Leigong Mountain National Forest Park (雷公山国家森林公园) is located in the southeastern part of Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China. The main peak rises to an elevation of 2178.8 meters, with over ten peaks reaching altitudes above 1800 meters. The park covers a total area of 4354.73 hectares, boasting an impressive forest coverage rate of 88%.
Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the park features ancient towering trees, lush greenery, and a spacious basin with clear streams that flow year-round to areas such as Leishan, Xijiang, and Taijiang. These streams serve to irrigate farmlands and provide drinking water for both humans and livestock. The basin itself is wide and flat, adorned with abundant water and grass, showcasing a variety of vibrant flora, including blooming azaleas and beguiling magnolias.
Recognized by UNESCO as “one of the most well-preserved ecologically and culturally pristine areas in the world,” Leigong Mountain National Forest Park is hailed as an ideal kingdom for humanity to return to nature. It is celebrated as one of the world’s top ten forest tourism destinations, offering a haven for those seeking a genuine connection with the natural world and an escape from the complexities of modern life.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Leigong Mountain National Forest Park
- Other Attractions in Leishan County
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0855-3333168 |
Location and Transportation
Leigong Mountain National Forest Park is located in Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China. Spanning across various locations such as Baiyan Village, Xiangshuiyan, Leigong Mountain Summit, Gaoyan Village, Shuixi Village, and Lianhua, the park showcases the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of the region.
To reach Leigong Mountain, you can first travel to Leishan County from Guiyang, which takes approximately a 3-hour drive. From the county, proceed to Leigong Mountain by car, covering a distance of around 32 kilometers, which takes about 1 hour. If you’re coming from Kaili City, the journey to Leishan County takes approximately 1 hour by car, followed by another car ride to reach Leigong Mountain.
Highlights of Leigong Mountain National Forest Park
Bald Cypress Forest
One of the park’s distinctive features is the majestic Bald Cypress Forest, known as “the king of ten thousand trees” and the “natural living fossil.” Designated as a first-class protected plant in China, the Bald Cypress stands as a rare and precious species globally. These towering trees, with a straight and dignified trunk reaching heights of 30 to 50 meters, are particularly exemplified in the picturesque Bald Cypress group located in the eastern part of Leigong Mountain, in the village of Getou in Fangxiang Township. This spectacular forest has attracted numerous experts and scholars, earning the village the title of the “hometown of the king of ten thousand trees.”
Buddha’s Light
The phenomenon of Buddha’s Light adds to the mystical allure of Leigong Mountain. Enveloped in mist year-round, the mountain experiences up to 300 days of clouds and fog, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Despite being in the subtropical region, the climate remains pleasant with an average temperature of 15.8 degrees Celsius, even during the scorching summer months. Due to the influence of the North Asian monsoon, coupled with the mountain’s elevation, Leigong Mountain showcases distinct climate differences vertically, experiencing all four seasons simultaneously. The unique combination of sunlight diffraction and abundant clouds and mist often results in the mesmerizing Buddha’s Light phenomenon during summer and autumn, creating enchanting mirages and optical illusions.
Heavenly Script
A mysterious attraction in Leigong Mountain is the “Heavenly Script” or “Tianshu.” Discovered near the north side of the main peak at Leigong Pingding Terrace, a large green stone tablet was found. Measuring 2 meters in height, 1.5 meters in width, and 0.2 meters in thickness, the tablet bears inscriptions resembling Chinese characters, yet no one has been able to decipher them. With characters varying in stroke count and shape, the locals have legends about the inscription, including stories related to Zhuge Kongming and Xiumei. The enigmatic “Heavenly Script” remains a mystery, with the damaged tablet now preserved in the county cultural relics institute, featuring 28 characters that continue to captivate visitors with its divine aura.
