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Sanming Castanopsis kawakamii National Forest Park, located in Sanming City, Fujian Province, covers a total area of 1,125.6 hectares. It is the world's largest pure population of Castanopsis kawakamii trees and is known as "rare," "green is the pearl," and "a natural oxygen bar." Castanopsis kawakamii, also known as Castanopsis glabra and Castanopsis rubra, belongs to the genus Castanopsis in the Fagaceae family.
In the 1930s, British botanist Grimmie visited South my country and first collected specimens of this plant, which he named "Castanopsis kawakamii." In 1958, renowned Chinese forest scientist Professor Zheng Wanjun visited the area and recommended the protection of this primeval forest. In 1960, the Fujian Provincial Government officially approved the establishment of the Castanopsis kawakamii Nature Reserve.
The Castanopsis carlesii forest is rich in resources and has a wide variety of species. There are 143 families, 353 genera and more than 1,000 species of vascular plants. In addition to the dominant tree species Castanopsis carlesii, there are also rare tree species such as Castanopsis carlesii, long-petal short-column tea, Fujian camellia, wood pod red bean tree, few-leaf yellow wolfberry, Fujian Cyperus, fine-leaved cinnamon, camphor tree, sightseeing tree, southern yew, Fujian Phoebe; there are nearly 100 ornamental plants such as Fujian mountain cherry, Huazhang umbrella maple, hairy elm, provincial vine, Jianlan, square bamboo, etc.; there are large areas of Amomum villosum and nearly 100 precious medicinal plants such as golden lotus, seven-leaf aconite, Bailiangjin, Ophiopogon japonicus, Alpinia officinalis, etc., as well as dozens of edible and medicinal fungi such as Ganoderma lucidum, red mushroom, boletus, pear mushroom, etc.; there are also nearly 300 rare birds and animals such as white-necked pheasant, silver pheasant, python, pangolin, clouded leopard, civet cat, black bear, etc.
The subtropical monsoon climate is suitable for all seasons.
Three-yuan Castanopsis kawakamii.
It is recommended to play for about 2 hours.
23 yuan/person
08:00-17:00
Castanopsis kawakamii is a species of evergreen tree native to the forests of Fujian. The area is an important ecological site, showcasing the region’s unique biodiversity and contributing to conservation efforts aimed at preserving native species and ecosystems.
Castanopsis kawakamii is located in Sanming, Fujian. To get there, it is recommended to take a taxi or private car. Public transportation options may be limited, but there are buses available from central Sanming to nearby areas, followed by a short walk or taxi ride.
The site is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. There are no specific opening hours, but daylight hours are recommended for safety and comfort.
There is no official entrance fee for visiting the Castanopsis kawakamii area. It is accessible to the public, though some nearby attractions may charge for entry. No online booking is needed, as entry is free.
Advance booking is not required for this attraction as it is a natural site with no formal entrance fee. However, if you plan to join any guided tours or activities nearby, it may be a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
A visit to the Castanopsis kawakamii area typically takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much time you spend hiking and exploring the natural surroundings.
Guided tours may be available through local tour operators. These are typically offered in Mandarin. It’s recommended to arrange for a guide in advance if you prefer a detailed experience.
Start your visit by walking through the main entrance and follow the hiking trails that lead to the heart of the Castanopsis kawakamii grove. After exploring the trees, continue along the trails to the scenic viewpoints and natural streams.
Night visits are not generally available due to the nature of the site. There are no light shows or special tours, but guided nature walks may be available during the day.
The site is not usually crowded, except during peak tourist seasons. The best times to visit for a more peaceful experience are during weekdays or early mornings on weekends.
Basic facilities like public toilets and rest areas are available. There are no shops or large food facilities on-site, but you can bring your own water and snacks for the trip.
The trails are mostly natural and may not be entirely accessible for those with mobility challenges. It’s best suited for visitors who are comfortable with walking or light hiking.
Cash is generally accepted, but for any nearby purchases, mobile payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in the area.
There are no major restaurants or cafes inside the Castanopsis kawakamii area. However, small local eateries can be found nearby in Sanming, offering traditional Fujianese cuisine.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in nearby local eateries. Halal food options may be more limited but can be found in larger cities like Sanming.
There are a few hotels in Sanming, ranging from budget options to mid-range accommodations. For more luxurious stays, you may need to travel to the city center.
Small souvenir shops may be found in Sanming, offering items like local crafts, traditional Fujianese tea, and natural products related to the region's flora.
The best transportation options to continue your journey are by taxi or private car. The Sanming Railway Station and bus station are the most common departure points for onward travel.
