On August 26, 2026, the Wugong Mountain Scenic Area Management Committee in Pingxiang, Jiangxi Province, issued an announcement stating that from August 28 to November 28, some alpine meadows in the Golden Summit area will be subject to closed rotational management.

Reporters noted that after the announcement, some tourists raised questions about the rotational management of the Wugong Mountain meadows: What exactly is the rotational area? Will it affect the viewing of the sunrise and sea of clouds? How are the closed areas managed? And will it affect the hiking itinerary? In response to these questions, reporters sought clarification from the Wugong Mountain Scenic Area.

Rest area: 15.21 acres of degraded meadow; the core tourist attractions are not closed.

According to景区 staff, the area closed for this rotational closure is the alpine meadow area around Baihe Peak at the Golden Summit, which has suffered from frequent trampling by tourists and has shown signs of degradation. This degradation is mainly concentrated on some ridge slopes around the Golden Summit platform. The total area under this rotational closure is approximately 15.21 acres, representing only the most prominently degraded meadow patches at the Golden Summit.

It is worth noting that all the Golden Summit Monument photo spots, all main trails, and core viewing areas are not within the closed area and do not involve areas where tourists regularly visit. The scenic area stated that the delineation work was carried out in conjunction with a forestry research team. After vegetation quadrat surveys, visitor flow trajectory analysis, and in accordance with the overall plan of the scenic area, the final boundary was determined to be "rest where it is necessary, and tourism where it is necessary, so that protection and tourism can be carried out simultaneously."

On the 27th, Wugong Mountain issued another announcement stating that during this ecological rotation management period, only some meadows will be subject to rotation management, while the scenic area will remain open as usual.

Will this affect tourists' itineraries? What is the suggested tour route?

Many tourists are most concerned about: What can I still see when I go? The answer is no, it won't affect anything, the stunning sea of clouds is still a sight to behold!

Wugong Mountain Scenic Area boasts the highest and largest mountain meadow at the same latitude in the world. In 2025, the scenic area received approximately 5.38 million visitors, representing a year-on-year increase of 12.39%.

According to景区 staff, the regular hiking trails at the Golden Summit of Wugong Mountain, the Golden Summit Stele photo spot, the Diaomazhuang (hanging horse stakes), the suspended walkway, and all major viewing platforms are open as usual. The original complete experience of climbing the mountain, watching the sunrise and sea of clouds, and taking photos will be fully preserved without any compromise.

This closure only involves a small section of degraded meadow slope, without interrupting the main ridgeline. No new temporary viewing routes are needed, but existing visitor guidance has been optimized to direct visitors along the established ridgeline viewing route from Jinding to Diaomazhuang to Guanyindang. This route still offers uninterrupted views of the vast alpine meadows, sea of clouds, and sunset. Furthermore, online and offline guide maps have been updated, marking the rotational closure boundaries and providing clear guidance for visitor flow.

How can scenic areas effectively prevent tourists from entering?

Staff told reporters that the scenic area has taken multiple measures to prevent tourists from accidentally entering the closed area.

In terms of physical protection, the rigid barbed wire fence has been abandoned, and a landscaped ecological fence has been used to delineate the boundaries of the rest area. Hand-painted science popularization warning signs are also used to clearly define the control red line. The fence facilities themselves are integrated into the mountaintop environment, so as not to damage the overall view or interfere with tourists taking photos and sightseeing.

Management and control are implemented through a combination of human and technological measures.

First, dedicated personnel are assigned to patrol and guard the area. A Party member ecological protection team and a scenic area patrol group have been formed, with each area of the Golden Summit designated as a separate zone. Multiple patrols are conducted, with a focus on strengthening on-site guidance during peak hours of sunrise, sunset, and night climbing. Ecological protection volunteers are also deployed to provide on-site guidance.

Second, we employ technology-based monitoring and control. We have deployed monitoring points on the mountaintop and used drones for routine patrols to dynamically monitor the closed areas; some points are equipped with intelligent voice prompts that automatically play warning messages when tourists approach the boundary.

Thirdly, publicity and guidance were provided. Notices of closures were simultaneously posted at the visitor center, cable car station, mountaintop locations, and official social media platforms. Tour guides and staff provided on-site reminders and offered advance guidance on civilized tourism, ensuring visitors were clearly aware of the closed areas and could enjoy their trip with peace of mind.

What happens if tourists ignore warnings and trample the meadow?

The scenic area has established a three-tiered handling process for those who disregard regulations and trample on enclosed meadows:

First, on-site staff immediately stepped forward to dissuade and persuade people to leave, conducted on-site science education, informed them that the alpine meadow ecosystem is fragile and the restoration cycle is long, and explained the relevant management regulations and requirements.

Second, tourists who ignore warnings and repeatedly trample on vegetation, causing damage, will be dealt with in accordance with the relevant provisions of the "Regulations of Jiangxi Wugong Mountain Scenic Area - Pingxiang Wugong Mountain Scenic Area," and will be given warnings and education depending on the circumstances; those who cause substantial damage to meadow vegetation will bear corresponding ecological damage compensation liability in accordance with the law.

Third, uncivilized behavior will be included in the scenic area's record of civilized tourism. At the same time, we will do a good job in popularizing the cases and guiding tourists to jointly protect the meadows and the beautiful scenery of Wugong Mountain that everyone can enjoy.

How can the meadow recover after being closed off?

The scenic area explained that this ecological restoration cycle will implement a "one-site-one-policy" approach, prioritizing natural closure and supplementing with artificial restoration. Nurturing work will be carried out with the support of the technical team from Jiangxi Agricultural University and the municipal forestry research institute. During the rest period, human disturbance, including trampling, will be strictly prohibited. The restoration will rely on the natural propagation of local grasses and wild ancient grasses, allowing the soil and vegetation to self-repair—the core restoration method for high-altitude meadows. An effectiveness evaluation will be conducted after the rest period, and the area will only reopen after meeting the standards, achieving the goal of "restoring one area and restoring another."

According to景区 staff, the alpine meadows of Wugong Mountain, a rare ecological landscape at the same latitude in my country, have been under increasing pressure from tourists in recent years. The rotational closures are an attempt by the景区 to proactively reduce the burden on the ecosystem, but the baton of protection also needs to be passed on to every tourist.

Visitors are requested to consciously abide by the scenic area's management regulations, refrain from climbing over railings, stepping on enclosed areas, or deviating from designated trails. Let every journey we undertake be worthy of appreciating the beauty and vitality of these mountains and rivers.

(Source: City Live)