Pu'er Sun River National Forest Park is located in the southeast of Simao District, Puer City, Yunnan Province, 37 kilometers away from the main urban area of Simao. It is a national 4A-level scenic spot. The park consists of three parts: the west area, the north area and the east area, with a total area of 6,666.7 hm² (66.667 square kilometers). The scenic spot has distinct characteristics. It is located in the transition zone from the northern tropical zone to the southern subtropical zone, with a forest coverage rate of over 97%. It preserves the largest and most complete southern subtropical monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest in China, and is extremely rich in animal and plant resources, known as the "Kingdom of Animals and Plants" and "Genetic Treasure House of Biological Germplasm". There are 812 species of wild animals inhabiting here, including national first-class protected animals such as Java banteng and slow loris, as well as 2,104 species of higher plants above ferns, making it a home for many rare animals and plants. The buildings in the park are integrated with the natural environment, such as the 103-mu forest health care center and the 181.73-mu Heilongtan health resort hotel planned and constructed.
History and Culture
The history of Pu'er Sun River National Forest Park can be traced back to 1992, when the former Ministry of Forestry approved the establishment of Yunnan Caiyang River National Forest Park. In 2011, with the approval of the State Forestry Administration, it was renamed "Yunnan Sun River National Forest Park", with no changes in the operation area and boundary scope. In August 2013, the park was officially opened to the public. On February 18, 2016, Puer National Park held the awarding ceremony for the 4A-level scenic spot. In September 2017, it was selected as a "World Peace Park", and on October 18, 2019, it was listed in the 5th "China Forest Oxygen Bar" list.
Main Attractions
Rhino Retreat
The main attraction here is the South African white rhinoceros. A combination of free-range breeding and scientific artificial assistance is adopted here to rebuild the rhinoceros population. White rhinoceroses have a round and sturdy body, smooth skin, and two horns on their noses, one large and one small, one in front and one behind. According to records, two rhinoceroses in Caiyang River were killed in 1933, and since then, there have been no rhinoceroses in this area. Now, tourists can see playing rhinoceroses here.
Macaque Paradise
Macaques, also known as rhesus monkeys or yellow monkeys, are widely distributed in Puer National Park. Generally, male macaques are 55-62 cm in length and 8-12 kg in weight, while female macaques are 40-47 cm in length and 4-7 kg in weight. They feed on leaves, tender branches, wild vegetables, etc., and also eat small birds, bird eggs, earthworms, ants and various insects. The vast subtropical forest in the scenic spot provides rich food resources and a good living environment for macaques, making it a real paradise for them.
Fish Shadow Stream Trekking
Here, the forest is dense, the air is fresh, and the spring water is clear. The water temperature is maintained at 10-22℃ all year round, and the dissolved oxygen content is above 3.5 mg/L, which is very suitable for the growth and reproduction of Chinese giant salamanders. The Chinese giant salamander is a rare species that lived and survived in the same era as dinosaurs 300 million years ago. It is the largest existing amphibian and is known as a "living fossil". Because its call sounds like the cry of a baby, people also call it "baby fish". It is a national second-class protected aquatic wild animal.
Bear Encounter
Asiatic black bears are typical forest-dwelling animals and omnivores. In spring, they feed on the new buds of trees; in summer, they mainly feed on insects such as ants and bees. Asiatic black bears can walk upright and sit like humans, but they move cautiously and slowly, with a keen sense of smell and hearing.
Cyathea Path
Cyatheas grow along the long wooden plank road. Cyathea is the only existing woody fern plant, which is extremely precious and can be called a national treasure. It is listed as a first-class protected endangered plant in many countries. There are 4 species of Cyathea in Puer National Park, including Cyathea chinensis, Cyathea podophylla, Cyathea conjugata and Cyathea dealbata.
Traveling Red Pandas
Red pandas belong to the Ailuridae family, also known as lesser pandas or red cat-bears. They are national second-class protected animals. They have a gentle temperament, are active at night and sleep during the day. With a cat-like face and bear-like body, their whole body is reddish-brown, and their limbs are brownish-black. Their fur is long and fluffy, their face is round with white markings. The most beautiful part is their fluffy long tail, with brown and white alternating nine-section rings, which is very lovely. Hence, they are also known as "nine-section wolves".
Tour Routes
You can follow the route: Rhino Retreat → Slow Loris → Deer Family Animals → Binturong → Biodiversity Exhibition Hall → Macaque Paradise → Fish Shadow Stream Trekking → Monkey Playing Peninsula → Jiaoguatang Wetland → Raccoon Dog → Bear Encounter → Butterfly Valley → Traveling Red Pandas → Bird Amusement Park → Sightseeing Bus Return. You can also adjust the route according to your own interests and time. For example, for a luxury tour, you can choose the Red Panda Manor in the scenic spot, which includes tickets and shuttle bus transfer, allowing you to stay in the forest and interact with red pandas at close range. For a two-day tour, on the first day, go to Rhino Flat to see rhinos in the morning, then go to Red Panda Manor to interact closely with red pandas, have lunch in the scenic spot restaurant, visit Orchid Valley and Butterfly Garden in the afternoon, and stay in Red Panda Manor Hotel at night. On the second day, get up early to participate in the forest morning tour, then go to the Science Popularization Hall, and have free activities in the afternoon.
Travel Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes to facilitate walking in the forest.
- Bring sunscreen, sun hats and mosquito repellent products to take sun protection and mosquito prevention measures.
- Learn about the operating hours and routes of battery cars in advance to arrange your time reasonably.
- If you want to have interactive experiences, you can buy relevant packages online in advance, which will be cheaper.
- Respect the living habits of wild animals and do not feed or disturb them at will.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic spot and do not enter unopened areas at will.
- Pay attention to environmental protection, do not litter, and keep the scenic spot clean.
- When interacting with animals, follow the guidance of the staff to ensure your own safety.
- In case of bad weather, follow the arrangement of the scenic spot and go to a safe place to take shelter in time.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Navigate to the Ticket Center of Pu'er Sun River National Forest Park .
- Special Line Bus: You can buy tickets on the official WeChat account "Puer Hongfeng Passenger Transport". The departure times are 9:00, 10:00, 12:00 and 13:00, and the return times are 13:00 and 17:00.
- Taxi: It is about 30 kilometers away from the urban area, and the driving time is about 45 minutes.
Opening Hours
The opening hours are 08:00 - 16:00, and admission is stopped at 16:00.
Tickets
The ticket price is 100 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat account of the scenic spot "普洱太阳河森林公园" on WeChat to get the latest updates or buy tickets online.