Shenyang National Forest Park

Shenyang National Forest Park

Shenyang National Forest Park is a national-level forest park.

Shenyang National Forest Park is situated in Magang Township, Xinchengzi District, in the northeastern suburbs of Shenyang City. It is 40 kilometers south of the city center, 8 kilometers west of the Shenyang–Harbin Expressway, 40 kilometers east of Fushun, and 40 kilometers north of Tieling. As part of the southern extension of the Jilin Hadan Mountain Range in the Changbai Mountain system, the park spans 14,000 mu, with 13,500 mu covered in forests, achieving a forest coverage rate of 95%. With dense woods, high air humidity, abundant negative ions, and fresh, pleasant air, it is an ideal destination for summer retreats. In 1997, it was officially designated as a national forest park by China’s Ministry of Forestry. The terrain here features both rugged cliffs and flat land formed naturally, along with lush woodlands, over a thousand species of precious plants, more than a hundred types of wild animals, and dozens of rare bird species. Shenyang’s highest peak—Shiren Mountain—is located here. It has become a popular destination for summer cooling and winter skiing.

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Shenyang National Forest Park boasts a rich diversity of vegetation and plant resources, situated at the intersection of the Changbai and North China plant regions, with influences from the Mongolian plant region. Natural plant sightseeing zones and orchards complement each other, creating unique botanical landscapes full of vibrant colors, layered arrangements, and distinct seasonal changes. The 54-year-old Pinus tabuliformis forest features uniquely shaped trees with large, semi-circular crowns that remain green year-round, providing ample shade—making it an ideal spot for a forest bath. In addition to the distinctive forests displaying brilliant autumn hues, there are also ancient trees that stand out, such as the Qianlong Ancient Tree, which is over 200 years old and resembles two wise elders telling the story of Shiren Mountain.

This is also a natural zoo, home to more than 160 species across 11 phyla and 13 classes, where birds sing in the forests and animals roam the mountains, forming a captivating world where all creatures freely thrive.

This place was also where Lei Feng spent the last years of his life and fought. The wartime tunnels he once used shimmer with the light of modern civilization. The forest park has now become a destination featuring sightseeing agriculture and ecological forestry bases, infused with enchanting charm. Attractions such as the Green Water Corridor, Lotus Pond, Water Recreation Area, Leisure Entertainment Zone, Forest Bathing Area, and Holiday Health Resort attract visitors and showcase a promising future.

Currently, the park's construction is well underway, with complete infrastructure, convenient transportation, advanced communication, and ample water and electricity supply. Facilities such as Shuangquan Mountain Villa, Longquan Hotel, Longquan Swimming Pool, and comprehensive villas include large restaurants, karaoke bars, dance halls, and conference halls. Climbing to the top of Shenyang’s highest peak, which stands at 44.3 meters above sea level, offers the exhilarating experience of overlooking the surrounding mountains. The Longtan Waterfall allows visitors to witness the grandeur reminiscent of Huangguoshu Waterfall. The gentle flow of water in Fengchi Pond is refreshing and soothing. Millennium-old elm trees and century-old pines allow you to sense the weight of history. The ruins of Shuangquan Temple let you experience the serene life of monks in a secluded mountain temple, away from the hustle and bustle, with morning bells and evening drums. The wartime tunnel is where Lei Feng worked and ultimately sacrificed his life. This sturdy strategic project will take you back to those unforgettable years. Seasonal fruits such as yellow pears, agate-like plums, deep purple grapes, and silver fish are ready for harvest—you can personally pick the bountiful produce and enjoy green food free of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Thai crocodile performances bring the thrill of exotic thrills and the intense interaction between humans and animals. Walking along narrow country paths fills you with a refreshing and uplifting feeling. Thatched-roof farmhouses offer an ideal place to stay.

First, we are presented with “Fengchi” (Phoenix Pond), where springs babble, cool breezes blow, and the mind feels refreshed amid the lush greenery covering the mountains. Not far away, Feng Pavilion is also exquisitely delicate, retaining an ancient charm.

Further up the mountain lies the famous “Shuangquan Temple” in Shiren Mountain. The temple gets its name from the “Twin Springs.” As you can see, the Twin Springs are located on the mountainside of Shiren Mountain, downhill from the ruins of Shuangquan Temple. The stone well pillars feature octagonal mouths, each about 1.2 meters in diameter. Below each well is a carved dragon head from which spring water flows. The streams converge not far away, flowing gently downhill as a source of living water. Most remarkably, although the two springs are only three meters apart, one is clear and the other turbid. The clear spring has pristine, fragrant water that is pleasant to the senses, while the turbid one is rich in minerals, believed to have beautifying and healing effects. These two springs once saved the local people in the Lao Si Gou area. In gratitude, villagers voluntarily raised funds to build a grand Buddhist temple here, naming it Shuangquan Temple.

To the left is the second highest peak in northern Shenyang, atop which sits a Dragon Pavilion. From the pavilion, one can gaze across ninety-nine peaks. In the morning, clouds and mist envelop the peaks, making them look like tiny islands floating on the sea. At noon, rural houses, hills, forests, and rivers come into full view. In the evening, the starry sky shimmers densely, and the mountains appear mysterious and ethereal, as if entering a fairyland.

To the right is Shenyang’s highest peak. Upon ascending, you’ll see many jagged rocks on the mountain that, through long-term weathering, erosion, collapse, and natural sculpting, resemble human figures. Some bow their heads in prayer, others shout to the sky, some stand, and some walk. Along the mountain ridge, there are two rocks—one large and one small—positioned front and back like a master and disciple, with remarkably lifelike and vivid appearances.

　The mountaintop of Shiren Mountain is covered with lush woods and features a gentle slope that is open and bright. There is a steep cliff with two massive stone gates. Extending from the gate is a giant door bolt and stone lock, firmly sealing the entrance, known as the “South Heavenly Gate.”

Within the Shiren Mountain scenic area lies Shenyang’s highest peak,

with an elevation of

441.3 meters,

From the summit, looking southward,

across the undulating layers of green mountains,

the magnificent panorama of Shenyang City unfolds before your eyes.

However, it is regrettable that during a previous visit for an internship, I found that much of the above description was inaccurate. That said, the environment is still decent, and I’d like to remind those planning to visit.