Timestamps:
Intro: 0:00
Fanjingshan: 0:20
Outro: 6:35

On the final day of our 8 Days road trip around Guizhou, we stopped at Fanjingshan for a full days hike through the clouds. Starting when you arrive to the mountain base, there is a bus that takes you up a long winding road to the starting point. From here you go through the security checks and then begin the real journey. For most people it is convenient to take the cable car from this spot as it allows you the most time to spend while on the mountain. Originally I wanted to hike my way up from there but I also knew that if we hiked, then we wouldn't have time to get the shots I wanted so we opted for the cable car.

After exiting the cable car, there is still a long hike ahead but keep your eyes open as you might have the opportunity to see the extremely rare Guizhou snub nosed monkey. It is exclusive to this mountain range and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Unfortunately I wasn't that lucky to see one, though I will for sure be back.

When you reach the first peak, there are several more hikes to take here and multiple temples around that you can visit. We chose to take the shorter hike that goes in a loop while waiting for the fog to clear up. It was still early afternoon by the time we arrived to this point, so there was not enough sunshine to penetrate the fog. There really was no guarantee that this could even happen as the peak is covered in thick layers of fog and rain for upwards of 300 days of the year. It could be hours, minutes, or even days before we had the window of opportunity.

so we carried on, and after this long hike that lasted a few hours, I went back to the open area to wait and see if we have chance at a moment of clarity. While you are not supposed to fly drones here, I did this anyways and with only three drone batteries in my pocket, I needed to be careful and plan out my flights. there was a few times it appeared that the fog stopped, so i got my drone in the air and made attempt one. attempt two. and with no avail, I waited to use the final battery. After roughly 2 more hours, my patience and risk surely paid off. I was rewarded with a clear view for a matter of mere minutes and with this came the most spectacular images I could've ever asked for. I got my first real Bucket Shot and this made me so happy. I felt as if everything in that moment was worth it.

Now all that is left, is to return to Guizhou and Fanjingshan again during the winter time and do it all again. I will seek out this Guizhou Snub Nose Money and I will get this shot when the mountain temples are covered in snow.

That is my goal. That is my dream. That is the Bucket Shot.

Tags.
#China #Guizhou #ChinaUndiscovered #中国 #travelvlog #explorechina #mountainlandscape #travelphotographer #cinemaphotography #roadtrip #travelguide #foreigner #foreignerinchina #beautifuldestinations #discoverchina #nationalgeographic #wildchina #nomadlifestyle #travelinchina #fanjingshan #monkey #fairtytale #bucketshot #bucketlist