Huangshui Forest Park is a national-level forest park located on the Qiyao Mountain Plateau in the northeastern part of Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing Municipality. As a national 4A-level scenic area, it covers a planned total area of 42 square kilometers, consisting of two independent regions: the Youcao River Scenic Area (with an area of 22.48 square kilometers) and the Dafengbao Scenic Area (with an area of 19.52 square kilometers). The park has a maximum altitude of 1,934 meters, a minimum altitude of 800 meters, and an average altitude of 1,600 meters. It features distinct vertical climate changes, and its cool summer climate makes it an ideal summer resort and sanatorium.
With towering rocky peaks, unique mountains, and exotic waters, the park boasts 36 scenic spots (locations). It is not only a "natural oxygen bar" and "natural air conditioner" but also a "kingdom of plants", a "base for wild delicacies", and a "paradise for animals". Home to more than 3,000 common tree species, it is one of the important distribution areas for the rare metasequoia.
Historical Culture
Huangshui Town is one of the earliest settlements of the indigenous people in Shizhu and has nurtured a long-standing, simple, and authentic Tujia culture. Surrounding the park is Xituo Ancient Town, situated on the southern bank of the Yangtze River in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, facing Shibao in Zhongxian County across the river. As a key cultural protection ancient town in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area, it was included in the "First Batch of National Protected Ancient Towns". In 1992, it was designated as a Sichuan Provincial-level Historical and Cultural Town; in 2002, it became a traditional style town under relocation and protection in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area; and in 2003, it was listed as one of the first batch of "National Historical and Cultural Towns".
In the Song Dynasty, Xituo Ancient Town was a famous "salt town" and the starting point of the thousand-mile Sichuan-Hubei Salt Road. During the Yuan Dynasty, it evolved into a goods distribution center along the Yangtze River. Its salt culture and Coptis chinensis (huanglian) bitter culture have been passed down to this day. Within the park, there are also the ruins of Qin Liangyu's ancient battlefield, which hold great scientific research value. Additionally, the mysterious Longhe hanging coffins, unique Tujia stilted buildings, and Tujia villages with lingering local sounds all showcase unique cultural charm.
Major Scenic Spots
Dafengbao Primitive Forest Scenic Area
Dafengbao Primitive Forest Scenic Area is the core scenic spot of Huangshui National Forest Park. Located in the southeastern part of the park, it covers an area of approximately 19,700 hectares, with the highest altitude reaching 1,934 meters (the highest peak in Shizhu County). It gets its name from the constant howling strong winds throughout the year. This area preserves one of the few primitive subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests in Chongqing. Within the forest, there are national first-class protected plants such as Taxus chinensis and Davidia involucrata (also known as "dove flower"), as well as national second-class protected plants like Tetracentron sinense and Cercidiphyllum japonicum. Among them, the Davidia involucrata forest covers an area of about 200 hectares. During the flowering season from April to May each year, its white flowers resemble spreading dove wings, offering extremely high ornamental value.
An ecological sightseeing trail of approximately 5 kilometers has been built in the scenic area, with viewing platforms and rest pavilions along the way. After reaching the top, visitors can overlook the surrounding mountains and sea of clouds, and even see the Yangtze River in the distance on clear days. In addition, scenic spots such as the "Twelve Sisters Peaks" and "Yuquan Temple Ruins" are distributed along the trail. Yuquan Temple was first built in the Ming Dynasty, and now only the temple foundation and some stone inscriptions remain, witnessing the historical changes of the region.
Taiyang Lake Scenic Area
Taiyang Lake Scenic Area is located in the northwestern part of Huangshui Town, approximately 3 kilometers away from the Huangshui Town Government. It is a man-made alpine lake completed in 2003, with a water surface area of about 3,390 mu (1 mu ≈ 0.0667 hectares), a water storage capacity of 17 million cubic meters, and a lakeshore line of about 38 kilometers. Situated at an altitude of 1,450 meters, the lake's water comes from surrounding alpine streams, with clear water quality meeting the national Class Ⅱ drinking water standard.
Centered around Taiyang Lake, the scenic area has developed characteristic projects such as lake-circling sightseeing, water entertainment, and recreational fishing. The lake-circling highway is about 20 kilometers long, allowing visitors to tour by bike or self-driving. There are multiple viewing platforms along the way, offering views of the beautiful combination of lake scenery, mountain views, and forest landscapes. Various fish species such as silver carp, bighead carp, crucian carp, and common carp have been stocked in the lake, and the fishing area covers about 500 mu, making it a popular choice for recreational fishing enthusiasts. In addition, the scenic area is equipped with a camping base covering an area of about 100 mu, which provides tent rental services and basic living facilities, suitable for family and group camping.
Yueliang Lake Scenic Area
Yueliang Lake Scenic Area is located in the eastern part of Huangshui Town, echoing Taiyang Lake from a distance. It gets its name because the shape of the lake surface resembles a crescent moon. Completed in 1982, the lake has a water surface area of about 1,500 mu, a water storage capacity of approximately 4.8 million cubic meters, and an altitude of around 1,500 meters. Compared with Taiyang Lake, the vegetation around Yueliang Lake is denser, with a forest coverage rate of over 95%. The lakeshore line is tortuous, forming multiple peninsulas and harbors, creating a more serene scenery.
The main tourist activities in the scenic area include lake-circling on foot (the lake-circling trail is about 8 kilometers long) and lake tours by boat (the cruise route is about 3 kilometers long, with a one-way tour time of approximately 40 minutes). There is a "Central Lake Island" in the lake, covering an area of about 20 mu. The island is mainly covered with Cryptomeria fortunei and Metasequoia glyptostroboides, serving as an important habitat for birds. Water birds such as egrets and grey cranes are often seen here. In addition, there are many farm stays around Yueliang Lake, providing Tujia-style characteristic catering such as Tujia bacon, alpine potatoes, and wild mushroom soup, allowing visitors to experience local delicacies after sightseeing.
China's No.1 Metasequoia Maternal Tree
China's No.1 Metasequoia Maternal Tree is the "treasure of the park" in Huangshui National Forest Park. It stands 45 meters tall, with a diameter at breast height of 170 centimeters and a crown width of 20 meters. The crown covers an area of more than 200 square meters, and the tree is approximately 300 years old. In April 1972, Premier Zhou Enlai sent people to collect about 1 kilogram of seeds from this tree, some of which were given as gifts to President Kim Il-sung of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, making the tree well-known both at home and abroad.
In 1973, the state put up a sign to protect this tree. In 1992, China Post issued a set of metasequoia stamps with this tree as the model. With a straight trunk and slanting side branches, this tree is a rare tree species in the world and is known as a "living fossil".
Youcao River
Youcao River has a total length of approximately 42.9 kilometers and a drainage area of 316 square kilometers. The section flowing through Huangshui National Forest Park is about 20 kilometers long, making it a highly representative natural water scenic resource in the park. This river section is located in a mountainous area with an altitude of 1,100-1,500 meters. The river course is winding and tortuous, connecting various landforms such as deep pools, shallow beaches, waterfalls, and canyons along the way. The forest coverage rate on both banks exceeds 95%, and rare trees such as Cryptomeria fortunei, Metasequoia glyptostroboides, and Davidia involucrata stand along the river, forming a unique landscape where "trees grow in the water and water flows through the forest".
Tour Routes
After entering the scenic area, visitors can first go to Bizika Green Palace to experience Tujia culture; then visit China's No.1 Metasequoia Maternal Tree to feel its ancient charm; afterwards, head to Huangshui Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery, and optionally engage in recreational fishing there; next, go to Dafengbao Primitive Forest, stroll through it to appreciate the beauty of the primitive forest and listen to the songs of birds; have lunch in or around the scenic area to taste local characteristic food; in the afternoon, go to Youcao River and walk along the riverbank to enjoy the beautiful scenery on both banks; then visit the water shield (Brasenia schreberi) base to see large areas of water shield fields; finally, go to the Tujia folk song performance venue to watch Tujia folk performances and experience the rich Tujia customs. If time permits, visitors can also tour other scenic spots such as Huanglong Cave and Huanglong Gully.
Travel Tips
- When visiting in summer, it is necessary to bring sun protection products such as sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses. Although the summer climate is cool, the sunlight remains strong.
- Prepare comfortable sports shoes, as some scenic spots in the area require hiking and the distance can be quite long.
- You can bring some anti-mosquito and insect bite medicine, as there are many mosquitoes and insects in the forest.
- When tasting local cuisine, you can choose the spiciness level according to your personal taste, as some dishes may be quite spicy.
- If you want to experience exciting activities like zip-lining, you need to learn about the precautions in advance and make a choice based on your physical condition.
- When watching Tujia folk performances, you can interact with the performers to better experience the Tujia culture.
- For visitors with photography needs, it is recommended to bring professional photography equipment. The light is good in the morning and evening, which is suitable for taking landscape photos.
Precautions
- Open flames are strictly prohibited in the scenic area to prevent forest fires.
- When visiting areas such as the primitive forest, please follow the designated routes to avoid getting lost.
- Respect the local customs and habits, especially in places like Tujia folk performance venues.
- Take good care of the environment in the scenic area and do not litter.
- Pay attention to safety when taking transportation and keep your personal belongings secure.
- If you participate in water activities, please follow the instructions of the staff and wear a life jacket properly.
- Some areas in the scenic area have dangerous terrain. Please pay attention to safety during your visit and avoid approaching hazardous areas.
Transportation
- From Chongqing Main Urban Area: You can take a bus to Shizhu at Chongqing Chaotianmen Bus Station or Sigungli Transportation Hub. After arriving in Shizhu, transfer to a bus to Huangshui Town at Shizhu Bus Station. The ticket price is approximately 25 yuan.
- From Shizhu County Seat: Take a bus to Huangshui Town at Shizhu Bus Station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and the ticket price is approximately 25 yuan.
- Self-driving: Depart from Chongqing Main Urban Area, take the Shanghai-Chongqing South Expressway, exit at Shizhu Interchange, then take the Shizhu-Huangshui Expressway to Huangshui Town. The total distance is about 240 kilometers, and the driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.
Opening Hours
The park is open from 08:00 to 17:00. However, the specific opening hours may be adjusted due to seasonal changes or special circumstances. It is recommended that visitors check the official notice of the scenic area before their trip.
Ticket Information
The ticket price for the scenic area is 20 yuan per person. Additional fees may apply for some scenic spots or projects, such as certain entertainment facilities and characteristic experience programs. The actual price shall prevail at the scenic area.