Niutou Mountain National Forest Park

Niutou Mountain National Forest Park

Niutou Mountain National Forest Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national forest park.

Zhejiang's Wuyi Niutou Mountain National Forest Park is situated in Wuyi County, Zhejiang Province, known as the "Huaqing Pool of the South and Peach Blossom Spring of Central Zhejiang." It is 60 kilometers from downtown Wuyi, covering a total area of 1,327.69 hectares. The park is characterized by mid-mountain landforms, with layered peaks towering into the sky and numerous mountains exceeding 1,000 meters. Its highest point, Niutou Mountain, stands at an elevation of 1,560 meters, making it the roof of Central Zhejiang. With terrain deeply dissected by 200–400 meters, the area boasts dramatic cliffs, steep walls, and rugged gorges, creating a majestic and stunning landscape.

The park is located in the mid-subtropical monsoon climate zone, featuring a cool summer microclimate. It has abundant water resources, with streams flowing year-round and pristine water quality. All stream waters meet Class I standards of GBZBL-1999 “Surface Water Environmental Quality Standards” and Class I standards of GB5749-85 “Hygienic Standard for Drinking Water.” Niutou Mountain Forest Park preserves the most intact natural forest vegetation and richest plant diversity in Central Zhejiang. Broad-leaved forests dominate the park, with towering ancient trees and a forest coverage rate of 99%. There are 439 species of woody plants from 199 genera and 72 families, including two national first-class protected wild plants: the southern yew and Bretschneidera sinensis (Paulownia tree), as well as six second-class protected species such as Torreya jackii and Magnolia sargentiana. The park is home to 265 species of terrestrial vertebrates across 71 families, 29 orders, and 4 classes, mainly dependent on the forest, including four national first-class protected species: the white-necked long-tailed pheasant, clouded leopard, leopard, and black muntjac, along with 32 second-class protected species such as the Chinese giant salamander, tiger frog, silver pheasant, macaque, pangolin, and black bear.

Niutou Mountain Forest Park boasts abundant scenic resources, including 38 various scenic spots (landscapes), among which 10 are top-tier and 15 are high-tier. Forest landscapes feature the "Two Wonders of Forest Trees," "Single Tree Forest," "Ancient Vines Clinging to Trees," the massive "Abacus Fruit Tree" and "Autumn Pear Tree," and the ethereal "Cloud Peak Azalea Glow." Geomorphic landscape resources are another highlight, with the grand Niutou Mountain, Tianshi Peak, Sky Pillar, Heaven-Collapsing Gorge, Earth-Splitting Gorge, the mystical Shimen Gorge, and the lifelike "Shimen Welcoming Guests" and "Taoist Rock." Lush forests nourish the valley streams and pools. Every mountain in the park has valleys, and every corner has waterfalls and pools. The numerous streams, valleys, waterfalls, and pools harmonize with the surrounding mountains, blending strength with softness, creating a poetic and picturesque scene. The park’s water features include the "Great Waterfall of Central Zhejiang"—Fairy Waterfall, the elusive Flowing Cloud Waterfall, the inseparable Mandarin Duck Waterfall, and the perilous Hidden Dragon Ravine.

Niutou Mountain Forest Park offers pristine natural forests rarely frequented by humans, intriguing exotic trees and plants, majestic and precipitous canyons and cliffs, breathtaking streams, waterfalls, and pools, along with an immaculate ecological environment—all forming vivid and charming landscapes. The park is characterized by “grandeur, wonder, danger, beauty, and serenity.” It is planned to be divided into four functional zones: the Niutou Mountain area for hiking and eco-adventure, the Shimen Gorge area for valley exploration and thrill-seeking, the Jiupu Gully area for waterfall viewing and oxygen-enriched health benefits, and the Shangtian service and management area.

The development of Niutou Mountain Forest Park is a major initiative of Wuyi County in implementing its “Ecology-Based County” strategy. The Wuyi County Party Committee and County Government have designated the County Forestry Bureau to lead the park’s development planning, with the Wuyi County Forest Farm as the developer. Niutou Mountain Forest Park is set to become a new highlight of forest ecotourism in Zhejiang.

Address: Niutou Mountain, Xuanning Town, Wuyi County, Jinhua City

Type: Canyon, Forest, Mountain, Waterfall

Rating: AAAA

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 day

Phone: 0579-87818888; 13566938308; 15888965308

Official Website: http://www.wyniutoushan.com/

Opening Hours:

8:00-17:00.