Xiaoge Forest Park

Xiaoge Forest Park

“You ask me why I dwell among green hills; I smile without reply, my heart carefree. Peach blossoms drift down the stream, vanishing from sight—here lies another world, not of mortal kind.” This famous poem was composed by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai during his visit here, where he was enchanted by the verdant mountains, clear waters, and stunning landscape.

Yandun Town in Nanling County lies in the transitional zone between the riverine plain and the mountainous region of southern Anhui. The northwest part consists of low hills and ridges, while the southeast belongs to the foothills of Jiuhua Mountain. The area features undulating mountains, numerous valleys, picturesque scenery, and dense forests. It boasts beautiful natural landscapes and profound cultural heritage. As a semi-hilly mountainous town, it neighbors four other towns: Sanli and Hewan in Nanling, Beigong in Jing County, and Qiaomu in Qingyang. It sits at the junction of Jing, Qing, and Nan counties. It is 30 kilometers north of Nanling County, 77 kilometers from Wuhu City, and 57 kilometers southwest of Jiuhua Mountain, a renowned Buddhist site, making it the “southwestern gateway” of Wuhu City.

Influenced by the warm and humid subtropical monsoon climate, Yandun Town enjoys mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, distinct seasons, ample sunshine, and concurrent rain and heat—ideal conditions for the thriving of all life. Xiaoge Forest Park, in particular, is covered with overlapping tree canopies that remain lush year-round. The mountains are home to over 170 species of trees, including sassafras, nanmu, pine, Cyclobalanopsis glauca, chestnut, sandalwood, Chinese wingnut, maple, fir, and bamboo, making it one of the best-preserved secondary forests at this latitude on Earth. The forest also shelters wildlife such as river deer, muntjac, roe deer, goats, as well as rare birds and animals like silver pheasants, cuckoos, thrushes, long-tailed pheasants, and foxes. In spring, the area bursts into a riot of colors with blooming peach and pear blossoms competing in beauty. In summer, the dense foliage bears fruit, with hawthorn and wild cherries ready for the picking. Autumn brings the fragrance of osmanthus and the fiery red of maple leaves, creating a picturesque contrast with the greenery. In winter, the evergreen pines and misty mountains evoke the charm of northern landscapes in the south.

The beauty of Xiaoge lies not only in its majestic mountains but also in its gentle, crystal-clear waters. Nestled among the mountains and reflected in the lakes, the verdant peaks create one of the most enchanting sights in Xiaoge Forest Park. In all seasons, visitors are greeted by the dense forests and the captivating pools such as Yingyue Pool, Xiangling Pool, Lianxin Pool, Zuichun Pool, and Biyun Pool. Their deep green waters, resembling sapphire and azure, are like a string of gleaming pearls embedded in the lush valley. When the breeze stirs, the ripples shimmer like folds in a piece of emerald silk. Ducks, mandarin ducks, and other waterfowl often swim in these pools, adding lively charm to the scenery.

The scenery of Xiaoge is a feast for the eyes, and its beautiful legends spark the imagination. Natural landmarks such as Luojia Pond, Oil-Salt Rock, Gusu Peak, and Erjiao by the Mirror all have captivating stories behind them. Legend has it that Luojia Pond was dug by descendants of Luo Yin, a renowned poet and writer of the late Tang Dynasty. The wealthy Luo family, known as the “Luo Millionaires,” had two beloved daughters who, bored of mountain life, asked for a boat. Their father then ordered the digging of this pond, constructing its embankment with glutinous rice paste mixed with sand and stones—a structure that remains remarkably solid to this day. The green waters, with trees reflected in them, are truly breathtaking. Oil-Salt Rock is said to have once had two caves beneath it: one oozing oil, the other salt. A greedy merchant tried to enlarge the openings to get more resources, but afterward, one cave ran dry while the other flowed only water—leaving behind a tale that fuels imagination. Gusu Peak tells the story of a woodcutter who went missing in the mountains. His sister and wife searched for him in vain, eventually turning into stone peaks while waiting in longing.

Xiaoge’s mountains stretch for dozens of miles, undulating continuously. A poem praises the area: “Nine peaks and eighteen valleys, with a thread of sky visible overhead.” Another ancient verse describes it as: “A ten-mile-long gorge sharp as a sword, splitting myriad peaks in two.” It resembles a sharp sword cleaving through the mountains or a silvery ribbon draped across the land, forming a marvelously crafted, fascinating ten-mile mountain village. Its enchanting scenery and mild climate make it a place people never want to leave. In spring, you can enjoy tea and admire flowers; in summer, fish and escape the heat; in autumn, hike and recite poetry amidst the red leaves; in winter, trek through snow and seek plum blossoms. In April 2002, when provincial tourism officials visited to inspect development projects, they were full of praise for Xiaoge’s well-preserved ecological environment, calling it a natural “oxygen warehouse” and Anhui’s “Shangri-La.”

Xiaoge is no longer a “hidden gem unknown to the world.” As its fame spreads, the Nanling County Party Committee and County Government have included it in the *Nanling County Tourism Development Master Plan of Anhui Province*. Guided by the principles of “leading the tourism industry, encouraging social participation, and operating the tourism market,” with an emphasis on the profound concept of “green,” they actively seek external investment. The Yandun Town Party Committee and government have also increased infrastructure investment. Cement roads now lead to Xiaoge Forest Park, and on-site hotel facilities are gradually being improved, making it an ideal destination for summer retreats and leisure activities.

Xiaoge attracts visitors from all directions with her intoxicating greenery; Xiaoge embraces a bright and beautiful future with her open arms.

Yandun Town: Formerly known as Yandunpu (Yandun Post), the town was established with a smoke signal platform (beacon tower). It is located at the southern edge of Nanling County, at the junction of Jing, Qing, and Nan counties. It is 30 kilometers north of Nanling County, 77 kilometers from Wuhu, and 57 kilometers southwest of Jiuhua Mountain. National Highway 318 runs through the town. With a population of 20,507, it governs eight village committees and one neighborhood committee. It is a hilly mountainous area with elevations ranging from 45 to 563 meters. Covering an area of 107.89 square kilometers, it includes 26,600 mu of farmland and 96,000 mu of mountainous land. The town enjoys convenient transportation, with 3,000 vehicles passing daily, and a provincial road connecting Yandun to... Detailed Information on Yandun Town++