On Valentine’s Day, a vacation photo taken by Guo Qingshan, a designer from Shanghai, set social media ablaze and turned a quiet corner of China into a bustling tourist destination. Guo shared an image he captured during a recent hike in his hometown of Yichang, situated in Hubei province, which drew attention for its unique resemblance to a dog’s head resting serenely by the Yangtze River.
“The moment I saw the formation in the photo, it felt enchanting and beautifully whimsical,” Guo expressed. His post on the social media platform Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, quickly amassed a staggering 120,000 likes within a mere ten days. On Weibo, the hashtag #xiaogoushan, which means “Puppy Mountain” in Chinese, rapidly garnered millions of views, capturing the hearts and imaginations of many.
Inspired by the adorable similarity to a dog, fellow pet owners began sharing snapshots of their dogs to find any imaginable resemblance. Eager tourists made their way to Yichang to witness the natural spectacle firsthand, with some accompanied by their own dogs for a unique photo opportunity.
“Finally made it to Puppy Mountain!” one excited user announced on RedNote, sharing images of their experience. Another admirer wrote, “We simply need to open our eyes to the world’s wonders.” Among those drawn to the allure of Puppy Mountain was Yang Yang, who brought along her 2-year-old poodle for a day of adventure and memories. “Seeing the mountain in person was joyful,” she reflected, noting how it paired perfectly with her little companion.
Positioned in Zigui County of Yichang, the intriguing geological feature is visible from a nearby observation deck, set against the backdrop of the majestic Yangtze River—the longest in China and third-longest worldwide. In the aftermath of Guo’s viral photo, locals and visitors alike have been scouring their own albums, surprised to realize they had perhaps overlooked the canine contour.
Yichang local, Shi Tong, recounted a similar moment of recognition. Sharing a photo he had taken back in 2021, Shi explained, “Upon seeing the viral Puppy Mountain photo online, it dawned on me—I had seen it before, and even then, it struck me as looking like a dog!” With Puppy Mountain’s charm now hidden in plain sight, it leaves many reflecting on the magic of seeing the extraordinary in the everyday.
