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At Huaguoshan National Forest Park, visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails, explore dense forests, and visit waterfalls. The park is also known for its historical connections to the "Journey to the West" legend, where the famous Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, is said to have originated. A must-see is the natural cave and temple dedicated to the Monkey King.
Huaguoshan National Forest Park is located in Yiyang County, 90 kilometers west of Luoyang. Formerly known as Nüji Mountain and also as Huagu Mountain, this Huaguoshan Mountain is not the Monkey King's hometown. The name Huaguoshan first appeared in the Northern Song Dynasty's "Taiping Huanyu Ji": "Yueding Mountain in Shou'an County is located southwest of the county, and Huaguoshan is further west." Shou'an County is now Yiyang County, indicating that the name Yiyang Huaguoshan predates Wu Cheng'en's "Journey to the West" by over 500 years.
Huaguo Mountain, shrouded in lush forests, offers shade and shade, while its peaks rise in clusters, craggy rocks studded with strange shapes, waterfalls tower, and misty clouds blend seamlessly into a vibrant tapestry of flora, fauna, nature, and culture. Its locale closely mirrors the descriptions of Journey to the West. Many of the book's landmarks, such as Iron Bridge, Water Curtain Cave, Jade Emperor Peak, South Heavenly Gate, and Gao Laozhuang, can be found in Huaguo Mountain, resulting in a rich cultural heritage imbued with the rich cultural influence of Journey to the West.
The scenic area is divided into several zones, including the Huaguoshan Saint-Seeking Area, Daligou Recreation Area, Yueding Scenic Area, Qiyu Waterfall Area, and the Shiyuanqiang Nature Reserve. Over 200 scenic spots are featured, including Water Curtain Cave, Yangchuan Cave, Shiyuanqiang, General Stone, Dasheng Temple, Shilianshan, Longtan Waterfall, Duidui Stones, Lingxiao Cliff, Dengyunti, Nantianmen, Yuhuangding, Xifoquan, Yaochi, and Yixiantian. Huaguoshan's natural beauty and diverse scenery earn it the reputation of "rivaling the Five Sacred Mountains in majesty and surpassing the Five Sacred Mountains in beauty and beauty." In ancient times, it was recognized as one of the Seventy-Two Blessed Lands, along with Mount Lushan in Jiangxi, Mount Wudang in Hubei, and Mount Shaoshi in Henan.
Huaguoshan National Forest Park, located in Yiyang County, 90 kilometers west of Luoyang, boasts a warm temperate continental monsoon climate. It is warm and humid year-round, with summer highs reaching 32% above normal temperatures and winter lows 2-4% higher than those in Pingchuan, making it a suitable destination for travelers in all seasons.
Natural Stone Monkey, Water Curtain Cave, Tang Monk Stone, Stacked Stones, Chilling Heart Stone, Cloud Ladder, Jade Emperor Peak, etc.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
25 yuan/person
7:00-17:00
Huaguoshan, also known as the "Flower and Fruit Mountain," is famous for its association with the Chinese classic novel "Journey to the West." It is considered the birthplace of the legendary Monkey King, Sun Wukong. The mountain also holds great natural beauty, featuring dense forests, waterfalls, and unique rock formations.
Huaguoshan National Forest Park is located in Luoyang, Henan Province. Visitors can take a taxi or private car from the city center. Public buses also operate to the park, and walking can be an option if you are staying nearby.
The park is open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, especially during the summer months.
The entrance fee is approximately 60 RMB. Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance, and in peak seasons, it is advisable to buy tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.
Booking tickets in advance is not required but is recommended during holidays and weekends. A few days in advance should suffice for securing a spot during busy periods.
A full visit to the park typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. This allows time to explore the trails, visit the caves, waterfalls, and temples, and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area.
Key highlights include the Monkey King's cave, the Huaguo Temple, and the numerous scenic viewpoints around the park, such as the waterfalls and the panoramic views of the forest.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and audio guides are provided in both Mandarin and English for a more immersive experience of the park's cultural and natural history.
Some of the best photography spots include the panoramic views from the top of Huaguoshan Mountain, the tranquil waterfalls, and the serene natural cave associated with the Monkey King.
Start your visit at the entrance and hike up the mountain trail to the Monkey King cave. Continue to the Huaguo Temple and explore the surrounding natural beauty. End your visit with a walk to the waterfall area for a peaceful retreat.
Currently, there are no night visits or light shows available at Huaguoshan National Forest Park. The park is best explored during daylight hours to fully appreciate its natural and cultural offerings.
The park can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekday mornings, especially during the off-season.
There are basic facilities such as public toilets, water stations, and rest areas. However, food options are limited within the park, so it's recommended to bring snacks or visit nearby restaurants.
The park offers accessible paths for elderly and disabled visitors, though some of the hiking trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues. Children will enjoy the natural beauty and the mythical Monkey King connection.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted, along with cash. Credit cards may not be accepted in smaller shops or food stalls.
There are limited dining options inside the park. However, visitors can find a range of local restaurants and eateries just outside the park, offering traditional Chinese food and snacks.
Vegetarian options are available in nearby restaurants, but vegan or halal options may be limited. It’s a good idea to check menus ahead of time if you have specific dietary needs.
There are several hotels in Luoyang city center, including budget and mid-range options. Staying in the city center provides easy access to both the park and other local attractions.
Nearby attractions include the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the White Horse Temple. These can easily be visited together in a day trip from Huaguoshan National Forest Park.
Souvenir shops are available near the entrance of the park, offering items such as Sun Wukong figurines, local handicrafts, and nature-themed souvenirs.
Taxis or public buses are available to continue your trip to other attractions like the Longmen Grottoes or back to Luoyang city center. Private car hire is also a convenient option for further exploration.
