A large boulder at the summit of a famous mountain in China has sparked controversy after it was revealed to be an artificial structure. This boulder, located at the peak of Wutong Mountain in Shenzhen, southern China, is a well-known landmark at an altitude of 944 meters. Recently, through local social media platforms, it was exposed that this boulder is actually made of bricks and cement, stirring significant public debate.
Wutong Mountain, the highest peak in Shenzhen, is a popular attraction where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the sea from its summit. Numerous hikers journey to the summit each year, often taking commemorative photos with the boulder as a backdrop. However, the situation shifted dramatically when photos surfaced on social media showing a large hole next to the boulder. Inside the boulder, pillars of brick and metal pipes were visible, indicating that what many believed to be a natural boulder was, in fact, a man-made structure.
This revelation sparked an uproar among local netizens, with many expressing concerns about safety, saying, “What if an accident had occurred?” Criticisms followed, such as, “Now even mountaintop rocks are fake,” and others expressed feelings of betrayal, noting, “Thinking that all those proud photos we took are fake is disappointing.” Another user commented, “I climbed this rock for years, believing it was real, and it’s shocking to learn it was artificial all along.”
In response to the controversy, Wutong Mountain’s management said, “We have been restoring and maintaining the safety structure inside the rock.” They clarified that the boulder is an artificial structure created in 2004, and long-time visitors to Wutong Mountain were aware of this fact. The management insisted there was no intention to deceive the public. Despite this explanation, public distrust regarding the boulder’s perceived natural status remains unresolved.
This incident aligns with another controversy over artificial natural attractions in China. In June, it was revealed that a waterfall at Yuntai Mountain Park in Henan Province was also man-made. At that time, the park admitted to installing plumbing to create an artificial waterfall to attract tourists during periods of low rainfall, leading to considerable public backlash.
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