A picturesque cliff along the Yangtze River has captivated social media users in China after a viral photo highlighted its uncanny resemblance to a dog. Dubbed “Puppy Mountain,” the natural formation has sparked widespread fascination, with tourists and pet owners flocking to the site.
The phenomenon began when Guo Qingshan, a Shanghai-based designer, shared a photo of the mountain on the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu (RedNote). Guo had taken the picture during a hike near his hometown of Yichang, in Hubei province, in late January. Upon reviewing his images, he noticed that the mountain’s shape bore a striking resemblance to a dog’s head, with its snout appearing to touch the water’s edge.
Social Media Frenzy
Guo’s post quickly went viral, garnering over 120,000 likes in just ten days. The hashtag #xiaogoushan, meaning “Puppy Mountain” in Chinese, amassed millions of views on platforms like Weibo. Users excitedly compared the rock formation to their own pets, posting side-by-side photos of their dogs and the mountain. Many even made the journey to Yichang’s Zigui county, where the formation is best viewed from an observation deck.
Dog owners enthusiastically embraced the trend, bringing their pets to pose for pictures with the natural landmark. “Puppy Mountain, here I am!” one social media user captioned their post, while another wrote, “Just stroke the puppy’s head and then everything will be OK.”
A Local Attraction Reimagined
Many locals and past visitors admitted they had never noticed the resemblance before. Some revisited old photographs, realizing that they, too, had captured the mountain’s distinct dog-like shape. Yichang resident Shi Tong shared an image from 2021, commenting, “I thought it looked like a dog at the time, but I never imagined it would become famous.”
Among the new visitors was Yang Yang, who drove to the site with her friends and her two-year-old grey poodle, Yang Keyi. “I always travel with my dog when possible, so Puppy Mountain and my own little dog really match,” she said, beaming with excitement.
The Magic of Nature and Perception
The viral success of Puppy Mountain highlights the power of perspective in discovering hidden wonders in everyday landscapes. As more people flock to the site, local tourism is experiencing a boost, with businesses in the area benefiting from the newfound attention.
Guo Qingshan, the man behind the viral post, remains delighted by the reaction. “It was so magical and cute,” he said. “The puppy’s posture looks like it’s drinking water or watching fish. It also seems like it’s quietly protecting the Yangtze River.”
Whether a simple geological coincidence or a masterpiece of natural art, Puppy Mountain has certainly left its mark—both online and in the hearts of those who visit.
