
Shushan Forest Park, located in Shushan District in western Hefei, is a large-scale park centered on Dashu Mountain . It boasts 4.5 million trees of over 200 varieties , including bamboo, fruit trees, and flowers . The lush greenery of pine and bamboo shrouds the mountainside. Trees are planted on high slopes, bamboo is cultivated in valleys, and interspersed with lush grass. Winding mountain paths lead to the mountaintops, where cicadas chirp, birds sing, and the sound of pine trees drifts in the distance. The air is fresh and the environment is pleasant.
Dashu Mountain , at 284 meters above sea level, is a rare mountain in the suburbs of Hefei. Its oval shape, rising in the southeast and declining in the northwest, was formed by a volcanic eruption. The volcanic remains of an ancient volcano, including its cone, waterfalls, volcanic rocks, and volcanic neck, are still well preserved.
From afar, a solitary peak stands, shrouded in mist and clouds. The television transmission tower perched atop it resembles a jade hairpin in a fairy's hair, graceful and charming. From the top, gazing down, one can see stretches of canals and picturesque fields. Hefei's cityscape, with its modern buildings, shimmers like stars, and the vast expanse of Chaohu Lake.
In spring, birds are singing and flowers are blooming; in summer, green shades cover the sun; in autumn, maple leaves are like fire; in winter, the Shu Mountains are covered with snow.
Recommended play time: 2-3 hours
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All day
Shushan Forest Park is a popular green space in Hefei, offering both natural beauty and recreational areas. It serves as an important ecological reserve and provides a peaceful escape from the urban environment, promoting environmental awareness and outdoor activities.
The park is located in the Shushan District of Hefei. You can easily reach it by taxi (around 20-30 minutes from the city center) or public bus. There are also walkable routes from nearby residential areas, though it may take more time.
The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures, especially during the summer months.
The entrance fee is generally around 10 RMB per person. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, and there is no need for online booking.
Advance booking is not required. You can purchase tickets on the spot as you arrive.
A visit to Shushan Forest Park typically takes 2-3 hours, depending on how much time you spend walking, relaxing, and exploring the different trails and viewpoints.
Guided tours are not typically available, but you can explore the park on your own. Signs and information boards in Chinese are available, but no audio guides are provided.
Start by entering the park through the main gate, then follow the trails leading up to the higher viewpoints. From there, you can explore the lakes and enjoy a leisurely walk along the forest paths. Don’t forget to stop for a break at one of the scenic spots.
Night visits and light shows are not available at the park. The park operates during daylight hours, and there are no special night tours.
The park can be busy during weekends and holidays. To avoid the crowds, visit early in the morning on weekdays, especially on weekdays mornings and late afternoons.
The park offers basic facilities, including toilets, rest areas, and drinking water stations. There are small shops around the entrance, but food and snacks are limited inside the park.
While the park is generally accessible, some of the higher trails might be difficult for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. There are flatter, easier routes for children and families to enjoy.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments (like WeChat Pay and Alipay) are also widely accepted, especially for food and small purchases.
Vegetarian and vegan food is available at nearby restaurants, though halal food options may be more limited.
Small souvenir shops near the entrance sell items like local handicrafts, postcards, and nature-themed gifts. Expect typical park souvenirs such as keychains and memorabilia.
Taxis are the most convenient option for continuing your trip. Public buses also run to and from the park, and the Hefei metro is nearby for easy access to other parts of the city.