Nature often has a way of surprising us with unexpected shapes and forms. Sometimes, a cloud looks like a dragon, a rock formation resembles a face, or, in this case, a mountain takes the shape of a puppy, seemingly bowing down to drink from a river.
Located by the Yangtze River in Yichang’s Zigui County, Hubei Province, this mountain has become an unlikely tourist attraction after a photo showing its striking resemblance to a curled-up dog went viral. What started as a simple snapshot has since sparked a whirlwind of excitement and visitors eager to spot the adorable “Puppy Mountain.”
How It All Started
Shanghai-based designer Guo Qingshan shared the image of the mountain on Valentine’s Day, unaware that his photo would soon set social media alight. Guo, who was hiking near his hometown in late January, only noticed the unusual shape when he revisited his photos. To his surprise, the mountain appeared to resemble a dog resting on the ground, its snout almost touching the Yangtze River as if ready to take a drink.
“It was so magical and cute. I was so excited and happy when I discovered it,” Guo shared with the Associated Press.
A Viral Sensation
The photo quickly gained traction after Guo posted it on Xiaohongshu (RedNote). In just 10 days, it garnered over 120,000 likes, and soon after, the hashtag #xiaogoushan, meaning “Puppy Mountain,” went viral on Weibo, attracting millions of views.
The discovery captured the imaginations of many. Some social media users saw the mountain as a peaceful guardian of the river, while others envisioned it as a curious puppy gazing at the water. The image’s charm didn’t stop there—people began posting pictures of their own dogs alongside the mountain, eager to compare the two.
Visitors Flock to See Puppy Mountain
The newfound fame of the “Puppy Mountain” has drawn tourists to Yichang’s Zigui County. Visitors flock to the local observation deck for a chance to view the curious formation up close. Some even bring their dogs along to recreate the cute comparison seen in the viral photos.
One visitor, Yang Yang, traveled over an hour and a half with her two-year-old grey poodle, Yang Keyi. “I was really happy to see the mountain,” Yang said. The trip was especially meaningful for her, as she enjoys traveling with her dog.
A Familiar Discovery for Locals
Interestingly, Guo’s viral discovery prompted many Yichang locals to revisit their old photos of the region. Several residents realized they had unknowingly captured the shape of the mountain in their past pictures but never noticed its striking resemblance to a dog.
Shi Tong, a local resident, shared his experience: “After I saw the Puppy Mountain photo online, I tried to figure out where it was. Then I realized I had actually been there before. I thought it looked like a dog back then too!”
The Magic of Nature’s Wonders
What makes this discovery so special is how it connects people across different walks of life. Whether it’s the excitement of spotting the hidden puppy, the joy of visiting the location, or the shared amusement of comparing it to their pets, “Puppy Mountain” has become more than just a viral sensation—it’s a reminder of how nature’s quirks can spark wonder and curiosity.
Will you be the next to visit and spot the snoozing pup in the landscape? One thing’s for sure: this mountain’s adorable shape is bound to continue capturing hearts for years to come.
