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Explore the unique Red Stone Forest formations, take a guided tour to learn about the geological history of the area, and enjoy the stunning views of the natural landscape. The park offers fantastic opportunities for photography and nature walks, with well-marked trails to enhance your experience.
Hongshilin National Geopark is my country's only red carbonate stone forest. It boasts not only breathtaking scenery but also a grand stage for ethnic culture, earning it the nickname "Wuling's First Wonder." The scenic area combines red, beautiful, steep, unique, and ancient beauty. Famous stone features include the Yangtze Ancient Sea, Heavenly Lake, Earth Lake, and Human Lake. The stone forest boasts canyons, streams, clear springs, carpet-like lawns, and ancient wisteria, all complementing the red stone forest. The overall landscape is beautiful, refined, and elegant, resembling a natural garden.
Suitable for all seasons;
The subtropical monsoon climate has four distinct seasons, with hot and rainy summers and warm and humid winters.
It is recommended to play for 1-3 hours;
Famous stone landscapes: Yangtze Ancient Sea, Tianchi, Dichi, Renchi, Ordovician Seabed, Xiaolongxia, Water Flooding Golden Stone, Huaerbao, Baishouping, Lucky Gate, Treasure Ping, etc.
Tickets: 148 yuan/person (half price for seniors and students, free for those over 70 years old)
08:30-17:00 (Monday-Sunday, January 1st-December 31st)
The Red Stone Forest National Geopark is known for its striking rock formations, which were formed millions of years ago through geological processes. It is an important geological site, showcasing the diverse and unusual landscape of Hunan, and is a key location for geologists studying karst formations and erosion patterns.
The Red Stone Forest National Geopark is located in Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province. It is accessible by taxi or private transport from the nearby city of Zhangjiajie. There are no metro services to the park, so it is best to take a bus or taxi from the nearest town.
The park is generally open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its most picturesque.
The entrance fee is typically around 60-80 RMB. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online through the official tourism website or local travel agencies.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. A few days to a week in advance is generally sufficient.
It typically takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore the Red Stone Forest, depending on your pace and the extent to which you explore the various trails and viewpoints.
Key highlights include the towering red stone formations, the various hiking trails offering panoramic views, and the observation points that provide the best opportunities for photographs of the landscape.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, with some English-speaking guides during peak seasons. Audio guides may also be offered in multiple languages, including English.
The best photography spots are at the top of the viewing platforms, where visitors can capture sweeping views of the rock formations and surrounding scenery. The early morning light creates the best conditions for photography.
Start with the main entrance and take the guided trail through the central rock formations. After exploring the area, head towards the elevated platforms for panoramic views of the geopark. End your visit at the visitor center where you can pick up souvenirs and relax.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Red Stone Forest National Geopark. However, special tours may be available for larger groups or during festivals.
The park can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early in the morning or weekdays outside the summer vacation period and Chinese New Year holidays.
The park has basic facilities, including public toilets, rest areas, and a few small food stalls offering snacks and drinks. There are also souvenir shops selling local crafts.
The park is generally accessible to elderly visitors and children, though some trails may involve walking on uneven surfaces. For disabled visitors, access to certain areas may be limited due to the rugged terrain and lack of wheelchair-friendly paths.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are more commonly used throughout the park. Credit cards may not be accepted at the smaller stalls or local shops.
There are several local restaurants near the entrance of the park serving traditional Hunan cuisine, such as spicy hotpot, rice dishes, and noodle soups.
Vegetarian options are available at some local eateries, but halal food may be limited in this area. It's best to check with the restaurant for specific dietary needs.
There are a few hotels and guesthouses near the park entrance, ranging from budget to mid-range options. More luxurious accommodations can be found in nearby towns like Zhangjiajie.
Other nearby attractions include the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the famous Tianmen Mountain, and the Tujia and Miao ethnic villages. These can easily be combined in a day trip.
Souvenir shops inside the park offer traditional Hunan handicrafts, including local textiles, pottery, and wooden carvings. Popular souvenirs include miniature stone sculptures and local herbal teas.
Taxis and local buses are available to continue your trip. If you are traveling to Zhangjiajie, buses and taxis to the city center are frequent.
