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At Sihao Stele Forest Park, visitors can explore the rich cultural heritage through the large collection of ancient stone steles. The park also offers peaceful walking trails, perfect for enjoying nature and photography. The park’s quiet environment and historical significance make it ideal for leisurely exploration and learning about the history of the area.
The Sihao Stele Forest Garden is located to the west of Danfeng County, Shangluo City, Shaanxi Province. It is a provincial key cultural relic protection unit. The garden is lined with giant tombs, surrounded by ancient cypresses and stone tablets. It is the burial place of four doctors from the Qin Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago: Zhou Shu, Wu Shi, Cui Guang and Tang Bing.
The four elders, known for their noble character and white hair and beards, retreated to Shangshan to avoid the Qin Dynasty's book burning and burying of scholars. They became known as the "Four Haos of Shangshan." They lived a simple life, gathering Shangzhi mushrooms for food and living in caves. They composed the famous "Gathering Mushrooms Dance," which has been passed down through the ages. To this day, in the Longju area of Shangzhen, the folk still perform lantern dances featuring the "Four Witches" (the four daughters of the Four Haos) during Spring Festival stories and community performances.
Literati and poets throughout history have left over a hundred poems and essays in Shangshan, praising the Four Elders for their indifference to fame and wealth and their unwavering commitment to moral integrity. Famous Tang Dynasty poets such as Li Bai's "Passing by the Tomb of the Four Elders" and Bai Juyi's "Visiting the Temple of the Four Elders" are particularly popular and have been passed down through the ages. To preserve the Four Elders' noble character for future generations, the Four Elders Stele Forest was established in November 2003, integrating these ancient poems with historical relics, calligraphy, and sculpture.
The warm temperate semi-humid monsoon climate features four distinct seasons, with rain and heat occurring in the same season, and distinct dry and wet seasons in the summer and winter. Avoid the cold winter and travel in spring, summer, and autumn.
It is recommended to play for about 1 hour.
10 yuan/person
08:00-17:00
Sihao Stele Forest Park is home to a significant collection of ancient steles, which are inscribed with historical texts. The park showcases the cultural heritage of the region, with inscriptions dating back to various dynastic periods. It serves as an important site for understanding ancient Chinese history and calligraphy.
Sihao Stele Forest Park is located in Shaanxi Province. It can be accessed by taxi or private car from the nearest city or town. Public transportation options are limited, so it is recommended to arrange transportation in advance, especially for visitors traveling from nearby cities.
The park is open year-round. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is at its most vibrant. Weekdays are typically less crowded than weekends, making it an ideal time for a peaceful visit.
The entrance fee is generally affordable, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the park. It is recommended to buy tickets on-site, as online purchasing may not always be available. During peak seasons, it may be beneficial to check for ticket availability in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary, except during peak tourist seasons (summer and public holidays). If visiting during these times, it’s a good idea to book a few days in advance to avoid potential delays or sold-out tickets.
To fully explore Sihao Stele Forest Park, about 2-3 hours is sufficient. This allows enough time to walk around the park, view the steles, and appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the inscriptions.
The must-see highlights of the park include the large collection of steles, each with unique inscriptions. The main area to explore is the stele forest itself, which is home to many ancient and well-preserved inscriptions. Visitors can also enjoy the natural surroundings and tranquil pathways.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available on request, though it is advisable to check ahead. Audio guides in Mandarin may also be available for individual exploration.
The best photography spots are around the stele forest, where the stone inscriptions and surrounding nature create unique and picturesque scenes. The pathways leading to the steles also offer excellent opportunities for capturing the park's tranquil beauty.
Start by walking along the main pathways leading to the stele collections, stopping to admire and photograph the steles. After exploring the forest, take a leisurely stroll around the park to enjoy the peaceful environment and the surrounding natural scenery.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Sihao Stele Forest Park. It is best to visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the park's historical and natural beauty.
The park can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, it is recommended to visit during weekdays, especially in the morning when the park is quieter.
The park has basic facilities including toilets and rest areas. Food and water may be available at nearby vendors or local shops outside the park. It is advisable to bring your own water and snacks for the visit, especially if you plan to spend a significant amount of time exploring the park.
The park has some paved paths, but many areas may involve uneven terrain, so it may not be fully accessible for those with mobility impairments. Elderly visitors and young children may find it challenging to navigate some parts of the park.
Cash is commonly accepted at the park. Mobile payment options such as WeChat Pay and Alipay may also be available, but it is advisable to carry some cash in case other methods are not accepted.
There are few dining options directly inside the park. However, there are restaurants and cafes in the nearby town or city offering traditional Chinese cuisine. It is a good idea to plan for meals before or after visiting the park.
Vegetarian and vegan options can be found at local restaurants nearby. Halal food may be available depending on the area, particularly in regions with a larger Muslim population.
There are a few guesthouses and hotels near the park, as well as more options in nearby towns. For a wider range of accommodations, visitors can stay in Xi'an, which is about a 1-2 hour drive from the park.
Nearby attractions include the Terracotta Army and Hanyangling Mausoleum, both in Xi'an, making for an ideal day trip combining these cultural and historical sites with a visit to Sihao Stele Forest Park.
There are some small souvenir shops near the entrance of the park, selling items like traditional crafts, cultural products related to the park’s history, and local specialties such as pottery and textiles.
After visiting, the best transportation options include taxis or private cars to continue exploring nearby attractions. There are also bus services to nearby towns, but renting a car for more flexibility is highly recommended.
