Alsophila Valley

Introducing Alsophila spinulosa Valley

The World Geopark - Alsophila Spinosa Valley Park is located in the Alsophila Spinosa Nature Reserve in Jinhua Township, 48 kilometers southwest of Rong County, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, and adjacent to Jianwei County, Leshan City. It covers an area of ​​10 square kilometers and is a huge funnel-shaped valley formed by ancient mountain building movements.

In 2008, Alsophila Valley, as part of the Qinglongshan Dinosaur Fossil Relics Park in Rong County of the Zigong World Geopark, officially joined the World Geopark Network and became a world-class park.

After renovation in 2016, the first phase of the project has been completed and it is officially open to the public.

Climate and best time to travel

Rong County has a subtropical monsoon climate, characterized by a mild climate, a long frost-free period, abundant rainfall, uneven temporal and spatial distribution, and a distinct continental monsoon climate with four distinct seasons. Spring temperatures rise rapidly, fluctuate widely, and are erratic, with frequent cold fronts and fluctuating temperatures. Summer is hot and humid, with concentrated rainfall, alternating droughts and floods, and occasional hail. Autumn temperatures drop rapidly, with frequent continuous rain and little sunshine. Winter is warm, cloudy, with little sunshine, little rain and snow, and frequent fog and frost.

The average annual temperature is 17.8°C, with August being the hottest month at 26.7°C and January being the coldest at 7.3°C. The average first day the temperature consistently crosses 12°C is March 22nd, and the average last day it crosses 20°C is September 23rd. The average annual sunshine duration is 1201.4 hours, with a sunshine rate of 27% and solar radiation energy of 85.36 kcal/cm². According to 40 years of data from the County Meteorological Bureau, the average annual precipitation is 1012.9 mm, with an average of 142 rainy days per year. The regional and growing season distribution of rainfall is more in mountainous areas and less in low hilly plains, with more in the northwest and less in the southeast. There is more rainfall in the late spring and less in the early spring.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Rongxian Giant Buddha Scenic Area

0.5 kilometers east of Rong County lies the Rongxian Giant Buddha, China's second-largest Buddha. Halfway up the mountain within the Giant Buddha Temple stands a towering stone statue of a seated Tathagata Buddha, known as the Rongxian Giant Buddha. Carved into the cliff face, the statue stands 36.67 meters tall, with a head length of 8.76 meters, a shoulder width of 12.67 meters, a knee height of 12 meters, and a foot width of 3.5 meters. This statue, a Tathagata Buddha, is second only to the Maitreya Giant Buddha of Leshan, making it the second-largest stone Buddha in China.

Shuangxi Lake Scenic Area

Shuangxi Lake Scenic Tourist Area is located 1.5 kilometers north of Rong County. It derives its name from its location at the confluence of the Dongchuan and Shoushui Rivers. Shuangxi Lake is a multifunctional artificial lake that integrates agricultural irrigation, urban water supply, flood control, tourism, power generation, and aquaculture. The lake catches 80.25 square kilometers of rainfall, with 5,195.75 mu of land acquired for the project (788.78 mu of project land, 3,504.03 mu of submerged land, and 902.94 mu of land for management and other purposes). The total reservoir capacity is 58 million cubic meters, with 43.8 million cubic meters for beneficial use. The reservoir controls an irrigation area of ​​216,000 mu and provides an annual urban water supply of 5 to 20 million cubic meters. The completion of the reservoir will increase Rong County's flood control capacity from a once-in-five-year flood to a once-in-20-year flood.

Gaoshiti Forest Park

Gaoshiti Forest Park, located in Tiechang Town, Rong County, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, covers a total area of ​​182.13 hectares. Designated a provincial-level forest park by the Provincial Forestry Department in 1993, the park boasts a unique landscape of boulders, unusual peaks, ravines, and mountain streams, creating a typical low-mountain landscape of southern Sichuan. As early as the 33rd year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty, the Gaoshiti Scenic Area was designated by the Huaxi Diocese of the Christian Church as one of the four major summer resorts for foreigners in Sichuan.

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

All day

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Most Popular FAQs for Alsophila Valley

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Alsophila Valley is significant for its rich biodiversity, especially the large population of Alsophila ferns, which thrive in the area's humid environment. The valley is a haven for nature enthusiasts and provides an example of the region's natural beauty and ecological importance. It is also an important site for conservation efforts aimed at protecting native species.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Alsophila Valley is located in Zigong, Sichuan. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the center of Zigong. Public transport options may be limited, so taking a taxi or renting a car is recommended. The valley is accessible by walking once you arrive at the entrance.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Alsophila Valley is open year-round. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the valley is lush with greenery. Summer can be humid, while winter may be chilly, though the valley’s beauty persists in all seasons.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee for Alsophila Valley is typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. It's advisable to buy tickets directly at the location, as online purchasing may not always be available.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is not necessary unless visiting during peak seasons or public holidays. It is usually sufficient to buy tickets on the day of your visit.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A visit to Alsophila Valley typically takes about 2-3 hours, especially if you want to hike the trails and take time to explore the area’s rich flora and fauna. For a more leisurely visit, you may want to allocate half a day.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights of Alsophila Valley include the dense ferns and the surrounding forest area. Hiking trails provide beautiful views of the natural landscape, and visitors can spot various plant species, wildlife, and panoramic views of the valley. The Alsophila ferns themselves are a standout feature of the valley.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be limited, so it's recommended to check ahead if you require one. Audio guides are generally not available at this location.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

Some of the best photography spots in Alsophila Valley include the trails winding through the dense fern forest and the surrounding hills. There are several elevated spots along the trails that offer panoramic views of the valley, providing great opportunities for nature photography.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

The recommended route is to start by walking along the main trail that leads through the fern forest. Take time to stop at the various viewpoints along the way. You can explore the deeper trails if you have more time or wish to get closer to the valley's ecological areas.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Currently, there are no night visits or light shows available at Alsophila Valley. The best experience is during daylight hours when the natural beauty is most visible and the weather is pleasant for hiking.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Alsophila Valley can be crowded on weekends and public holidays, particularly in spring and autumn. For a more peaceful experience, it is best to visit on weekdays, especially in the morning, when the area is less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities are available at the entrance, including public toilets and small food stalls. Rest areas are available along the trails for visitors to relax. There are limited shops selling local snacks and souvenirs near the entrance area.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Alsophila Valley is partially accessible to elderly visitors and children. The main trails are relatively easy to walk, but some of the more remote areas may have uneven ground. Visitors with disabilities may find it challenging to access some of the trails, as they may not be fully wheelchair accessible.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash, cards, and mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are accepted at most points of sale within the valley. It’s advisable to carry some cash, as not all small vendors may accept mobile payments.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are small local restaurants and eateries near the entrance of Alsophila Valley. For a broader selection of dining options, consider heading to Zigong, which offers a variety of Sichuanese cuisine and regional specialties.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some of the local eateries around the valley, particularly in Zigong. Halal food options may be limited in this area, so it's recommended to check with the restaurants in advance.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are a few budget hotels and guesthouses near Alsophila Valley. For more luxurious accommodations, Zigong offers a range of hotels to suit various budgets. The city is only a short drive away from the valley, providing ample choices for lodging.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Zigong Dinosaur Museum and the historic Zigong Salt Industry Museum. These sites can be easily combined in a day trip to explore both the natural and cultural highlights of the region.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are souvenir shops near the entrance of Alsophila Valley selling local crafts, including traditional Sichuanese items like embroidery, handicrafts, and souvenirs related to the valley's natural beauty, such as fern-themed products.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Alsophila Valley, the best transportation options to continue your trip are taxis or private cars. If you're heading to Zigong, there are buses and taxis available. Public transportation can also take you to nearby attractions such as the Dinosaur Museum or other cultural sites in the area.