China's Wild Mountains

The forests of Fanjingshan National Nature Reserve in Guizhou are intact, protected by director Yang Yequin, who will soon leave his research role. Successor Nui Kefeng installs surveillance cameras to study the remaining about 700 Guizhou golden monkeys - researchers expect a surprise. About 1,000 km northeast, Tianzhu Mountain in Anhui hosts the 400‑year‑old Jidi An nunnery, currently building a new hall for its large golden Buddha. At Fanjing’s foot, a blue pond is famed as a rejuvenating spring; nearby papermaker Yang Heping still practices his craft. Life on Tianzhu has steadied; the abbess prepares to travel to Mount Fanjing despite her fear of heights, drawn by the summit’s promised view.