Laogui Mountain in Shilin County, Kunming

Chinese Name: 昆明老圭山
English Name: Laogui Mountain in Shilin County, Kunming
Location: Shilin County, Kunming City
Highest altitude: 2,601 metres
Duration: one day

Introduction of The Mountain

Overview

Laogui Mountain, originally called “Laogui Shan,” is renowned for its majestic and beautiful range that resembles a sea turtle’s raised back. In the Yi language, it is referred to as “Gou Boma,” which means “Mountain of the Wild Goose.” This famous Buddhist mountain is located in central Yunnan and is the highest peak in Shilin County, Kunming City, with an elevation of 2,601 meters (N 24° 37.630′ E 103° 34.721′).

Geographic and Climatic Features

Stretching 14 kilometers from north to south and 10 kilometers wide, Laogui Mountain covers an area of 3,206 hectares and is part of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The northeastern part of the mountain is relatively flat, while the southwestern regions feature steep cliffs and dramatic peaks, creating a striking and harmonious landscape. The mountain reaches into the clouds and experiences a subtropical highland climate, characterized by an average annual rainfall of 970 mm, a mean temperature of 14°C, and a frost-free period of about 210 days, with minimal temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

Climbing Route

Starting Point

The route begins at Yiwei Village and leads to Guishan Temple, where stone markers will guide you along the way.

Path to the Summit

Upon reaching Guishan Caoyan Temple, turn left to find a mountain path that leads to the summit. (Guishan Temple will be straight ahead if you continue.) To the right, a path circles the temple and leads to the Guishan Revolutionary Memorial Site, with many subsequent paths available for climbing.

Key Landmarks

Near the peak, you will encounter a false summit marked by a wooden stake and a rock pile, along with a monument inscribed by Mr. Liang Siwen. The neighboring peak resembles an ancient military flag and features a broken stone tablet erected by Shilin Yi Autonomous County.

Terrain and Duration

Most of the climb occurs through wooded areas, with about nine grassy platforms along the way. The round trip takes roughly three hours.

Local Snacks:

a. Southern rufu (fermented bean curd), milk cakes, and ethnic embroidery
b. The “Heaven, Earth, and Man Three Realms Carnival” on the third day of the third lunar month
c. Guishan’s clouds, seas of fog, and frost

Route Costs:

Kunming — Shilin (about 2 hours, 28 yuan/person) — County Suburbs (2 yuan/person) — Guishan Township (6 yuan/person)

Additional Information

Geology and Topography

The Guishan area is renowned for its karst topography, characterized by ancient soluble carbonate sedimentary rocks and limestone formations. This results in a landscape dotted with distinctive peaks, caves, and sinkholes. Colorful cloud walls and towering cliffs intermittently appear amidst the forest, with sheer cliffs reaching several tens of meters high.

Forest and Vegetation

Guishan boasts a forest coverage of 80%, featuring diverse forest vegetation shaped by the plateau’s subtropical monsoon climate. The primary vegetation includes Yunnan green oak, sandalwood, yellow-haired green oak, and rhododendron. The terrain’s undulating nature creates grassland terraces. In early spring and midsummer, a variety of ferns and flowers, such as clover, colorful grass, Yunnan purple grass, stone oak, and gentian, bloom. The region is home to over 460 plant species, including nationally protected plants like red ash, Yunnan camphor, three-needle fir, beech, magnolia, eucommia, and fan ferns; provincially protected plants such as the small fruit tung tree and split fruit lacquer; and tertiary protected plants like Yunnan sandalwood, tea tree wood, ten-mile flower, and spiny yellow lotus. Additionally, Guishan features the three famous flowers of Yunnan: tea flower, rhododendron, and primrose. Numerous herbal plants, including bird grass, leaf flower, gastrodia, three needles, half summer, lily black plum, gentian, and bellflower, are also found in the area.

Wildlife

The dense forests and high mountains of Guishan provide a healthy ecological environment for wildlife. Common species include pangolins, civets, muntjacs, eagles, starlings, pheasants, nightingales, woodpeckers, white-bellied pheasants, magpies, wild rabbits, nine-patterned souls, squirrels, and toads. The area also supports various types of bamboos and green snakes.

Historical Significance

Guishan holds historical significance as a revolutionary site. General Zhu Jiabi led a people’s army in numerous battles against enemy forces, capturing Shizong and Qiubei, liberating Guangnan, and establishing a revolutionary base in Guishan. This marked the first significant resistance by the people of Yunnan against the Nationalist Government during the liberation war. The general’s monument, located amidst the vibrant Guishan peaks, plays a crucial role in educating future generations about revolutionary history and traditions.

Guishan Temple

Guishan Temple, also known as Guijing Temple, is situated on the northeast slope of Guishan and was established during the Ming Dynasty. It is a revered Buddhist mountain and pilgrimage site for villagers from the surrounding counties of Luxi, Mile, Shizong, and Luliang. Historical records describe Guishan as a place with dense forests and a perennial pond at the summit, with a temple overlooking the area. Villagers from neighboring counties have contributed funds to restore and build the Mahavira Hall, Caoyan Temple, and Xuantian Pavilion. Annually, around the third day of the third lunar month, thousands of pious Buddhists from local and neighboring counties visit the temple for homage.

Cultural Diversity

Guishan is located in a multicultural region inhabited by Miao, Yi (including Sani, Black Yi, White Yi, Yiqing), and Han ethnic groups. These communities contribute to a rich and diverse cultural landscape, creating a vibrant and colorful cultural tapestry in the Guishan area.