Honghe Valley National Forest Park

Honghe Valley National Forest Park

Honghe Valley National Forest Park is a national-level forest park.

Honghe Valley National Forest Park is located southwest of Qingyuan Town in Qingyuan County, in the eastern mountainous region of Liaoning Province, encompassing Qingyuan Town, Dasuhe, Beisanjia, and Gounaidian Township. The geographical coordinates are between 124°47′00″E to 124°56′10″E and 41°57′20″N to 42°07′20″N. With a total area of 9,100 hectares, it includes three scenic areas: the Honghe Canyon Rafting Area, Songshan Xian Cave Scenic Area, and Xiahu Forest Bathing Area. Natural Environment

Ecological Environment

Honghe Valley National Forest Park has a forest coverage rate of 66.8%. The climate here is cool and refreshing. The air is fresh with a strong forest scent, and the environment is tranquil and elegant. Tests have shown that the atmospheric quality meets the national first-class environmental standards, with negative ion concentrations exceeding 50,000 per cubic meter at major scenic spots. As a result, the forest ecological environment is well preserved. The park has a prominent geographical advantage, a broad radiation range, and huge tourism market potential. The planned four major scenic areas—Xiahu, Xiazhaizi, Honghu, and Honghe Canyon—are like a string of glistening pearls embedded among the mountains and waters. Each scene connects and complements the others, featuring striking peaks and grotesque rocks, river valley beaches, serene streams, rolling hills and plains, rare flowers and plants, lush flower clusters, perilous caves, and whispering pine waves. Wandering through it, you can listen to waterfalls echoing through the valley, watch the sunset over solitary smoke, savor the fragrance of the earth, observe fish dancing gracefully, and forget all worldly troubles. Here, you become an immortal amidst the park.

Scenery Across the Four Seasons

The four seasons of Honghe Canyon are a world of colors. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom in vibrant hues, with azaleas bursting into brilliant displays, sometimes mingled with snow-white pear blossoms, presenting endless charm. Towering green pines stand firmly and reach defiantly toward the sky. Sunlit cliffs flicker between light and shadow, evoking awe and solemnity. White clouds appear on the water’s surface, and sunset hues reflect in the stream, bringing a sense of leisure and freedom. In autumn, mountains are dyed red with layered foliage, while in winter, everything is blanketed in snow, turning the landscape into a crystal-clear world adorned with frosted trees and misty pines. Experiencing the scenery of the four seasons here and feeling nature’s creation will surely inspire lofty ideals and cleanse the soul. Resource Conditions

　Honghe Valley Scenic Area mainly features natural landscapes supplemented by cultural sights, offering visitors a tranquil place for sightseeing, leisure, vacationing, and entertainment. The total area of the scenic zone is 15,000 mu, including 800 mu of water area with the deepest part of the reservoir reaching 26 meters. It is divided into three main sections: The first section is upstream of Fengweipo, known as “A World Apart.” It mainly offers attractions such as a water park, Dripping Stone, and a Hundred-Meter Golden Sand Beach. The second section is a comprehensive service area, called “Listening to the Moon in the Wave Nest” and “Fairyland Between Lake and Mountain,” featuring docks No. 1 and No. 2, 36 pedal boats, rowboats, electric boats, and motorboats, a summer camp base, Guanyin Hall on Sea Island, a stone statue of Sakyamuni, Crescent Island, Yangguan Triple Waterfall, holiday village, Honghe Restaurant, Yiyuan Restaurant, grass sliding and fishing spots. The third section is Honghe Canyon, known as “The Dragon Gate Under the Waves” downstream, which mainly consists of a natural bathing beach and the mountain gate. The total touring distance within Honghe Valley Scenic Area is 6 kilometers. Drifting along the water surrounded by mountains and lakes offers a soothing experience, allowing you to quietly admire the landscape and enjoy the pleasures of nature.

Honghe Valley Tourist and Holiday Resort is a natural forest bathing ground. The forest floor grows nearly a hundred varieties of wild vegetables, edible fungi, wildlife, medicinal herbs, and flowers, making it a natural “Exhibition Hall of Northeastern Bioecology.” Main services include dining, accommodation, camping, forest tours, forest exploration, wildlife studies, summer camps, rural sightseeing, and eco-farm tours.

Major Scenic Areas

Overview

The Honghe Canyon Scenic Area stretches 15 kilometers with a relative elevation difference of nearly 200 meters. The valley bottom features meandering streams, while the mountaintops are crowned with drifting white clouds and ever-changing weather. The steep cliffs on both sides are rugged and spectacular. Among the 92 families and 395 species of wild plants, each displays unique beauty. Drifting down the canyon in a rubber raft, you pass through misty waters and calm creeks, where you may feel as if in a deserted ferry—“a boat floats by itself when no one is around.” You’ll also pass under the Dripping Lake Waterfall. Looking up, you’ll see silver curtains of water cascading down, transforming into countless colorful ribbons falling into the deep pool below, instantly splashing into thousands of silver flowers and snowdrifts, while sending up mist that chills your face despite warming your heart. The booming sound of springs is like a thousand galloping horses, stirring admiration and touching the soul. As you move to Yangguan Triple Falls, you follow small cascades jumping between rocks—thrilling yet safe, bringing a refreshing joy. Along the way, you’ll encounter 24 famous scenic spots including Flying Jade Waterfall, Purple Clouds over the Sun, Emerald Glory with Blossoms, Wild Geese over Flat Sand, Cloud Dragons Chanting at the Moon, and Willow Orioles in Thatched Cottages.

Xiahu

Upon entering Xiahu Scenic Area, what greets you is a vista of lush greenery. A valley accompanied by a mountain stream winds between two towering mountains. A gentle breeze rustles through the woods, and clear springs flow gently. Every step into the mountain reveals a new scene, each unique across the four seasons. In spring and summer, walking along shaded paths into the scenic area, you’ll see various trees, flowers, and plants sprouting and budding, creating dense greenery and vibrant floral colors. The trees provide ample shade, while flowers bloom in vivid hues. A sudden mountain wind brings dark clouds, and after rain, all living things seem to cheer. Once the rain clears, the mountains turn even greener, the air fresher, the blue sky more stunningly transparent, and the mountain streams rush and tumble. The entire valley is enveloped in misty splendor. In autumn, maple leaves blaze like fire, with red, yellow, and green dominating the palette. Hazelnuts, walnuts, mountain grapes, schisandra berries, and various delicious edible fungi become harvest items. In winter, the area takes on a unique charm. A gentle snowfall allows you to appreciate the distinctive scenery of northern China, where streams gradually quiet down, freezing into crystal-like ice sculptures. The suspension bridge still sways gently, the lake turns into ice crystals, and the artillery pieces displayed in the scenic area—field guns, howitzers, and anti-aircraft guns—are covered in icicles, as if freshly baptized by battle.

The management of Xiahu Scenic Area has built swimming pools and training grounds, which are open to the public as a national defense education base for Fushun City. Every year, thousands of government officials and students come here to undergo military training instructed by army trainers, fostering patriotism, collectivism, physical strength, and military skills.

Xiazhaizi

Xiazhaizi Scenic Area is located on the eastern hill of Xiazhaizi Village. The western and northern slopes of the hill have man-made stone steps and forest trails leading to the mountaintop, while the eastern and southern sides feature cliffs. The hill is covered with ancient pines around 600 years old, displaying graceful shapes and varied postures—some majestic like the Overlord of Western Chu, some coiling like dragons occupying the mountain, others standing in trios reminiscent of the Peach Garden Oath, or with intertwined branches resembling couples. Young trees intermingle with ancient pines, creating delightful views. At the foot of the hill lies a natural cave. According to geological experts, this cave formed during the Ordovician period of the Paleozoic era. Two entrances are on the hillside, and one is at the mountain foot. The two hillside entrances connect vertically, twisting and turning, with spacious areas capable of holding hundreds of people under domed ceilings, and narrow sections only wide enough for one person to pass sideways. Inside the cave, stalactites and draperies take on diverse forms, looking marvelously crafted by nature. During exploration, stone mortars, stone axes, bone needles, and animal bones with carved symbols were discovered. The cave contains cool, sweet spring water that refreshes the soul. The cave at the mountain foot is not only marvelous but also has perennial spring water. With its evergreen pines against the sunset-colored mountain and the cave hiding pure spring water, this is an excellent spot for exploring history, seeking serenity, and conducting scientific research.

Honghu

Honghe Valley

Arriving at Honghu Scenic Area, you can’t help but admire the diligence and wisdom of the people of Qingyuan. A majestic dam cuts across the Honghe River, creating a serene lake in the high gorge. The azure Honghu stretches as far as the eye can see, reflecting the surrounding green mountains. When a breeze blows, ripples spread across the lake, rippling the entire landscape. Boating on the lake to watch fish darting about is like speeding shuttles. In shallow waters, mandarin ducks neck together, while herons search for food. In deeper waters, swans play and wild ducks chase each other. On rainy summer days, standing alone by the lake listening to the howling wind and watching the surging waves washes away the dust of life and stirs a heroic spirit. Beautiful Honghu is a sight in sunshine and a sentiment in the rain.

Honghe Canyon

The Honghe Canyon Scenic Area stretches 15 kilometers with a relative elevation difference of nearly 200 meters. The valley bottom features meandering streams, while the mountaintops are crowned with drifting white clouds and ever-changing weather. The steep cliffs on both sides are rugged and spectacular. Among the 92 families and 395 species of wild plants, each displays unique beauty. Drifting down the canyon in a rubber raft, you pass through misty waters and calm creeks, where you may feel as if in a deserted ferry—“a boat floats by itself when no one is around.” You’ll also pass under the Dripping Lake Waterfall. Looking up, you’ll see silver curtains of water cascading down, transforming into countless colorful ribbons falling into the deep pool below, instantly splashing into thousands of silver flowers and snowdrifts, while sending up mist that chills your face despite warming your heart. The booming sound of springs is like a thousand galloping horses, stirring admiration and touching the soul. As you move to Yangguan Triple Falls, you follow small cascades jumping between rocks—thrilling yet safe, bringing a refreshing joy. Along the way, you’ll encounter 24 famous scenic spots including Flying Jade Waterfall, Purple Clouds over the Sun, Emerald Glory with Blossoms, Wild Geese over Flat Sand, Cloud Dragons Chanting at the Moon, and Willow Orioles in Thatched Cottages.

The four seasons of Honghe Canyon are a world of colors. In spring and summer, wildflowers bloom in vibrant hues, with azaleas bursting into brilliant displays, sometimes mingled with snow-white pear blossoms, presenting endless charm. Towering green pines stand firmly and reach defiantly toward the sky. Sunlit cliffs flicker between light and shadow, evoking awe and solemnity. White clouds appear on the water’s surface, and sunset hues reflect in the stream, bringing a sense of leisure and freedom. In autumn, mountains are dyed red with layered foliage, while in winter, everything is blanketed in snow, turning the landscape into a crystal-clear world adorned with frosted trees and misty pines. Experiencing the scenery of the four seasons here and feeling nature’s creation will surely inspire lofty ideals and cleanse the soul. Heritage Significance

Qingyuan Honghe Valley National Forest Park

Honghe Valley National Forest Park boasts verdant mountains, beautiful forests, clear waters, secluded caves, convenient transportation, and simple local customs. It is an outstanding natural mountain and water scenic area. The development of the park not only helps further protect the natural landscape and provides an ideal destination for tourism and relaxation but also promotes rapid regional economic growth.

Honghe Valley National Forest Park is located on the Longgang Mountain branch of the Changbai Mountain range. Vast expanses of dense forests, abundant and clear rivers, and winding, uniquely shaped mountains form the area’s distinctive natural landscape and regional characteristics. Thousands of precious plant species and dozens of wild animals thrive here in harmony, creating a vibrant and diverse ecological scene. It serves as a natural “forest bathing ground” and “Northeast Bioecology Exhibition Hall.”

With its superior geographical location and convenient transportation, visitors from cities such as Shenyang, Fushun, Tieling, and Meihekou can make a day trip by car. It is a new highlight in the tourism industry of the central Shenyang urban agglomeration.

Honghe Valley National Forest Park boasts verdant mountains, beautiful forests, clear waters, secluded caves, convenient transportation, and simple local customs. It is an outstanding natural mountain and water scenic area. The development of the park not only helps further protect the natural landscape and provides an ideal destination for tourism and relaxation but also promotes rapid regional economic growth.

Qingyuan Town: Located in the central part of the county, Qingyuan Town borders Yingemen to the east, connects to Gounaidian to the north, neighbors Beisanjia to the west, and adjoins Wandianzi to the south. The town covers a total area of 270 square kilometers, including 28,200 mu of arable land, 17,627.7 hectares of forested mountains, and a population of 85,000. Various ethnic groups, including Manchu, Han, Korean, and Hui, reside across 40 administrative villages, 115 natural hamlets, 5 subdistrict offices, and 23 neighborhood committees. The town boasts well-developed transportation infrastructure, with the Shenyang–Jilin Railway and National Highway 202 passing through it, along with an extensive network of rural roads. Cable TV covers the entire town, and services such as direct-dial landline telephones, fax machines, and telegraph are available... More detailed information about Qingyuan Town++