Shifogou National Forest Park: A natural oxygen bar near Lanzhou

Looking for a summer escape? Don't miss Shifogou National Forest Park near Lanzhou! It's both a natural oxygen bar where you can breathe deeply and a hidden gem brimming with Zen.

📍 Scenic Area Overview

Shifogou National Forest Park is located in the Agan Forest Farm in Qilihe District, Lanzhou City, just 20 kilometers from the city center. Its altitude ranges from 1,950 to 3,124 meters, and its forest coverage rate reaches 86.12%. The rolling hills, surrounded by lush greenery, offer a vibrant green screen. Each season offers its own unique scenery: in spring, you can enjoy wildflowers and azaleas; in summer, you can escape the heat and cool down; in autumn, the forests are dyed red; in winter, snow-covered branches are blanketed in snow.

Ancient temples hide in the deep valleys, and Buddhist traces can be found on the rock faces. Strolling through Shifogou, the forest echoes with the sound of ancient Buddhist chants. Amidst the dappled light and shadow, the cliff carvings quietly tell stories of the past, each pattern imbued with the Zen spirit etched by time.

🚶‍♂️ Recommended Tour Route

Classic Day Tour Route

- Morning: Visit Lingyan Temple (a Gelugpa monastery) → Hike the hiking trail (see glass plank roads, Buddha's hands, and Buddha's feet along the way) → Enjoy a panoramic view of Shuangzui Mountain from the observation deck.

- Afternoon: Proceed to Yunding Mountain (check out the terraced flower fields) → Visit Faxian Temple → Visit Agan Ancient Town to experience local customs.

In-Depth Hiking Route

Zangjing Valley → Zangxian Valley → Zangyou Valley (11.39 km, with attractions such as the Alms Stone and the Wisdom Pavilion along the way, perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors).

Spring Special Route

Huaxi Secret Realm Loop (5 km, most beautiful from March to May when wildflowers are in bloom) → Picnic at Yunding Meadow → Capture the stunning scenery of the "Tindar Light" (Dindar Light)

📌 Useful Information

- Admission: 12 yuan/person (half-price tickets are 6 yuan, and free admission is available for seniors over 70, military personnel, etc.).

- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

- Transportation:

- Bus: Take bus No. 44 from Xiguan Shizi to Shifogou Station, or take minibus No. 751 from the Cultural Palace directly to the scenic area.

- Driving: Navigate to "Shifogou National Forest Park." Parking fees are 5-20 yuan/day.

Special Experiences

- Enjoy a meal at a Tibetan cafe, camp under the stars, or hike along the forest trails.

- The "Buddha Sun-drying Festival" takes place on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month, and the Red Leaf Festival takes place in September, creating a vibrant festive atmosphere.

⚠️ Notes

- The temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is significant, so even in summer, it's recommended to bring a jacket.

- Restaurants within the scenic area may be closed on non-holidays, so it's recommended to bring some dry food.

- Fire sources are strictly prohibited. Please comply with forest fire prevention regulations.

✨ "Why travel so far? Every leaf in Shifogou helps you breathe freely." Take advantage of weekends or holidays to embark on a natural escape!