Yixing National Forest Park

Yixing National Forest Park

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

Yixing National Forest Park

Located in the southwestern part of Yixing City, at the junction of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Anhui provinces, it covers a total area of 3,400 hectares and is divided into two major sections: Gaoshan in the south and Tongguanshan in the north. The mountain range is an extension of the Tianmu Mountain range, with the main peak Tongguanshan reaching an elevation of 521 meters, making it the second highest peak in southern Jiangsu. The area features undulating mountains, crisscrossing ravines, and murmuring streams. Thanks to the influence of the mid-subtropical climate and enhanced conservation efforts, the forest coverage rate reaches 92%, and the region boasts abundant wildlife and plant resources. According to surveys, there are over 50 species of animals across four major categories, and 890 species of plants from 522 genera and 164 families, earning it the reputation of being the "kingdom of flora and fauna" in Jiangsu Province. Rare animals include leopards, river deer, pangolins, masked palm civets, Chinese salamanders, long-tailed broadbills, and crested goshawks, while rare plants include Yuhua magnolia, golden larch, purple nanmu, Quercus glauca, Castanopsis carlesii, and sassafras. The Longchi Protected Area is a provincial-level nature reserve spanning approximately 1,500 acres, divided into Xiaohigou and Longchi sections. Xiaohigou is home to precious tree species such as Yuhua magnolia, red nanmu, large-leaf nanmu, and purple nanmu, while Longchi features a unique natural Castanopsis carlesii forest found nowhere else in Jiangsu.

The natural landscape of Yixing National Forest Park is exceptionally beautiful. The pine forests on the mountains are lush and towering; the bamboo groves in the valleys sway like green waves, stretching endlessly; and the tea gardens among the hills resemble oases bustling with traffic. From the heights of Tongguanshan, one can gaze upon “undulating peaks flowing like rainbows, with layers of purple and emerald hues shielding the southern hills,” making the “layered green peaks of Tongguan” one of the Ten Scenic Spots of Jingxi (Yixing). The mountains are dotted with streams that flow with crystal-clear water year-round. Streams such as the Dahan Stream, Xianshan Stream, and Shanzhong Stream wind through deep valleys and cascade down cliffs. The cultural landscapes in the area are also rich and diverse. The Daming Temple was built in the 22nd year of the Yuanhe era of the Tang Dynasty (817 AD) and was destroyed during the War of Resistance, but has since been fully restored. Beside the temple lies Zhuoxi Spring, another of the Ten Scenic Spots of Jingxi. The Dalu Chan Temple was built in the second year of the Xiantong era of the Tang Dynasty (648 AD), where the eminent monk Jianzhen once held Buddhist services. The Chengguang Chan Temple, also known as the Longchi Temple, is located within the Longchi Nature Reserve. Legend has it that Emperor Qianlong visited this temple during his southern tour. In the fourth year of the Jianyan era of the Southern Song Dynasty (1130 AD), the national hero Yue Fei pursued the Jin general Wuzhu to the front of Tongguanshan, where the fierce Hundred Battles took place at the site known as Baihe Field. Within the Dahan Valley lies the ancient battlefield ruins related to the legendary General Yue Fei. Information source: Jiangsu Provincial Forestry Bureau