Breathe in the fresh air here at Wu Shan Riverside Park. This park offers a green escape in our vibrant city. Let me tell you about a nearby giant. It towers over Shenzhen.
I am talking about Wutong Mountain. It stands at an impressive 943.7 meters. That is about 3096 feet. It marks the highest point in Shenzhen.
Wutong Mountain is more than just a tall peak. It is a state-level urban scenic area. It blends mountains, sea, and city views. This park protects vital ecological resources. People come here for science, research, and sightseeing.
The mountain has two main peaks. There is Big Wutong and Little Wutong. Big Wutong is Shenzhen’s highest peak.
The name Wutong has interesting roots. It comes from the Classic of Poetry. This ancient book describes the Wutong tree. Legend says that the phoenix only lands on this tree. This shows the tree’s nobility. The saying “Phoenix dwelling on Wutong Tree” is well known. It gives the tree a spiritual meaning. People use it to express good wishes for Wutong Mountain.
Locals have different ideas about the name. One idea suggests the mountain looked like a centipede snaking across the land. The Mandarin word for centipede sounds similar to Wutong. Another idea links the name to the thistle plant. It sounds like Wutong in Mandarin. A third idea says the mountain is rich in special plants. These include the Chinese parasol tree.
Wutong Mountain covers 31.82 square kilometers. That is about 12.29 square miles. It sits in the south of Shenzhen. It borders Hong Kong to the south. The park’s green hills rise from west to east. Small Wutong, Bean Curd Head, and Big Wutong peaks stand tall. They are known as the Three Towering Peaks.
Wutong Mountain acts as Shenzhen’s green lung. It has a high forest coverage rate of 88.6%. You will find different types of vegetation here. There are rainforests and broad-leaf forests. The mountain also features hilltop dwarf forests.
The park boasts diverse animal and plant life. It is home to 1376 species of plants. You can also find 537 species of insects. Additionally, the park includes 196 animal species. Some are under national protection.
Wutong Mountain has a rich Taoist history. The Taoist master Ge Hong visited here. He practiced medicine. Lu Dongbin loved the mountain’s beauty. Zhang Sanfeng built temples here in the Ming Dynasty.
Locals celebrate the Wutong Mountain Hiking Festival. It happens every year in early October. People come to enjoy the mountain’s trails.
Before the pandemic, Yantian District promoted flower displays. They created themed landscapes. These efforts aimed to build a world-famous flower city.
Now, think of the fresh air. Remember the towering peak. Consider the rich history. Wutong Mountain offers beauty and culture close to Wu Shan Riverside Park.