Location and surroundings
Dou Peng Shan is situated in China, within the Guizhou region and Guiding district. The mountain is part of the East Asia > South China Mountains > Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau > Miaoling Mountains range. Within the Miaoling Mountains, it holds the status of being the highest of 3 named peaks in the range. The surrounding landscape features the typical highland topography of the plateau, blending rolling terrain with local ridges and valleys.
Neighbouring peaks
The surrounding area includes several notable peaks and passes at various distances and directions from Dou Peng Shan:
- Yunwu Shan (peak), 1,294 m, 33.6 km SW
- Gengding Shan (peak), 1,171 m, 63.8 km SE
- Qianling Shan (peak), 1,500 m, 71.1 km NW
- Baiyun (peak), 1,312 m, 78.7 km NW
- Leigong Shan (peak), 2,178 m, 87.3 km E
- Foding Shan (peak), 1,869 m, 131.7 km NE
- Longmeshan (peak), 768 m, 154.9 km S
- Laohua Shan (peak), 457 m, 162.0 km S
Standing at 1,961 metres, Dou Peng Shan is higher than most of these neighbouring summits, though Leigong Shan reaches a higher elevation at 2,178 metres.
The view from the summit
There are no peaks within 25 km of Dou Peng Shan listed in the regional database. The nearest higher peak is Leigong Shan at an elevation of 2,178 metres, located 87.3 km to the east.
The range
Dou Peng Shan belongs to the Miaoling Mountains, which form part of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau within the South China Mountains of East Asia. The high point of the entire range is Miaoling Mountains. Among the 3 named peaks in the Miaoling Mountains, Dou Peng Shan ranks as the highest.
Access and starting points
The nearest settlement to the summit is the town of Yanxia, located 5.5 km to the northwest. OpenStreetMap data maps 1 mobile phone and other communication masts within 10 km, with the nearest one situated 6.7 km to the southwest of the top.
Climate and weather
Climate figures are estimates from NASA POWER climate data covering 2001 to 2020 monthly means, with temperatures adjusted to the summit elevation. The mean temperature at the summit reaches its warmest in July at about 18 °C, and its coldest in January at about 1 °C. The mean temperature remains above freezing at the summit throughout all months of the year, spanning January to December. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 1,250 mm a year, with June being the wettest month at about 230 mm and February the driest at about 25 mm.
Best time to visit
The summit experiences mean temperatures above freezing all year round, from January through December. For drier conditions, the winter months such as February see significantly lower precipitation compared to the wetter summer period. Visitors typically plan trips around the drier months and milder seasonal transitions, taking into account the regional climate patterns of the plateau.
Nature and wildlife
The environment around Dou Peng Shan reflects the typical highland and plateau ecology of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. The vegetation transitions with elevation, supporting temperate flora and regional wildlife adapted to the local climate conditions of the Miaoling Mountains.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking local climbing infrastructure in the country, the national alpine club is the Chinese Mountaineering Association. Established guiding companies operating in China include Tibet Vista based in Lhasa, which serve as examples of where visitors usually turn for mountain excursions. For emergency situations in the country, the emergency numbers are 120 for ambulance, 110 for police, and 119 for fire services.
Safety and preparation
Ascending peaks of this height requires careful preparation for variable mountain weather and physical exertion. In the event of an emergency, visitors should use the national emergency numbers: 120 for an ambulance, 110 for police, and 119 for the fire department.
Interesting facts
Dou Peng Shan is the highest of 3 named peaks in the Miaoling Mountains. The nearest higher peak is Leigong Shan at 2,178 metres, located 87.3 km away to the east.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Dou Peng Shan? Dou Peng Shan has an elevation of 1,961 metres.Where is Dou Peng Shan located? It is located in China, within the Guizhou region and Guiding district.
Which mountain range does it belong to? It belongs to the Miaoling Mountains, part of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, South China Mountains, and East Asia.
What are the nearest peaks? The nearest peaks include Yunwu Shan at 33.6 km SW, Gengding Shan at 63.8 km SE, and Qianling Shan at 71.1 km NW, among others.
How long does it take to walk up Dou Peng Shan? From the town of Yanxia, located 5.5 km NW of the top at about 1,150 m, the walk is about 7.1 km on foot with 810 m of elevation gain, taking roughly 2 to 3.5 hours based on an estimate from distance and height gain.
Is there water on the way to Dou Peng Shan? 5 to 3 litres for a day trip depending on the weather conditions and exertion level.
Are there huts on Dou Peng Shan? OpenStreetMap shows no huts or shelters near the top, so hikers usually plan the ascent as a day trip or carry their own tent.
What is the mobile phone coverage like? OpenStreetMap maps 1 communication mast within 10 km, with the nearest 6.7 km SW. Coverage can vary in valleys and behind ridges, but emergency services can be reached via 112 over any available network.