Shangyao Tourist Scenic Area in Huainan City

Shangyao Tourist Scenic Area in Huainan City

Shangyao Tourist Scenic Area in Huainan City is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national forest park.

Shangyao Forest Park is situated in the northeastern part of Huainan City, a well-known energy city in Anhui Province. Relying on the naturally beautiful landscapes of Shangyao and nestled by the rich and scenic Gaotang Lake, the park is primarily characterized by its forest scenery. With a total area of 10.4 square kilometers, it is a multifunctional provincial-level forest park that combines eco-tourism, cultural landscapes, religious activities, vacation leisure, science education, and recreational fitness. Like an elegantly standing peony, it is unfolding its charming beauty to visitors.

The park lies against mountains and faces the lake. Within the majestic, steep, and beautiful Shangyao Mountains, you’ll find rolling bamboo waves, lush forests, winding forest trails, clinging vines, blooming wildflowers, and fragrant grass—all of which immerse visitors in this dreamlike paradise.

Here, the vast waters of Gaotang Lake stretch endlessly with misty waves, hazy clouds, and enchanting scenery. There are islands and pavilions in the lake center, framed by green trees and silver railings. When you ride a motorboat across the water park, it feels like boarding a celestial boat sailing toward a better shore. The rolling white waves also offer you a thrilling and romantic experience.

Amidst the infinitely magical forests, natural and cultural landscapes complement each other, and historic sites appear naturally formed. There is the magnificent “Shenshan Ancient Temple” built during the Jin Dynasty. The “Dongshan Temple,” constructed in the Hongzhi era of the Ming Dynasty, houses numerous halls such as the “Mahavira Hall,” “Heavenly King Hall,” and “Guanyin Hall.” There are also eight ancient scenic wonders known as masterpieces: “Peak Blocking the Sun,” “Steep Cliff Touching the Sky,” “Cave Splitting the Rock,” “Immortal Bridge,” “Immortal Cave,” “Queen Mother’s Beach,” and more. An ancient couplet reads: “The forest holds eight wonders, truly a divine marvel; the wind and moon span a thousand autumns, everywhere a painting of poetic charm.” Yet, it marches to the rhythm of the centuries, showcasing its ancient and enchanting allure to all.

This place has deep historical and cultural roots. It preserves the timeless masterpiece “Ode to Gaotang” written by Song Yu of the Warring States period. There is also the “Heavenly Platform,” the site where the Chu King Xiang Yu and Song Yu once roamed the Cloud Dream Terrace. There is the “Taoist Temple” built during the Northern Wei Dynasty, said to be the temple where the legendary Zhang Guolao became immortal. There is also the miraculous “Flash of Light” where the Beggar Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang sought refuge, and his childhood playground, “Leading the Ox Alley.” Countless folk tales abound here, too many to list. There is the “Legend of Queen Mother’s Beach,” hence the dotted marks resembling wheat grains on the beach, along with the three-inch footprint of the Queen Mother and the hoof prints of Zhang Guolao’s divine donkey. There is the “Story of the Immortal Cave,” praised as: “The cave’s magic is no myth, winding paths lead to distant hills; who has seen this hidden paradise, who knows of heaven beneath the earth?” Throughout the gardens of Shangyao Forest Park, a sense of wonder and spiritual energy fills the air.

The park features abrupt peaks, layered green mountains, abundant springs, secluded valleys, and hidden paradises. Rare flowers and plants compete in beauty, and the area is rich in wildlife resources. Here, flowers bloom profusely, and life flourishes vibrantly. Once you step into the park, you enter a world apart—as if wandering into a heavenly realm on earth. You will surely be enchanted by the breathtaking lake and mountain views. It can be said that anyone who beholds these natural wonders will be moved to admiration and praise.

Belonging to the northern subtropical and warm temperate deciduous broad-leaved forest zone, the park hosts 139 plant species. Due to frequent human activity, the zonal vegetation no longer exists, and the current vegetation mainly consists of artificially planted and natural secondary growth. Examples include pure stands of Chinese arborvitae and mixed forests of black locust and oak. Because of the low altitude, there is no vertical vegetation distribution. Major tree species include Chinese arborvitae, pencil cedar, Masson pine, black pine, slash pine, loblolly pine, cedar, metasequoia, bald cypress, ginkgo, black locust, pagoda tree, silk tree, ailanthus, chinaberry, poplar, willow, elm, tung tree, camptotheca, yellow sandalwood, white sandalwood, oak, maple, sweetgum, and paulownia. Bamboo varieties include moso bamboo and mottled bamboo. Economic fruit trees include jujube, peach, pear, persimmon, chestnut, Chinese tallow tree, pomegranate, apricot, and grape. Shrubs include breadfruit, Cudrania tricuspidata, wild jujube, and wild hawthorn. Herbaceous plants mainly consist of cogongrass, cogon grass, and wild dry grass. There are three species of national first and second-class protected plants. The park is home to 22 species of terrestrial vertebrates, belonging to 4 classes, 12 orders, 18 families, including 2 species of amphibians (2 orders, 2 families), 1 species of reptiles (1 order, 1 family), 11 species of birds (5 orders, 9 families), and 9 species of mammals (4 orders, 6 families). There are four species of national first and second-class protected animals, mainly including European rabbits, foxes, wolves, hedgehogs, hill mynas, cuckoos, black-naped orioles, owls, Eurasian jays, woodpeckers, as well as turtles, snakes, and frogs.