Beneath your feet lies the rugged terrain of Mt. Gaan Tau. It is a peak cloaked in legend and natural splendor. But its story is intertwined with that of a much grander neighbor. We venture into the tale of Wutong Mountain. It is Shenzhen’s tallest peak and a place locals call the city’s “Lung”.
Wutong Mountain is more than just a mountain. It is a state-level urban scenic area. It merges mountains, sea, and city. It protects ecological and scenic resources. It offers science education, leisure, and sightseeing.
The name “Wutong” comes from the Classic of Poetry. It speaks of the Wutong tree. This tree makes the phoenix cry. Legend says the phoenix only lands on the Wutong tree. This symbolizes the tree’s nobility. People see the Wutong tree as spiritual. It embodies good wishes for Wutong Mountain.
Some say the name comes from the mountain’s shape. It undulates like a centipede. The Chinese word for centipede sounds like Wutong. Another idea is that thistles dot the mountain. “Wutong” is also their pronunciation in Mandarin. The third idea suggests that Wutong Mountain is named after its rich spiritual plants such as the Chinese parasol tree.
Wutong Mountain covers 31.82 square kilometers. Founded in 1989 it nears Mirs Bay and connects to Hong Kong. Green hills rise gradually from west to east. Big Wutong is the highest peak in Shenzhen. It stands 943.7 meters tall.
“Wuling Heavenly Pound” was once one of Xin’an County’s eight sceneries. Now, “Wutong Clouds” is one of Shenzhen’s eight new sceneries. It is known for its changing and magical views.
Wutong Mountain’s vast vegetation acts as Shenzhen’s ecological barrier. The forest covers 88.6% of the mountain. South subtropics seasonal rainforests cover the slopes. Mountainous orderly broad-leaf forests are also here. Hilltop dwarf forests and shrubs dot the higher reaches. “Ten miles of Rhododendron flowers” and “Camellia flowers sea” create striking flower displays.
Wutong Mountain is home to diverse flora and fauna. It is a species gene bank for Shenzhen. There are 1,376 species of vascular plants. Also, 537 species of insects and 196 species of animals. Some are protected species.
Hakka culture is strong here. Emperor Wu established counties here in 111 BC. Ge Hong practiced medicine here. Lü Dongbin wrote poems about Wutong’s beauty. Zhang Sanfeng built temples on the mountain. Wutong Mountain is famous for its Taoist culture.
There are several trails to the top of Wutong Mountain. Wutong Mountain Rd. North is the easiest. Taishan Stream Trail is classic but harder. Bitong Rd. is the longest and most challenging.
The Wutong Mountain Hiking Festival began in 2003. It encourages national sports and tourism. Before the pandemic, Yantian District promoted ecological civilization. It created flower-themed landscapes.
Here at Mt. Gaan Tau, you’re connected to this rich tapestry. You will witness the beauty that has inspired poets, monks, and hikers. Wutong Mountain’s story flows through this land. It echoes in the wind and whispers through the trees. Take a moment to appreciate the mountain’s history.