Live Your Best Lives
Ningdong Forest Park is an excellent destination for nature lovers. Visitors can explore its scenic trails, enjoy birdwatching, and take in the stunning mountain views. The park is also a great spot for picnics, photography, and hiking, with various paths leading to serene natural areas. It’s ideal for both relaxation and outdoor adventures, particularly during spring and autumn when the foliage is most vibrant.
Ningdong Forest Park is located on the southern slopes of the middle Qinling Mountains, within the Guanghuojie and Xunyangba areas northeast of Ningshan County, Ankang City. It is a state-owned forest area under the jurisdiction of the Shagou, Xunyangba, and Huoditang forest farms of the Ningdong Forestry Bureau of Shaanxi Province. The park covers a total area of 3,258 hectares and is divided into four independent scenic areas: Pingheliang, Xunyangba, Xiangtangou, and Haogounao. Bounded by the Qinling Daliang in the north and Pingheliang in the west, it straddles the Xunhe and Chang'anhe River systems, two primary tributaries of the Han River. Ningdong Forest Park borders Chang'an District and Huxian County of Xi'an City to the north, and Hanyin and Shiquan Counties of Ankang City to the south. It is only 92 kilometers north of the center of the provincial capital, Xi'an, and 50 kilometers from the Haogounao Scenic Area. It is 140 kilometers south of Ankang City. As part of the Xi'an tourism network, it serves as a southern tourism node in the Shaanxi Province tourism network centered on Xi'an and serves as the "northern gateway" from Xi'an to Ankang. It also serves as a transit point on the Xi'an-Ankang-Xiaoshanxia-Shanxia tourist hotline.
The park's highest elevation is 2,889.1 meters, while its lowest is 1,250 meters. The park's landscape is anchored by the wondrous peaks of Cangshan Mountain, while its main features are dense forests, rich biodiversity, and rare wildlife. The park's topography is complex and undulating, with high mountains and deep valleys, and peaks stacked one upon another. The park boasts majestic and towering peaks and ridges, as well as treacherous and narrow canyons, remarkable glacial relics, legendary caves, and vast, flat alpine grasslands. The majestic peaks, ridges, flat lands, cliffs, canyons, faults, and caves all blend in a variety of shapes and shades, creating a magnificent landscape of overlapping ridges, towering peaks, and crisscrossing valleys. These deep, secluded valleys open and close in an orderly fashion, creating a magnificent landscape of thousands of peaks, intersecting ridges and valleys, and precipitous cliffs.
Ningdong Forest Park, with its rich and beautiful tourism resources and good tourism location advantage, is a popular destination for sightseeing, appreciation, learning, vacation and recuperation, physical exercise, adventure and curiosity, scientific research, and teaching practice. It is deeply favored by tourists and the scientific research and academic circles. Currently, eight colleges and universities have established teaching practice bases here, and on October 27, 2008, it was approved by the national expert group to be established as a national-level biological field comprehensive practice demonstration base.
Ningdong Forest Park boasts a humid northern subtropical climate. Its forest coverage rate is 95.1%, encompassing large areas of virgin forest, natural secondary forest, and some planted forests. Winters are mild, summers are mild, and temperatures are pleasant. The hottest month (July) averages 22°C, with a high of 29.2°C, 13.7°C cooler than downtown Xi'an. Known as the "Cool World," it's an ideal place for escaping the summer heat and maintaining good health. The best time to visit is from May to October.
Pingheliang, Xunyangba, Xiangtangou, Haogounao and other scenic spots;
Recommended play time: 4-6 hours
Pingheliang Scenic Area is 20 yuan per person, and other scenic areas are free.
Open all day
Ningdong Forest Park is known for its diverse ecosystem and rich natural beauty. It serves as both a recreational area and a vital conservation site, protecting the native flora and fauna of the region. The park is significant for its contribution to local environmental education and outdoor tourism, attracting both nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility in the wilderness.
The park is located in Ningdong, a mountainous region in Shaanxi Province, China, near the city of Ankang. It can be accessed by taxi or bus from Ankang city. The most convenient way to get there is by car or bus. From Ankang, take a taxi or public transport heading towards the park's entrance.
The park is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its most picturesque. It’s open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
The entrance fee is generally affordable, typically around 20-30 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the park entrance. It is recommended to check for any online booking options or group discounts before your visit.
For individual visitors, advance booking is usually not required. However, it is advisable to check for any special events or peak periods when advanced booking might be necessary. Booking a few days ahead is recommended during busy tourist seasons.
You can expect to spend about 3-5 hours exploring the park, especially if you plan to hike along several of its trails and stop to enjoy the views. If you prefer a more relaxed visit, 2-3 hours should be sufficient to take in the main attractions.
The park's most popular highlights include the scenic hiking trails, the observation points offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, and the tranquil lakes within the park. The park is also home to various plant species and wildlife, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers.
Guided tours are available upon request and are typically conducted in Mandarin. Audio guides may also be available in multiple languages for those wishing to explore the park independently.
The best photography spots include the elevated viewpoints on the trails, which offer sweeping views of the forest and surrounding landscapes. The park’s serene lakes and wildflower fields also make for perfect photography subjects.
A recommended route would be to start at the main entrance and hike up to the central observation point. From there, explore the various trails, including those leading to the lakes and secluded areas. This loop offers the best overall views of the park's diverse ecosystems.
Night visits are not typically available at Ningdong Forest Park, as it is a natural reserve meant for daytime exploration. However, special tours or events may be organized seasonally, particularly for nature walks and educational programs.
The park can become crowded during weekends and holidays. For a more peaceful experience, visit during weekdays, especially early mornings or late afternoons. Avoid public holidays like National Day (October 1st) and Spring Festival when the park sees a spike in visitors.
The park offers basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and a few food stalls selling snacks and drinks. There are no large restaurants, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food and water if you plan to spend an extended time in the park.
The park features some accessible paths, though many trails can be quite rugged. It may not be the most suitable for visitors with mobility issues or very young children. It’s best to check in advance about trail conditions if you’re planning to visit with elderly or disabled individuals.
Cash is accepted for entry and purchases at food stalls. Mobile payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are also widely accepted in the park and nearby areas, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand just in case.
While there are no major restaurants inside the park, there are several small cafes and food stalls selling snacks and drinks. Nearby Ankang city offers a wider range of dining options, including local specialties like Shaanxi noodles and dumplings.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at nearby restaurants in Ankang city. Halal food options may be limited but can be found in local Muslim eateries in the city center.
There are several budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses near the park, as well as mid-range accommodations in Ankang city. For a more luxurious stay, options like the Ankang International Hotel are available.
Other nearby attractions include the Baihe River Scenic Area, Ankang City’s historical landmarks, and the famous Fuxi Temple. These can easily be combined with a visit to Ningdong Forest Park for a full day of sightseeing.
There are small souvenir stalls near the park selling local crafts, including handmade pottery, wooden items, and traditional Shaanxi art. You may also find some nature-related souvenirs such as postcards and prints.
After visiting, you can take a taxi or public transport back to Ankang city. From there, you can continue your trip by bus or train to nearby cities in Shaanxi or other parts of China.
