Golden Lotus Mountain

　　   Situated in the Dayaoshan Mountain area, slightly east of central Guangxi, it is also called Jinxiu Dayaoshan because the main range of the Guangxi Dayaoshan Mountains lies within Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County. The county covers a total area of more than 2,500 square kilometers, including over 500 square kilometers designated as a provincial-level scenic area. The forest coverage rate within the county exceeds 87%, with over 600,000 acres of contiguous primeval forests. As such, Jinxiu Dayaoshan serves as both Guangxi’s largest green water reservoir and a national forest park and nature reserve. The name “Jinxiu” (meaning “Golden Hills and Graceful Waters”) reflects this heritage.

　　   As the saying goes, “The virtuous enjoy mountains, the wise enjoy waters.” No matter which you prefer, Jinxiu’s scenery has something for you — it boasts magnificent and diverse natural landscapes. The over 500-square-kilometer scenic area stretches continuously from northeast to southwest, featuring famous peaks such as Tiantang Ridge, Jinxiu Laoshan, Lotus Mountain, Luohan Mountain, Shengtang Mountain, Wuzhi Mountain, and Longjun Mountain. These mountains all belong to the Danxia-type steep-faced tower-column landform of Dayaoshan. Thanks to the abundant rainfall near the Tropic of Cancer, the region’s superior geographical location, and its relatively undisturbed ecological balance, it has formed ancient geological features, multi-directional ridgelines, deep valleys, and stunning landscapes — with crimson peaks, emerald waters, vermilion cliffs, and verdant forests. The area offers serene, mysterious, precipitous, and primeval natural scenery. It also enjoys a cool and pleasant climate. Both the county seat and the tourist areas lie at altitudes above 1,000 meters in the heart of Dayaoshan, surrounded by lush forests and the sound of flowing streams. The average annual temperature is 17°C, with little variation between seasons — no intense summer heat or severe winter cold. Even during the hottest days of summer, you’ll still need a cotton blanket at night, making the climate extremely comfortable. There is no air pollution here, and the air is exceptionally fresh. Experts have measured negative ion levels in the air as high as over 60,000 per cubic centimeter, averaging 9,194 per cubic centimeter. Water quality surpasses the national Class I Surface Water Environmental Quality Standards, and atmospheric pollutant concentrations are 5 to 10 grades lower than the national Class I Air Quality Standards. To travel through such a heavenly, dust-free realm is truly a rare delight.

　　   The mountains are also rich in plant and animal resources. The vast Dayaoshan Mountains, with their ancient origins, complex terrain, unique orientation and location, high soil moisture content, and naturally fertile grounds, create rare living conditions and a “sanctuary” for a wide variety of organisms. As a result, the area boasts the richest diversity and abundance of flora and fauna in all of Guangxi. According to a report from the 1982 Comprehensive Survey Team of Guangxi Dayaoshan organized by the Regional Science and Technology Commission, there are 3,335 species of vascular plants across 213 families and 870 genera; 347 species of terrestrial vertebrates; 836 species of insects across 24 orders, 176 families, and 836 species; and 119 species of butterflies, forming an ancient, complex, and incredibly diverse gene pool that includes both rare and abundant species. It is home to living fossils like the silver fir—dubbed the “panda of plants”—the Yao Mountain crocodile lizard, a nationally first-class protected animal and living fossil, as well as the golden birdwing butterfly, a first-class protected butterfly species, all of which have tenaciously thrived here despite near-extinction threats.