, a rare living fossil tree species in the world, mainly distributed between altitudes of 1,180 and 1,700 meters in areas such as Sanchongpo, Xianghuopo, Shuikou Temple, Taibai Rock, Xiangjiawan, and Shanhu Pass. The tallest Cathaya reaches up to 18 meters, with the largest diameter measuring 40 centimeters, and over 20 of them bear fruit. The forest is also home to more than 160 animal species, including 32 rare ones. Birds such as mountain finches and thrushes can often be seen flying and singing, while Lady Amherst’s pheasants and bamboo partridges are occasionally spotted near the woods. In recent years, traces of precious species such as the South China tiger and red panda have been discovered in the mountains. Known as a “biological gene bank,” Baima Mountain is an excellent destination for sightseeing and tourism.

The peaks of Baima Mountain rise majestically, complementing one another amidst verdant surroundings, offering stunning scenery all year round and holding extremely high aesthetic value. In spring, the mountains are covered with blooming flowers, presenting a vibrant tapestry; in summer, misty clouds drift about, creating a cool and lush atmosphere; in autumn, the forests are painted in layers of brilliant colors; and in winter, the landscape is adorned with icy foliage and snow-dusted peaks. From the mountaintop, the sea of clouds resembles being on an oceanic island, with vast silver waves. Snowscapes appear as pristine lands, sunrises display magnificent views, and the sea of green forests overflows with vitality. The beautiful landscapes soothe the soul and captivate the heart, making visitors linger without wanting to leave. Major scenic spots on Baima Mountain include: the living fossil — Cathaya argyrophylla, Ten Thousand Lights, Tiger Pass, the City Gate Wonder, Leopard Rock Precipice, the Guizhou-Sichuan Gate Screen Rock, Yuanjia Waterfall, High Gorge and Calm Lake, the Baima Mountain Battle Site, the Calling Fish Spring, Yellow Fish Gorge, Luban Rock Cliff, and Gorge Gate Cave Heaven.