Leigongshan Nature Reserve
Located 15 kilometers (nine miles) east of Kaili, Leigongshan is the most intriguing scenic area of the Miaoling Mountains. It gained its reputation as a National Nature Reserve because of its abundance of overlapping mountain ridges, flourishing verdant plants, valuable and rare animals, and historical war remains.
It is the highest peak in the mountain ranges of Qiandongnan (southeast Guizhou Province), so Leigongshan is rumored as the place where the God of Thunder ("Leigong" in Chinese) lives. Every summer, thunderstorms can be heard resounding on the mountains, which is why people called it Leigongshan (or Leigong Mountain).
The top of the nature reserve can be reached at a 2178.8-meter (7148.2-feet), where visitors can enjoy the sunrise, admire the sunset, and also have a panoramic view of the Miaoling Mountains. A large number of rare animals wandering among the virgin forests may make one feel one has really returned to nature. The climate there is typically rainy and wet, and changes constantly, making summer as comfortable as spring and autumn. That makes it an ideal summer resort for tourists.
On the summit of Leigongshan Moutain, there is a square water well. The rain cannot fill it and the drought cannot dry it. This strange well was said to be dug by Zhang Xiumei and Yang Daliu who led the local Miao people rebelled against the Qing authority's tyranny. But the strong Qing soldiers drove them to this mountain. The barren Leigongshan Mountain had no water which made Zhang and Yang worried very much. They had to find water but failed at last. Out of extreme worry and anger, Yang heavily stamped his feet and suddenly a spring of clear water came out. With great joy, Zhang took out of his machete and chiseled around the place where the water came out. Soon there appeared a small water well. From then on, they not only had water to drink but also farmed on top of the mountain. They kept on fighting, but suffered defeat at last, and the water well slowly reduced to today's size.
How to Get There
Take a bus from Guiyang East Passenger Transport Center to Kaili at the fare of CNY 70 or so. Or take a train to Kaili Railway Station. Upon arrival, take a bus to Leishan County.
Visitors can also take a direct bus from Guiyang East Passenger Transport Center to Leishan County. The bus leaves at 11:00, 13:30 and 16:00.
From Leishan County to the scenic area
Take a mini bus from Leishan Bus Station bound for Fangxiang Town and get off at the scenic area on the half way. The bus leaves at 09:00 and 14:00, bus fare is around CNY 9.
Mar. 1 to Nov. 30 | Dec. 1 to end of next Feb. | |
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Admission Fee | CNY 50 | CNY 30 |
Opening Hours | 8:00-17:30 | 8:30-17:00 |