About 39km southeast of Wǔzhǐshān lies the small and conspicuously orderly Li town of Bǎotíng (保亭). While that orderliness may strike you as noteworthy after a few weeks spent travelling in China, the main reason to come here is to climb the 1126m peak, comprising an eye-catching ridge of jagged spearlike crags. The area is perhaps more famous among Chinese, however, for the hot-spring resorts popping up in the tropical forest.
The mountain entrance and hot springs area are 9km off the main road from Bǎotíng in what is ostensibly now a national hot springs and forest park. Tickets (¥42) to climb the Seven Fairy Mountain can be purchased at the park office at the start of the 2.4km long trail, though at the time of writing the park administration was in flux and admission was free. It’s three hours to the top and back along a stepped path through a dense, healthy rainforest buzzing with bird and insect life. The final 100m climb to the peak runs up a pitted slope with chains and railings in place to aid your near-vertical climb. The views from the top are worth the effort.
There are frequent buses to Bǎotíng from Wǔzhǐshān (¥9, 40 minutes) and also Sānyà (¥22, 1½ hours). From Bǎotíng’s bus station, catch a motorcycle (¥30) to the national park entrance. Make sure not to catch a motorcycle with a side car as they lack the power to make it the last 4km from the hot springs area up to the trailhead.
