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Visit the historical Red Army Stele Forest to explore the inscribed steles commemorating the Red Army's Long March. Take a walk through the peaceful forest, reflect on the significance of the site, and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Don't forget to bring your camera for photos of the steles and forest.
The full name of the Generals' Stele Forest is the Generals' Stele Forest of the Sichuan-Shaanxi Soviet Area. It is located on the top of Nankan Mountain in the southern suburbs of Bazhong City, Sichuan Province. The construction of the stele forest aims to commemorate and remember the great achievements of the soldiers of the Fourth Front Army of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army.
The Generals Stele Forest covers an area of more than 120 mu. It currently has 14 major attractions, including the Memorial Park for the Main Generals of the Red Fourth Front Army, the Stele Forest Corridor, the Red Army Soldiers' Heroic Monument, the Red Army Cemetery, the Couplet Corridor, the Sign Stele, the Observation Deck, the Liu Bojian Martyr Memorial Park, the General Wu Ruilin Monument, the Generals Stele Forest Memorial Hall, the Red Army Monument, and Siyuan Lake. It is currently the largest Red Army Stele Forest in China.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate;
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 2 hours
free
All day
The Red Army Stele Forest is a historic site that honors the Long March of the Chinese Red Army during the Chinese Civil War. It features numerous steles inscribed with historical records and commemorations of the brave soldiers' journeys and battles, making it a significant site for those interested in Chinese revolutionary history.
The Red Army Stele Forest is located in Bazhong, Sichuan. The most convenient way to reach the site is by taxi or private car from the city center. There are limited public transportation options, so driving or joining a tour group is recommended.
The Red Army Stele Forest is open year-round. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the landscape is at its most scenic. Weekdays are generally less crowded, so visiting on a weekday morning is ideal.
The entrance fee is about 20 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. There is currently no online ticketing option available for this attraction.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary as tickets are readily available at the entrance. However, during busy holiday periods, it is advisable to purchase tickets a day or two before your visit.
It typically takes around 1 to 2 hours to explore the Red Army Stele Forest, including time for walking, taking in the views, and reading about the history of the Red Army's march.
The must-see highlights include the many steles with inscriptions about the Red Army's journey, the peaceful forest setting, and the surrounding mountain views. The main area is the stele forest itself, where most of the historical significance is concentrated.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and you can arrange a tour at the entrance. Audio guides are not available, so a guide is the best option for in-depth information.
The best photography spots are near the large, inscribed steles and the panoramic viewpoint overlooking the forest and surrounding mountains. Capture the historic steles along with the natural beauty of the forest backdrop.
Start at the entrance where you can learn about the historical background of the Red Army's Long March. Then, walk through the forest to explore the steles. The walk is relatively easy, so you can take your time to reflect on the history of each stele as you pass by.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the Red Army Stele Forest. The attraction is best visited during daylight hours, especially in the early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting.
The site is less crowded on weekdays, particularly in the early morning hours. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier, so visiting during off-peak times will provide a more peaceful experience.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available at the entrance. There are also small kiosks offering water and snacks. For meals, it is recommended to eat in Bazhong city before or after your visit as food options inside the attraction are limited.
The terrain at the Red Army Stele Forest can be a bit uneven, and while it is generally accessible, elderly or disabled visitors might find some of the paths challenging. Strollers are not suitable for the trails, so it's best to plan accordingly for young children and those with mobility issues.
Cash is widely accepted at the site, but mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are also commonly used. Credit cards are not accepted at the entrance or for smaller purchases inside the site.
There are no major restaurants or cafes within the attraction itself, but nearby Bazhong offers a variety of dining options serving both local and regional Sichuan cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available in most local restaurants. Vegan and halal food options may be harder to find but can be located in Bazhong city.
There are a few budget accommodations near the entrance, but more hotel options are available in Bazhong city, about a 20-minute drive away. Look for mid-range hotels or guesthouses for a comfortable stay.
Other nearby attractions include the Bajiao Buddhist Temple and the scenic Yudai Mountain, which are both easily accessible from the Red Army Stele Forest. These sites can be combined into a day trip for visitors interested in exploring more of the region.
There are small souvenir shops near the entrance selling local handicrafts, such as Tibetan-style scarves, prayer beads, and regional snacks. You can also purchase historical memorabilia related to the Red Army's Long March.
After visiting the Red Army Stele Forest, taxis and private cars are the best options for continuing the trip. The nearby town of Bazhong offers transport links to Chengdu, and long-distance buses or trains are available from there.
