Mount Fanjing or Fanjingshan, located in southwest China, is the highest mountain in the Wuling mountain range, with its highest peak reaching 2,572 meters above sea level.

This place offers a wonderful view to hikers, among unusual rock formations and a rich biodiversity. It’s considered by Buddhists to be a place where spiritual enlightenment can be achieved.

It is no coincidence that numerous temples were built here after the Tang dynasty (between the seventh and the tenth century) but nowadays, only a few still exist. This is the case for temples of Buddha and Maitreya, built on the top of a solitary column-shaped rock, known as Red Cloud Golden Peak. They are considered to be the “bodhimaṇḍa” – the place of enlightenment – of the Maitreya Buddha.

To reach the two structures you need to climb 8000 steps. But the effort is rewarded by the enchanting view of the surrounding mountains.