Guanyin Mountain Nature Reserve

Guanyin Mountain Nature Reserve

Guanyin Mountain Nature Reserve is located about 18 kilometers north of the county town. Looking up at Guanyin Mountain from the foot of the mountain, you’ll see lush forests, undulating peaks in diverse colors — emerald green, crimson, and purple haze. The main peak, Yapoji, rises 1,219 meters above sea level, often shrouded in mist, exuding an air of mystery. The most magnificent sight in the mountain is the “Dragon Pool Waterfall,” with a drop of over a hundred meters. On rainy days, the waterfall resembles a white dragon soaring through the air, with mist spraying into your face, creating a breathtaking scene. Below the waterfall lies a pool known as...

...the “Dragon Pool.” The water is cool and crystal clear, surrounded by jagged rocks, hence the name “Dragon Pool.” In addition, there are other scenic spots worth visiting, such as “Eagle Rock Chamber,” “Guanyin Sitting on a Lotus,” “Bamboo Path Leading to Seclusion,” “Ox Cave Silver Lake,” “Jade-Green Dragon Bridge,” and the Guanyin Temple. The bizarrely shaped rocks scattered across the mountain — resembling lions, tigers, turtles, and birds — present yet another fascinating sight.

The reserve is home to 1,073 species of vascular plants from 517 genera and 168 families. Located at the northern edge of the South Asian tropical zone, the area preserves well-developed monsoon evergreen broad-leaved secondary forests. Below 600 meters, there is a rich variety of tropical tree species, along with mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests and shrublands. Nationally protected plants include second-class species such as Tsoongiodendron odorum, Hopea hainanensis, and Semiliquidambar cathayensis, and third-class species such as Amentotaxus argotaenia, Alseodaphne hainanensis, Castanopsis kawakamii, Sapindus mukorossi, and Manglietia moto. The reserve also hosts hundreds of species of terrestrial vertebrates. Nationally protected animals include first-class species such as the leopard and clouded leopard, and second-class species such as the sambar deer, serow, large Indian civet, small Indian civet, otter, various raptors, and the silver pheasant. Guanyin Mountain, with its towering peaks, serves as a natural barrier for both Fogang and Yingde. Forested land accounts for 81% of the reserve’s area, spanning 2,580 hectares, the vast majority of which consists of dense forest — primarily evergreen broad-leaved forest and mixed coniferous-broad-leaved forest. Shrubland, non-forested, and non-wooded areas are relatively small, with a total forest coverage rate of 76.9%. Fogang is a region prone to thunderstorms and heavy rain, making the water resources of Guanyin Mountain vital to the hydrology of areas such as Gaogang, Shijiao, and Sanba. These waters are critically important for agricultural irrigation and water conservancy projects in related districts and towns of Fogang and Yingde, as well as benefiting the Pearl River basin. Due to the steep terrain and rapid streams, the area also boasts abundant hydropower potential. Five hydroelectric power stations have been built in the county to generate electricity year-round using water from Guanyin Mountain. With its dense forests, flowing streams, spectacular waterfalls in various forms, diverse landscapes, beautiful scenery, and fresh air, Guanyin Mountain Nature Reserve has become a popular destination for vacationing and convalescence in Fogang.