Maple Valley

Maple Valley

Maple Valley Forest Park is located in the southern part of Huanren Manchu Autonomous County, covering an area of 2,583 hectares. Situated on the extension of the Changbai Mountain Range and surrounded by mountains on three sides, its highest peak, Bamenwei, stands at 1,288 meters, making it one of the few peaks in Liaoning exceeding 1,000 meters in elevation. Officially opened to the public in 2013, the scenic area boasts excellent ecology, abundant streams, stunning red foliage, and convenient transportation, making it an ideal destination for red leaf sightseeing, summer retreats, and leisure wellness.

Maple Valley is an “untouched paradise” away from the city. Nestled in a remote mountainous region, the area has long preserved its pristine ecosystem, with a forest coverage rate as high as 98.75%. It was only with the opening of the Hegang-Dalian Expressway that this natural ecological treasure was unveiled to the world. The scenic area features an outstanding ecological environment, home to nationally protected wild plants such as Huanren Mountain Ginseng and Yew. Wild vegetables like thorny shoots, broadleaf parsley, and eleuthero are abundant under the forest canopy, while rare plants such as wild kiwi and dove tree are widely distributed. From June to July, the dove tree blooms with large, pure white flowers, resembling hidden gems in the mountains.

Maple Valley is a “natural oxygen bar” for leisure and wellness. The climate here is cool and pleasant. While most areas swelter in the peak of summer, the average temperature in the scenic area remains around 20°C, with humidity at about 65%. Streams are abundant and crystal clear—meandering through dense green shade, they babble along, forming waterfalls at times and pools at others. The water is clean and drinkable straight from the hand. The air is pure, with 30,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter, along with the refreshing scents of flowers, grasses, and trees. Being here refreshes the mind, makes breathing easy, lifts the mood, and has earned the reputation of being “the best place to breathe.”

Maple Valley is truly the “Kingdom of Maple Leaves.” Benxi City is known as the “Maple Leaf Capital of China,” and among its maple leaves, those of Huanren are the finest. The maple leaf scenery in the scenic area is spectacular, featuring the most diverse species, the widest distribution, the longest duration, and the most vibrant colors—making it arguably the best display of maple leaves in China. After the first frost of autumn, the leaves turn from green to yellow, then to orange, then red, and finally purple, creating a dazzling array of colors. These hues contrast beautifully with the deep blue October sky, forming a breathtaking masterpiece. Climbing to Red Maple Summit and looking out, you’ll see mountains blanketed in red, forests painted layer upon layer, the setting sun lingering over the peaks, and the maple leaves glowing brilliantly under the splendid evening glow.