The Magnificent Xuefeng Mountains
The Xuefeng Mountains, towering between southwestern and central Hunan, are in my eyes a great mountain full of masculine temperament! The reason I chose the word “masculine” to describe it is not because of its height. Its highest elevation is only 1,934 meters. Compared with world-famous roofs such as the Himalayas, this number can really only be considered a little brother in the high mountain series. Therefore, using words like “majestic” to describe it would certainly...
The Xuefeng Mountains, towering between southwestern and central Hunan, are in my eyes a great mountain full of masculine temperament!
The reason I chose the word “masculine” to describe it is not because of its height. Its highest elevation is only 1,934 meters. Compared with world-famous roofs such as the Himalayas, this number can really only be considered a little brother in the high mountain series. Therefore, using words like “majestic” to describe it would certainly be inaccurate.
The reason I consider the Xuefeng Mountains a great mountain full of masculine temperament mainly lies in the following points:
First is its vastness. The Xuefeng mountain range stretches more than 300 kilometers and spans 80-120 kilometers. Although its elevation cannot be mentioned in the same breath as the high mountains of the west, it is still very famous within Hunan Province. Especially in geography, the Xuefeng Mountains have landmark significance: together with the Greater Khingan Mountains and Taihang Mountains, they form the boundary line between the second and third levels of China's three-step terrain.
Second is its rich forest resources, accounting for more than 50% of Hunan Province. Data show that in the Xuefeng mountain area, there are many patches of primitive secondary forest, including Kouxi, Bamian Mountain, Huangshuang, Zhucha Mountain, Yun Mountain, and Jiefu Mountain. Among them are many precious tree species, such as ginkgo, hemlock, Machilus pauhoi, fragrant fruit tree, Cephalotaxus, Chinese yew, five-needle pine, and so on. Most of these trees grow tall and upright, which is precisely a symbol of masculine temperament.
Third is that its minerals are mostly hard metals, which can also be considered evidence that this mountain has a masculine temperament! According to surveys, the Xuefeng mountain area contains various minerals such as iron, copper, manganese, antimony, tungsten, lead, zinc, and gold, with relatively rich reserves. Especially after gold deposits were proven in the area some years ago, gold prospectors swarmed in. Because of random digging and reckless cutting, great pollution was caused to the local environment, and the local government is now taking measures to vigorously address it.
Fourth is that many rare birds and animals live within its territory, especially animals such as the South China tiger and golden leopard. Tigers and leopards are symbols of bravery and power, so in this sense the masculine temperament of the Xuefeng Mountains is also full.
Fifth is the “Xuefeng Mountain Battle” during the War of Resistance Against Japan, which greatly enhanced national prestige and avenged national humiliation. This should also be a major symbol of the mountain's masculine temperament. According to relevant historical materials, from April 9 to June 7, 1945, the Japanese army sent more than 80,000 troops to launch a fierce attack on the Xuefeng Mountain area, intending to destroy Zhijiang Airport and open China's great southwest passage. The Chinese army sent more than 200,000 troops to meet the attack. The two sides fought fiercely for two months. The final result was that 12,498 Japanese soldiers were killed and 23,307 wounded; 7,737 Chinese soldiers died and 12,483 were wounded. This battle ended in a complete victory for the Chinese army. Three months later, Japan finally surrendered completely. The place chosen by the Chinese army to accept the surrender was Zhijiang County at the foot of the Xuefeng Mountains. Its surrender memorial site has now become an important commemorative site of the Chinese people's resistance against Japan.
The Xuefeng Mountains are magnificent, with complex and changeable terrain, and the beautiful scenery also makes people linger. To understand the geography and cultural history of greater Xiangxi, this mountain is a must-see.