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Hanshuiyuan Forest Park is a perfect place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks in the park, go birdwatching, and explore the well-maintained trails through lush forests. The park is great for photography, with its picturesque views of the natural surroundings. A must-do is visiting the lake within the park, where you can take a boat ride or relax by the water's edge.
Named after the source of the Han River, Hanshuiyuan Forest Park is renowned for its majestic, unique, precipitous, beautiful, and secluded landscapes. Located in Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province, Hanshuiyuan Forest Park is primarily a natural wonder. Numerous nationally protected species, including forest musk deer, deer, muntjacs, and golden pheasants, are found within the park. The park also boasts a rich tapestry of Qiang culture, Guandi culture, and religious traditions, making it a truly precious cultural treasure. With elevations ranging from 900 to 1,859 meters, the park is one of my country's most perfectly preserved forest parks, earning it the reputation of a pearl on the Shu Road.
The park, covering a total area of 2,810 hectares, is divided into five functional areas: Forest Resort, Tourist Reception and Service Area, Forest Camping Area, Forest Hunting Area, and Forest Recreation Area. It also comprises six scenic areas: Laolinggou Scenic Area, Shengshou Temple Scenic Area, Liaoyeba Scenic Area, Wubingzi Scenic Area, Xiangba Scenic Area, and Jingangxia Scenic Area. The park boasts over 30 scenic spots. The park is a popular tourist destination in all four seasons. In spring, mountain flowers bloom in full bloom, accompanied by a fragrant warm breeze; in summer, lush greenery and a cool breeze caress the skin; in late autumn, crimson leaves and emerald green pine forests; and in winter, snow-covered pines, blanketed in silver, are a truly captivating sight.
The subtropical monsoon climate offers a cool, humid, and pleasant climate, with mild winters and mild summers. With an average annual rainfall of 1,178 mm, these abundant water and heat conditions have fostered a spectacular belt of broad-leaved and mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests, rich with evergreen species. The forest coverage rate is 97.8%, making it a great place to visit in all seasons.
Jingang Gorge Scenic Area: The ten-mile Jingang Gorge boasts a precipitous landscape, resembling a sword's slash or a stalking dragon's entourage. The valley alternates between narrow and wide, with precipitous cliffs pressing against each other, and the blue sky shimmering like a thread. The canyon twists and turns, alternating between light and darkness. Waterfalls cascade down the cliffs like a green dragon spitting saliva, splashing down the mountain like mist and smoke. Exotic flowers and plants, vines, and ancient trees linger, each radiating a pristine atmosphere. Key attractions include Qianceng Cliff, Shuanglong Waterfall, Rainbow Waterfall, Cliff Waterfall, Ice Crevice, Guanyin Gorge, Xiuxian Valley, Tudiya, and Shiguang Youtan. Enjoy the romance of flowers in spring, the coolness of water in summer, the mystical wonders of crimson leaves and wild fruits in autumn, and the wonders of nature in winter, with snowy scenes and icefalls.
Xiangba Lake Scenic Area: Nestled at the summit of Jingang Gorge, surrounded by lush mountains and flowing green waters, the lake is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, green trees, and red flowers in a breathtaking beauty. A gentle breeze stirs up subtle ripples, creating a feeling of stepping into a painting. Scenic spots include Tianxiang Lake, the Stargazing Pavilion, the Sun-Chasing Pavilion, and the Moon-Viewing Pavilion.
Wubingzi Scenic Area: Known as the park's South Gate of Heaven, it connects with the heavens. From the terrace, you can take in the panoramic views of the Qinba Mountains. The mountains connect endlessly, and a light mist floats on the peaks, creating a dreamlike scene. It can be said that when the clouds come, the mountains become even more beautiful, and when the clouds leave, the mountains become picturesque.
Liaoyeba Scenic Area: Located in a sacred valley on the mountaintop, the Stone Gate, with its towering pillars and massive boulders, is a unique structure, seemingly cascading from nature. Despite appearing precarious, it remains remarkably erect after thousands of years of weathering, showcasing the wonders of nature. Towering ancient trees crisscross the valley, creating a mystical, pristine atmosphere. Other scenic spots include Azalea Valley, Stone Lions Descending the Mountain, and the primeval forest.
Shengshou Temple: Built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, it boasts a long history. Nestled deep in the mountains and adjacent to the "Shenxian Cave," the morning bells and evening drums add a touch of mystery, beckoning visitors to listen to the Buddhist chants.
Princess Tomb: Located next to Shengshou Temple, historical records show that Princess Tomb is the tomb of the daughter of Li Zicheng, the King of Rebellion. After the failure of Li Zicheng's uprising, his daughter fled to Ningqiang and became a nun in Shengshou Temple, living a secluded life. She was buried here after her death, hence the name Princess Tomb.
Laolingou Scenic Area: The gully offers breathtaking views of springtime tea gardens, azaleas in a winding stream, moonlit nights on Songgang Hill, and willow catkins flying through the snow. The gully's clear waters flow constantly, sometimes fast and sometimes slow, ultimately converging into Moon Lake. Enjoy the charming scenery of the lakeside covered bridges and the unique charm of paddling and fishing in the water.
It is recommended to play for about 5 hours.
80 yuan/person
09:00-17:00
Hanshuiyuan Forest Park in Hanzhong, Shaanxi, is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. It plays an important role in conservation efforts and has been developed to protect the local flora and fauna. The park is also a popular spot for eco-tourism, offering a peaceful retreat from urban life.
Hanshuiyuan Forest Park is located in Hanzhong, Shaanxi Province. It can be accessed by car or taxi from the city center. There are no metro lines directly to the park, but public buses may be available. Walking inside the park is easy, as it’s designed for visitors to explore on foot.
The park is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is mild, and the forest is vibrant with colors. Summer can be hot, while winter may be cold and less ideal for outdoor activities.
The entrance fee for Hanshuiyuan Forest Park is typically around 20-30 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the park entrance, and there is no need to buy them online in advance. However, some tour agencies may offer package deals that include tickets and transportation.
Booking tickets in advance is not required for individual visitors, but during peak tourist seasons (like national holidays), it’s advisable to purchase tickets a day or two in advance to avoid long queues.
It typically takes 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the park, including a leisurely walk, a visit to the lake, and time for photography. If you plan to hike or take a longer walk, you might want to allocate 4 to 5 hours.
The main highlights include the serene lake, which offers boat rides, the forest trails perfect for hiking, and the rich biodiversity throughout the park. The observation points offer the best views of the surrounding natural beauty.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some may offer English-speaking guides if requested in advance. Audio guides may also be available at the entrance. It’s best to check ahead if you need one in a foreign language.
The best photography spots are along the lake, where you can capture the reflection of the trees and sky. The observation platforms on the higher ground offer sweeping views of the entire park and surrounding mountains, especially during sunrise or sunset.
Start at the entrance and take a gentle walk towards the lake, where you can enjoy the scenery. Afterward, explore the forest trails, with a stop at the main observation points. If you’re up for it, you can take a longer hike to see more of the park’s flora and fauna.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Hanshuiyuan Forest Park. The park is primarily a daytime destination, focused on nature and outdoor activities. However, special tours may be organized during peak seasons, especially for larger groups.
The park can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. For a more peaceful experience, visit early in the morning or on weekdays, especially during off-peak seasons like winter and early spring.
Basic facilities such as rest areas, toilets, and water fountains are available throughout the park. There are also small food stalls offering snacks and drinks. For full meals, it's recommended to visit restaurants in nearby areas of Hanzhong.
Most areas of the park are accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, with paved pathways and rest areas. However, some of the hiking trails may be challenging for people with mobility issues. It’s best to stick to the main paths if you need a more accessible route.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used in the park. It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, though, for small purchases or if mobile payments are not available in some areas.
There are no large restaurants inside the park, but there are small food stalls offering snacks and drinks. For more substantial meals, you can find local restaurants in Hanzhong City, which is about a 20-minute drive away.
While vegetarian and vegan options are available in Hanzhong city, the park itself has limited food offerings. Most food stalls inside the park offer simple snacks, but for more specialized food like halal, you’ll find better options in Hanzhong City.
There are several hotels in Hanzhong city, ranging from budget accommodations to mid-range hotels. Some options are within a 20-minute drive from the park. For a more scenic stay, you may consider a guesthouse or hotel in the surrounding nature area.
Other nearby attractions include the ancient city of Hanzhong, famous for its historical sites. You can also visit the nearby Wuhou Shrine and Mount Zhongnan, which offer cultural and natural exploration in a single day.
There are small souvenir shops inside the park selling local handicrafts, nature-themed items, and snacks. Common souvenirs include wooden carvings, traditional arts, and bottled honey from the region.
The best options to continue your trip are by taxi or private car. Public transport is available to Hanzhong city, where you can catch buses or trains to other destinations. Rental cars are also a convenient option for exploring the region further.
