Huangshui Forest Park is a national-level forest park. It is located on the Qiyao Mountain Plateau in the northeast of Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. The total planned area of the park is 42 square kilometers, consisting of 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), which are independent areas. The highest altitude is 1,934 meters, and the lowest is 800 meters. The average altitude is 1,600 meters. There is an obvious vertical change in climate, and the summer climate is cool, making it an ideal summer resort and recuperation destination. Here, there are overlapping mountains and unique mountains and waters, with 3,6 scenic spots. It is not only a natural oxygen bar and natural air conditioner but also a kingdom of plants, a base of wild delicacies, and a paradise for animals. It has more than 3,000 common tree species and is one of the important distribution areas of the rare plant Metasequoia glyptostroboides.
Historical Culture
Huangshui Town is one of the earliest residential places of the indigenous people in Shizhu County, giving birth to a long history and simple and pure Tujia culture. The Xituo Ancient Town around the park is located on the south bank of the Yangtze River in Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, facing Shibao in Zhong County across the river. It is a key cultural protection ancient town in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, listed as one of the "first batch of protected ancient towns in the country", a historical and cultural town at the provincial level in Sichuan in 1992, a traditional style town for relocation and protection in the Three Gorges Reservoir area in 2002, and one of the first batch of "Chinese historical and cultural towns" in 2003. The ancient town was a famous "salt town" in the Song Dynasty and the starting point of the thousands-of-li salt road between Sichuan and Hubei. Its salt culture and the bitter culture of Coptis chinensis have been passed down to this day. There are also the ruins of the ancient battlefield of Qin Liangyu in the park, which have extremely high scientific research value. The mysterious suspended coffins of the Long River, unique Tujia stilted buildings, and Tujia villages with the sound of the local accent all show unique cultural charm.
Dafengbao Primeval Forest
It is known as the "green treasure house". The main peak has an altitude of 1,934 meters and belongs to the Yuyaoshan Mountain Range, a branch of the Wushan Mountain Range. Here, the mountains rise and fall, the mountains are lush and green, and the ravines are crisscrossed. It is known as the "Fairyland in the East of Chongqing". It is the highest peak in Shizhu County and the highest peak in the eastern part of Chongqing, and it is known as the "First Peak in the East of Chongqing". There are many tree species in the forest sea, the ancient trees reach into the sky, the forest waves are rumbling, and flowers bloom in all seasons. It is a paradise for more than 50 kinds of wild animals such as leopards, roe deer, and pheasants.
Youcao River
It originates from the Motianpo in Huangshui. It is 42.9 kilometers long within the territory and flows into the Shidu River in Lichuan, Hubei from south to north through townships such as Fengmu and Yangdong. The river water is clear, the vegetation on both banks is dense, and the scenery is beautiful. There are many bays and scattered small islands in the river, which is known as the "Little Penglai".
Bizika Green Palace
It is a demonstration tourist attraction located on the street, full of rich Tujia customs, where you can experience the unique Tujia culture.
Huangshui Lake
It is the largest artificial fish lake in Huangshui, distributed in a stepped manner. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, making it a good place for leisure fishing and enjoying the lake and mountain scenery.
The Mother Tree of Metasequoia glyptostroboides No. 1 in China
It is located in Hengmiao Village, Huangshui Town and has been listed as the "No. 1 Metasequoia glyptostroboides in China" by the Ministry of Forestry. Its breast diameter is 1.6 meters, and its tree height is 45 meters. It has a history of more than 300 years. Despite going through vicissitudes of life, its side branches are slanting and it is magnificent, which is favored by Chinese and foreign experts, scholars, and tourists.
Hengdianmu Forest Bathing Ground
It covers an area of 180 hectares, mostly pine and cryptomeria forests more than 10 meters high. Tourists can take a forest bath here to regulate their emotions and cultivate their minds.
Huanglong Cave
It is a typical karst cave with various strange underground landscapes such as stalactites and stalagmites, making people sigh at the uncanny workmanship of nature.
Huanglonggou Valley
It is famous for its clear streams, verdant forests, and unique landforms. There are many waterfalls in the valley, and the famous Huanglong Waterfall has a drop of 40 meters, with great momentum. In addition, there are many hot springs in the valley, such as sulfur springs and carbonic acid springs, which have high medical value.
The Twelve Garden Sister Peaks
There are overlapping mountains and unique mountains and waters in the scenic area, and the beautiful landscape of the Twelve Garden Sister Peaks attracts many tourists to visit.
Chuyu Cave
It is a unique natural landscape with mysterious legends, adding a mysterious color.
Tujia Folk Dwellings
The unique stilted buildings of the Tujia people show the residential culture and architectural features of the Tujia ethnic group.
The Brasenia schreberi Base
There are more than 3,000 mu of Brasenia schreberi fields in Wanshengba, Huangshui Town. The green waves are rippling, and it has become a tourist and sightseeing park. Huangshui's Brasenia schreberi is a characteristic tourist green food and one of the three famous dishes in the south of the Yangtze River. It is rich in nutrition and can be boiled, stir-fried, or served cold. It can also be made into soup with fish, meat, chicken, etc., which is delicious and smooth.
Malao City
It has a unique historical charm and is a characteristic scenic spot in the scenic area.
The Ming and Qing Dynasty Xituo Ancient Town
It has a profound historical and cultural heritage. The architectural style and street layout of the ancient town reflect the characteristics of that time, and it is an important place for tourists to learn about historical culture.
The Yao Family Courtyard of the Landlord Manor
It reflects the architectural style and social life of a specific historical period and has certain historical and cultural value.
Fossilized Ancient Trees
These fossilized ancient trees have witnessed the changes of time and have important significance for studying the local geological history and the evolution of the ecological environment.
The New and Old Yunti Street
The unique street layout and architectural style of Yunti Street are an important part of the ancient town culture.
Agate City
It is a scenic spot full of mystery, attracting tourists to explore its secrets.
The Pagoda Lion
It is a unique landscape, adding a different style to the scenic area.
Yankou Scenic Viewing
Standing at Yankou, you can overlook the magnificent natural scenery around, making people feel relaxed and happy.
Forest Bathing Ground
The air is fresh, and the environment is pleasant. It is a good place for tourists to relax and enjoy the forest atmosphere.
Tujia Folk Mountain Song Performances
Here, you can enjoy folk performances such as Tujia hand-waving dances, welcoming zazu wine, dragon boat rowing, crying weddings, and Tujia love song duets, and feel the rich Tujia customs.
Zip Line
Gliding to the opposite bank from an altitude of 1,600 meters is very exciting and brings a unique experience to tourists.
The Hundred Herbs Garden
It is planted with various herbal plants, which not only have ornamental value but also allow tourists to learn about herbal knowledge.
The Millennium Red Maple
The ancient red maple trees turn red in autumn, and the scenery is charming.
The Sea of Clouds on the Mountain Top
Under specific weather conditions, a spectacular sea of clouds landscape will appear on the mountain top, just like a fairyland.
Huangshui Waterfall
The waterfall is majestic, and the water rushes down, bringing a visual shock.
Huangshui Valley
The stream in the valley gurgles, and the vegetation is rich. It is a good place to get close to nature.
Delicacies
Huangshui Fish
It is a local characteristic delicacy, made from fresh local fish. It has a delicious taste and tender meat. It can be cooked in various ways such as steaming, braising, and making soup.
Huangshui Roasted Mutton
The mutton is marinated in a unique way and then roasted over charcoal fire. It is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fragrant smell. Paired with special seasonings, it tastes excellent.
Huangshui Chicken
It uses locally free-range chickens as raw materials and can be cooked in various ways, such as white-cut, braised, and made into soup. The chicken is firm and has a delicious taste.
The Brasenia schreberi Feast
Using Huangshui's Brasenia schreberi as the main ingredient, a series of dishes such as "Brasenia schreberi soup", "Brasenia schreberi and yellow croaker soup", "shredded chicken and Brasenia schreberi soup", "Brasenia schreberi and sliced meat soup", and "cold Brasenia schreberi" can be made. Brasenia schreberi has a delicious and smooth taste and is rich in nutrition. It is one of the three famous dishes in the south of the Yangtze River.
Dingguan Rice
The rice is cooked in a dingguan (a kind of pot), and the cooked rice has a unique fragrance, with distinct grains and a soft and glutinous taste.
Tujia Braised Dishes
They are Tujia characteristic delicacies, generally including dishes like steamed pork with rice flour, braised pork, etc. The meat is tender and the taste is rich.
Roasted Whole Lamb
High-quality local sheep are selected and roasted whole. The skin is golden and crispy, and the internal mutton is tender and juicy, with an appetizing aroma.
Wild Mushroom Soup
It is made from various wild mushrooms picked in the local mountains. The cooked soup is delicious and rich in nutrition.
Pickled Sour Pork
It is a traditional Tujia delicacy. The pork is marinated with corn flour and pickled peppers and then fried. It has a sour and spicy taste.
Zahai Chili
It is stir-fried with chili peppers and cornmeal, etc. It can be stir-fried alone or paired with meat and other ingredients, with a spicy taste.
Shizhu Coptis chinensis
Although it is mainly used as a medicinal herb, it can also be used to make drinks such as Coptis chinensis flower tea and has the effects of clearing heat and drying dampness, etc.
Admission Tickets
The admission ticket price of the scenic area is 20 yuan per person. Some scenic spots or projects may have additional fees, such as some entertainment facilities and characteristic experience projects. Please refer to the actual prices in the scenic area.
Opening Hours
The opening hours of the park are from 08:00 to 17:00. However, the specific opening hours may be adjusted due to seasons or special circumstances. It is recommended that tourists pay attention to the official notice of the scenic area before traveling.
Itinerary for Visiting
After entering the scenic area, tourists can first go to the Bizika Green Palace to experience Tujia culture; then visit the Mother Tree of Metasequoia glyptostroboides No. 1 in China to feel its ancient charm; then go to Huangshui Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery and choose to go fishing for leisure; after that, go to the Dafengbao Primeval Forest, stroll in it, enjoy the beauty of the primeval forest, and listen to the singing of birds; have a meal in the scenic area or around it at noon and taste local characteristic delicacies; go to the Youcao River in the afternoon, walk along the river and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both banks; then go to the Brasenia schreberi base to view the large Brasenia schreberi fields; finally, go to the venue of Tujia folk mountain song performances to enjoy Tujia folk performances and feel the rich Tujia culture. If there is enough time, you can also visit scenic spots such as Huanglong Cave and Huanglonggou Valley.
Transportation
- Starting from the main urban area of Chongqing: You can take a bus to Shizhu County at Chongqing Chaotianmen Bus Station or Sigongli Transportation Hub. After arriving in Shizhu County, transfer to a bus to Huangshui Town at Shizhu Bus Station, and the ticket price is about 25 yuan.
- Starting from Shizhu County: Take a bus to Huangshui Town at Shizhu Bus Station. The journey is about 1.5 hours, and the ticket price is about 25 yuan.
- Self-driving: Starting from the main urban area of Chongqing, take the South Line of Shanghai-Chongqing Expressway, get off at the Shizhu Interchange, and then go to Huangshui Town along the Shiyu Expressway. The whole journey is about 240 kilometers, and the driving time is about 3.5 hours.
Must-visit Attractions
- Dafengbao Primeval Forest: It has the "First Peak in the East of Chongqing", with magnificent forest scenery and rich wildlife resources. It is an excellent place to feel the charm of nature.
- Youcao River: The river water is clear, and the scenery on both banks is beautiful. You can carry out water activities such as rafting to experience the excitement and beauty.
- Bizika Green Palace: It is a window to deeply understand Tujia culture and experience Tujia folk customs.
- Huangshui Lake: It is the largest artificial fish lake in Huangshui, with a beautiful surrounding environment, suitable for leisure and entertainment.
- The Mother Tree of Metasequoia glyptostroboides No. 1 in China: It has extremely high historical and ornamental value.
- Tujia Folk Mountain Song Performances: You can directly feel the rich Tujia culture.
Suggestions for Visiting
- When visiting in summer, you need to bring sun protection products such as sunscreen, sun hats, and sunglasses. Although the summer climate is cool, the sunlight is still strong.
- Prepare comfortable sports shoes because some scenic spots in the scenic area need to be visited on foot, and the journey is relatively long.
- You can bring some anti-mosquito and anti-insect drugs as there are many mosquitoes in the forest.
- When tasting local delicacies, you can choose the spiciness according to your personal taste. Some dishes may be relatively spicy.
- If you want to experience exciting projects such as the zip line, you need to understand the precautions in advance and choose according to your physical condition.
- When watching Tujia folk performances, you can interact with the actors to better feel the Tujia culture.
- Tourists with photography needs can bring professional photography equipment. The light is better in the morning and evening, which is suitable for photographing the scenery.
Precautions
- Fireworks are strictly prohibited in the scenic area to prevent forest fires.
- When visiting areas such as the primeval forest, you need to walk according to the designated route to avoid getting lost.
- Respect the local customs and habits, especially in places like the venues for Tujia folk performances.
- Take good care of the environment within the scenic area and do not litter.
- When taking transportation, pay attention to safety and keep personal belongings properly.
- If engaging in water activities, follow the instructions of the staff and wear a life jacket.
- Some areas within the scenic area have dangerous terrain. When playing, pay attention to safety and avoid approaching dangerous areas.