Wanfo Mountain

What are the most recommended things to do in Wanfo Mountain?

  • Climb to the main peak (≈ 635 m) and enjoy panoramic views of Danxia peak forest landscapes.
  • Explore Shenxian Cave with its Buddhist grotto statues and karst features.
  • Hike or visit the other peaks: Qixing Mountain (“Seven Stars”), Jiangjun Mountain, and Ziyun Mountain.
  • Walk the plank road / glass walkway section on the slopes for thrilling views.
  • Visit ancient cliff inscriptions, temple ruins, and Danxia rock formations throughout the scenic zone.
  • Observe ethnic Dong culture in the nearby Dong villages embedded in the scenic area.

Introducing Wanfoshan

Wanfo Mountain, with its towering peaks, numerous pictographic landscapes, and lush vegetation, is known as the "Green Great Wall." The scenic area combines seclusion, danger, beauty, and unique charm, making it a highly scenic destination. The entire area encompasses the magnificent Wanfo Mountain Danxia landform, the mysterious Baili Dong Culture Trail, and Gongcheng Academy, the site of the Tongdao Turnaround Meeting that saved the Red Army's survival.

The Wanfoshan Danxia landform area is located in Taipingyan Village, Wanfoshan Town, Tongdao Dong Autonomous County, Huaihua City, Hunan Province, at the junction of Hunan, Guangxi, and Guizhou provinces. It encompasses seven scenic areas covering 100.83 square kilometers. Located 20 kilometers from the county seat and at an altitude of 597.9 meters, it is one of the largest Danxia peak forest landforms in China.

Climate and best time to travel

Wanfo Mountain boasts a forest coverage rate of 85%, boasting abundant oxygen, fresh air, and vibrant, dazzling colors. There's also the large-leafed nephrite grass, which prevents colds and fights SARS; saxifrage, which treats otitis media; the best fever reducer for children, safflower; the eight-sided maple, which treats hemiplegia; and the root of the plant, which can treat infertility, the golden cocktail; the blood-strewn dandelion; and the spicy schizonepeta...

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Stretching across 168 square kilometers of Danxia landform, there are five major scenic areas: Wanfo Mountain, Shenxian Cave, Qixing Mountain, Jiangjun Mountain, and Ziyun Mountain. Within these scenic areas, the "Single Rock," "Qixing Ancient Temple," "Fudi Cave," "Lion Watching the Moon," "Tianyi Pillar," "Beauty Waiting for Husband," "Shenzhou Conch," "Golden Turtle Foraging for Food," "Natural Magpie Bridge," and "Thirty-Six Bends Forest Maze" are known as the "Ten Wonderful Scenes."

Wanfo Mountain has a long history, typical Dong culture, and rich ethnic customs. It is also famous for the "Tongdao Turn" incident in military history. The Gongcheng Academy Central Committee held an emergency meeting and adopted Mao Zedong's suggestion of "abandoning the Xiangxi connection and advancing to Guizhou instead." This was an important turning point in the Red Army's Long March. The area has convenient transportation, abundant resources, a pleasant climate, and a nascent infrastructure.

Tickets

Tickets: Wanfo Mountain 100 yuan/person, Duyan free. Rafting 138 yuan/person.


Most Popular FAQs for Wanfo Mountain

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Wanfo Mountain (万佛山) is a national geopark and scenic area located in Tongdao Dong Autonomous County, Huaihua, Hunan. It features one of China’s largest Danxia peak-forest landform clusters, with 68 peaks and many over 500 m. The area also preserves Buddhist grotto statues dating from the Song Dynasty (108 Buddha figures in Shenxian Cave) as well as temple ruins, inscriptions, and Dong cultural heritage.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

  • Location: Taipingyan Village, Linkou Town, Tongdao Dong Autonomous County, Huaihua City, Hunan.
  • Distance: about 20 km from the county seat (Shuangjiang Town) by road.
  • By public transport: from Tongdao, shuttle buses depart (e.g. at 8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00) to the scenic area; fare around ¥15.
  • By car: drive via Baomao Expressway and National Highway 209, total distance ~180 km from Huaihua.
  • On arrival: use internal shuttle buses within the scenic area to reach peaks and attractions.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

  • Open daily: 8:00 to 17:30 for the main scenic area.
  • Shenxian Cave opens 8:30 to 17:00.
  • Best visiting season: spring through autumn (April–October), when weather is favorable and views are clear.
  • Avoid peak midday and cloudy rainy days for better visibility of Danxia peaks. — (common advice for such landscapes)

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is ¥68 per person. Some sources list other ticket levels, but ¥68 is commonly cited. Tickets can be bought at the scenic area gate or via regional tourism platforms/travel agencies.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking is not mandatory on most days, but for weekends or holidays booking 1–2 days in advance is wise to ensure entry and shuttle availability. (Based on general practices in Chinese scenic areas)