Wuzhishan Forest Area

　　“You haven’t really been to Hainan if you haven’t visited Wuzhishan.” Wuzhishan is a symbol of Hainan Island and one of the last three remaining pristine tropical rainforests in the world, located at the highest altitude among them. It’s an ideal destination for green and eco-tourism. Especially captivating is the area’s strong preservation of Li and Miao ethnic culture, adding even more charm.

　　Wuzhishan is located in the central part of Hainan Island, where undulating peaks form jagged ridges resembling five fingers—hence its name. From a distance, visitors can see lush greenery, drifting clouds, and verdant mountains spiraling up to the summit, giving the impression of clouds rising from beneath one’s feet and walking amidst the stars.

　　Up close, the five “fingers” stretch from southwest to northeast, initially sparse and then gradually denser. The nearest emerald peak is the First Peak of Wuzhishan, over 1,300 meters above sea level, with steep cliffs jutting upwards, its summit slanting pointedly toward the sky. When viewed from the district office of Wuzhishan, the whole mountain looks like a massive pyramid, with the peak resembling the sharp beak of a bird. But upon ascending, it turns out to be a huge rock surface spanning nearly 10 square meters. The highest peak among the five is the Second Peak, standing at 1,876 meters. Between the First and Second Peaks, the terrain is extremely rugged and the climb more challenging. There is a “sky bridge” formed naturally by giant rocks, said to be a “fairy bridge” where celestial children and fairies often come to play. Behind the Second Peak is the Third Peak, once the highest of Wuzhishan but later struck by lightning and shortened. Then come the Fourth and Fifth Peaks. Although these five peaks are separated at their summits, they are all connected by the same mountain body. Standing among the peaks, visitors can watch the clouds drift slowly past, feeling as though they’re in a fairyland. Overlooking the South China Sea, one can gaze across vast blue waves dotted with fishing boats—an awe-inspiring scene.

　　Wuzhishan Forest Area is also a green treasure trove housing countless century-old trees. Upon entering the primeval forest, fallen leaves accumulate to a depth of over 50 centimeters. The air is filled with a unique resinous fragrance, and 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...

　　The Middle Finger Peak, over 1,000 meters above sea level, is home to the Guanyin Zen Temple, which houses a white jade statue of Guanyin and features many Buddha carvings along its surrounding walls. Nearby, there is a large natural depression on a giant rock that can hold water, commonly known as “Inkstone Pond Rock,” with the three characters “Wuzhishan” carved into it. Legend says that the Gaoshan people of ancient times used to sharpen their knives on this rock, and knife marks can still be seen today—thus it’s also called “Knife-Sharpening Rock.” The “Ring Finger” Peak is where the Yunguang Temple is built. Nestled against the mountain and surrounded by lush greenery, the temple sits at a high elevation, making it a great spot for distant views. In 1980, the Jade Emperor Palace was constructed next to Yunguang Temple, enshrining Guan Yu, and featuring large sculptures such as the Buddha’s Hand, Sun Wukong, the Eighteen Arhats, as well as rockeries, elevated corridors, and ponds for visitors to enjoy.