“Is this really the place?” you might ask gazing at Wolfe Mountain. Indeed it is. Let me introduce you to a gem nestled near the border of Luohu and Yantian in Shenzhen. We call it Wolfe Mountain.
It is also known locally as Xianrenmiao. Wolfe Mountain forms part of the larger Wutong Mountain range. This range proudly holds the title of Shenzhen’s tallest mountain. Its highest peak reaches an impressive 943.7 meters. That is about 3096 feet.
Wutong Mountain is more than just a mountain. It is a state-level urban scenic area. It blends mountains, sea, and city into one stunning panorama. From here you can see both Shenzhen and Hong Kong.
Wolfe Mountain itself contributes to this scenic integration. Wutong Mountain serves several important functions. These include ecological protection, science education, recreation, and of course sightseeing.
The name Wutong has roots in ancient Chinese poetry. The Classic of Poetry mentions the Wutong tree. It is the Chinese parasol tree. Legend says the phoenix only perches on this tree, which represents nobility. This endows the mountain with a sense of spirituality. It reflects people’s hopes for the area.
Some locals believe the name Wutong comes from the mountain’s shape. They say it resembles a centipede snaking across the land. The Mandarin word for centipede sounds similar to Wutong. Another theory suggests the name comes from the abundance of thistle plants. The pronunciation of thistle in Mandarin is similar to Wutong. A final idea suggests the name references the mountain’s rich variety of special plants. This includes the Chinese parasol tree, orchids and other plants with medicinal value.
Designated a National Park of China in 2009, Wutong Mountain spans 31.82 square kilometers. It borders Hong Kong to the south and Shenzhen Reservoir to the west. The landscape rises from west to east. Big Wutong is the highest peak. Its majestic presence reflects in Mirs Bay. “Wutong Clouds” is one of Shenzhen’s eight new scenic wonders. The cloud formations here are magical.
Known as the “Lung of the City,” Wutong Mountain boasts a forest coverage rate of 88.6%. Diverse vegetation thrives here. You will find South subtropical seasonal rainforests, broad-leaf forests and hilltop shrubs. “Ten miles of Rhododendron flowers” and “Camellia flower sea” create stunning floral displays.
Wutong Mountain is home to a diverse array of creatures. There are 1376 species of vascular plants and 537 species of insects. Almost 200 species of animals live here. Some are under national protection such as the Chinese Bullfrog and the Chinese Pangolin.
Historically, Wutong Mountain has strong ties to Taoism. During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Ge Hong practiced medicine here. According to legend, Lü Dongbin wrote over 100 poems about the landscape. Zhang Sanfeng built temples here during the Ming Dynasty.
There are multiple trails up Wutong Mountain. These range in difficulty. One of the easiest routes is the Wutong Mountain Rd. North path. The Taishan Stream Trail is more challenging. Bitong Road is the longest and most physically demanding trail.
Each October, the Wutong Mountain Hiking Festival encourages outdoor activity. It also promotes tourism. Before the pandemic, Yantian District promoted ecological civilization through floral displays.
Whether you seek a challenging hike or a peaceful retreat, Wutong Mountain offers something for everyone. Its rich history natural beauty and cultural significance make it a must-see destination in Shenzhen. So take a deep breath and enjoy the view from Wolfe Mountain.