Wanshi Mountain Nature Reserve

Wanshi Mountain Nature Reserve

Changjiang Town derives its name from the long and winding Changjiang River. It is located at the junction of Guangdong, Jiangxi, and Hunan provinces, as well as the five counties of Renhua, Nanxiong, Dayu, Chongyi, and Rucheng, 49 kilometers from the county seat of Renhua. Situated at the southern foot of the Dayu Mountain Range, Changjiang Town is predominantly mountainous, with crisscrossing ridges and valleys. The area features ten peaks over 1,000 meters in elevation, most of which are distributed in the northeastern and southeastern regions. The northern Wanshi Mountain, standing at 1,559.3 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in the county. It is also known as Fanzishan or Baiyun Mountain.

Wanshi Mountain is situated at the tri-junction of Guangdong, Jiangxi, and Hunan provinces, earning the nickname "One Foot in Three Provinces." It lies 12 kilometers from Changjiang Market Town. With an average annual temperature of 17.8°C and annual precipitation of 1,600 mm, the area experiences snow and ice in winter, creating spectacular scenery. The continuous mountain ranges, lush forests, mild climate, and abundant rainfall provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. The region is rich in natural resources, hosting over 100 animal species and more than 30 types of plants.

The Ancient Mountain Fortress of Wanshi Mountain is built against the steep southern side of the main peak. Today, only remnants such as the fortress gate, surrounding walls, and the foundations of houses inside the fortress remain. The wall stretches about 60 meters in length and varies in height from 1.6 to 2 meters. The fortress gate is constructed from granite slabs, standing 2.34 meters high and 0.78 meters wide. The houses were built with irregularly shaped granite blocks, with the remaining walls varying in height. In front of the fortress is a steep, trapezoidal cliff, while behind it lies the treacherous “Knife Ridge Pass” leading to the main peak. This passage is about 100 meters long, with a ridge top so narrow that only one person can pass through at a time, flanked by sheer cliffs on both sides—truly a spot where “one man could hold off ten thousand.” Legend has it that Huang Chao, leader of the late Tang peasant uprising, once stationed troops and built a camp here. Remains of a training ground and the site of an ancient cooking hearth can still be found on the fortress.