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Shenshan National Forest Park, located 20 kilometers west of Quanjiao County, covers a total area of 2,200 square kilometers. It is a northern subtropical low-mountain and hilly area, with its highest peak at approximately 395 meters above sea level. Nine peaks surround the main peak, earning it the nickname "Nine Dragons Coiled Around a Pearl." Its forest coverage rate reaches 90%, with over 400 tree species, primarily a mixed forest of natural broad-leaved forests and cultivated evergreen conifers. The park boasts deep ravines, dramatic rock formations, winding streams, and sweet springs gushing from the rocks. The park boasts a beautiful environment and a pleasant climate, blending beautiful water, unique rocks, karst caves, and ancient temples into a unique and elegant landscape.
The main attractions include Baishiquan, Lansheng Tower, Shenshan Lake, Yuxi Bridge, Tuanshan Cave, Xianren Cave, Qingniu Cave, Longdong, etc., as well as Heishiqi which is full of pictographic sacred mountain stones and Shenshan Temple which has existed for more than 1,200 years.
The origin of the mountain’s name is unknown, but during the Jianzhong period of the Tang Dynasty, Wei Yingwu, the governor of Chuzhou, wrote in his “Letter to the Taoist in Quanjiao Mountain”: “The Shenshan Temple that exists on the mountain”, which proves that Buddhism and Taoism had been competing to build temples and monasteries here more than 100 years ago, giving it a “fairy-like” atmosphere.
With a subtropical monsoon climate, Kinabalu National Forest Park falls within the transitional climate zone from the northern subtropics to the warm temperate zone, boasting distinct seasons and abundant sunshine. With a forest coverage rate of 90%, Kinabalu National Forest Park boasts a mixed vegetation of natural broadleaf forests and planted evergreen coniferous trees, encompassing over 400 tree species, making it a suitable destination for all seasons.
Kailash Temple
Shenshan Temple, built during the Wanli reign of the Tang Dynasty, consists of a two-story, five-room wooden building with a front hall and a rear hall. Within the temple, visitors can find the Main Hall, the Guanyin Hall, the Dharma King Hall, the Treasure Pavilion, the Chaiwang Imperial Stele, the Chaiwang Well, stone carvings with dragon patterns, and the Valley of the Hidden Soldiers. In 1985, it was designated a provincial-level key cultural relic protection site by the Anhui Provincial People's Government.
Dragon Cave
The Dragon Cave is located at the foot of the Peony Mountain, 4 miles west of the main peak of Shenshan Mountain. One has to crawl into the cave. The nearly 100-meter corridor sometimes turns and sometimes climbs up, and finally leads to an urn-shaped room with a round hole with a diameter of 40 cm.
Tuanshan Cave
Tuanshan Cave is located 3 miles northwest of the main peak of Shenshan, on Tuanshan Mountain beside Badaojian. The entrance of the cave drops vertically more than 20 meters from the top of the mountain. The main corridor leads into a circular hall, and then through a narrow path and a circular door into another hall.
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Shenshan National Forest Park is a protected area in Anhui that boasts rich biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. It serves as a sanctuary for wildlife, including rare species, and is a popular destination for eco-tourism and nature lovers.
Shenshan National Forest Park is located in Chuzhou, Anhui. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the city center. Public transportation options are limited, so using a taxi is the most convenient method to get there.
The park is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is at its most vibrant.
The entrance fee to Shenshan National Forest Park is about 40 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through local tour operators.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, except during peak tourist seasons or holidays. It is recommended to check for availability during these times.
To fully explore Shenshan National Forest Park, allocate 2 to 3 hours. This will allow you to hike the trails, visit viewpoints, and relax by the lakes.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides are not commonly available in English, but basic information is provided on signage within the park.
Start with the forest trails and gradually make your way to the viewpoints. Spend time by the lakes before heading to the exit. The recommended route is about 2 to 3 km and will take around 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace.
Night visits and light shows are not available. The park is primarily a day-trip destination focused on outdoor activities and eco-tourism.
The park can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit during weekdays, especially early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The park offers basic facilities such as public toilets, rest areas, and drinking water. There are small food vendors near the entrance, but there are limited dining options inside the park itself.
The park has some accessible paths, but it may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors to fully explore the entire area due to uneven terrain and hiking trails.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also commonly used. It's advisable to have some cash on hand for small purchases inside the park.
There are small local restaurants and cafes near the entrance of the park, offering traditional Chinese food and snacks. Options inside the park are limited.
Vegetarian food options are available at nearby restaurants. Halal options may be scarce, but it’s worth checking with local vendors.
Souvenir shops near the park offer local handicrafts, nature-themed items, and traditional Chinese gifts such as incense, tea, and wooden carvings.
The best options are by taxi or private car. Public buses can also be used, but taxis provide a more convenient and faster way to continue your trip.
