Chaotian Mountain Forest Park

Chaotian Mountain Forest Park

Nature’s artistry, a masterpiece of divine craftsmanship. Hundreds of millions of years ago, the earth-shaping forces of tectonic movement sculpted undulating mountain ranges that surge like galloping horses, dance like dragons and snakes, and stand like bears and mythical beasts. Tens of thousands of hectares of lush greenery captivate the eye with their stunning beauty and ever-changing forms. Chaotian Mountain always appears so simple, pure, tranquil, and elegant—like a green pearl cast aside in the mortal world, a hidden paradise tucked away from modern society.

Anxi Chaotian Mountain Forest Park is located in Lantian Township in the central part of Anxi County, covering a total area of 2,826 hectares, including 123.14 hectares of water bodies. It comprises three major scenic areas: the Chaotian Mountain Scenic Area, the Guogong Mountain Scenic Area, and the Baoyun Hall Scenic Area. The park is situated in Anxi County, at the heart of southern Fujian’s Golden Triangle, with convenient transportation. It takes just one hour to drive to Anxi from Xiamen or Quanzhou. The park is currently under planning and development.

Chaotian Mountain Forest Park features a South and Central subtropical maritime monsoon climate, with distinct seasons throughout the year. Summers are not scorching, and winters are not harsh, with a generally mild and cool climate. The average annual temperature is 19.5°C. The park enjoys abundant light and heat resources, as well as plentiful rainfall, with an average annual precipitation of 1,854.8 mm and an average annual absolute humidity of 20 millibars. These climatic conditions contribute to the park’s clear mountains and lucid waters, making it an ideal destination for hiking, exploration, tourism, and leisure.

The forest park boasts a rich water system, featuring serene mountain springs, cascading waterfalls, flowing streams, and the vast Lantian Reservoir—the largest in Anxi. Among them, the Jiucha Waterfall Cluster is a rare natural ecological attraction. Following the Jiucha Stream upstream, visitors are greeted by murmuring brooks, dense shade, lush forests, twisting vines, deep serenity, birdsong echoing through valleys, and mountain ridges resonating with sound. Along the way, uniquely shaped natural wonders form a pristine ecological haven. Waterfalls of varying heights plunge down, sparkling and splashing like silver carpets woven from strands of pearls draped gracefully over cliffs. Standing beneath the falls, one is enveloped in misty wonder, mesmerized by the breathtaking scenery.

The park lies on the southeastern slope of the Daiyun Mountain range and features mid-to-low mountainous terrain, with mostly rugged peaks. The highest peak is “Chaotian Mountain,” standing at 1,368 meters above sea level. Its towering and majestic presence makes it a renowned mountain in northwestern Anxi. Surrounded by mountains and layered peaks, the park is rich in forest vegetation, with 921 known species across 485 genera and 150 families. Nationally protected plants include the Southern Yew (with the largest trunk circumference reaching 5.6 meters) and Ginkgo, while second-tier protected species include Alsophila spinulosa (covering nearly 10,000 acres), Fujian Cypress, and Camphor trees. The area also hosts diverse wildlife, including numerous bird species, a variety of reptiles and amphibians, and some larger mammals. Nationally protected animals include the Python, while second-tier protected species include the Pangolin. Provincial key protected species include the Hoopoe, Magpie, Barn Swallow, King Cobra, and Yellow-bellied Weasel.

The park is abundant in natural produce, yielding wild treasures such as Lingzhi mushrooms, Red Mushrooms, Shiitake, and Wood Ear fungus.

High concentrations of negative air ions are one of nature’s precious gifts to Chaotian Mountain Forest Park. Known as the “vitamins and growth hormones of the air,” these tiny particles are highly beneficial to human health. When concentrations exceed 1,000 ions/cm³, they can even have therapeutic effects. Ion levels vary across the park’s different zones but remain consistently high. Broadleaf forests average 1,240 ions/cm³, coniferous forests average 1,560 ions/cm³, and the Jiucha Waterfall area has the highest concentration, averaging 24,000 ions/cm³.

cm³ ! In addition, the microbial content in the park’s air is only 1.5%–5% of that found in urban areas, ensuring clean air. Coupled with the effective noise shielding provided by the mountains and water bodies, the forest park offers a serene, elegant, and comfortable environment far removed from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The Chaotian Mountain Scenic Area features layered peaks and beautiful scenery. The highest peak in the park, Chaotian Mountain, is the birthplace of Anxi’s Oolong tea. It earned its name due to its resemblance to a frog sitting on the ground with its head raised toward the sky. This mountain faces Dharma Rock in Changkeng Township from afar, giving rise to the saying “Dharma faces Chaotian, eighteen immortals great and small”—referring to the eighteen unique peaks stretching between them. Chaotian Mountain is perennially shrouded in ever-changing clouds and mist. Observing the fog from the mountaintop’s Song Dynasty Chaotian Rock ruins reveals a boundless sea of clouds, with distant peaks emerging like floating islands, appearing and disappearing intermittently. Viewed from the foot of the mountain, the peaks appear even more graceful and vividly green, making it hard to pull oneself away.

The Guogong Mountain Scenic Area spans Lantian Township and Youjun Village in Heshangqing Township, Anxi, covering an area of 579.04

hectares. Here, various species of bamboo thrive in lush abundance, covering the mountains like rolling green waves that stretch as far as the eye can see, engulfing over 10,000 acres in a seemingly endless sea of green, earning it the title “Bamboo Sea of Southern Fujian.” Vast stretches of dense, verdant bamboo forests are interspersed with flowing springs, cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear pools reflecting the surroundings, misty veils, and red-brick, jade-tiled houses nestled within.

If the Chaotian Mountain and Guogong Mountain Scenic Areas are celebrated for their mountains, then the Baoyun Hall Scenic Area shines for its water features. Covering 759.20 hectares, including 123.14 hectares of water bodies, it primarily includes the county’s largest water conservancy project—the Lantian Reservoir. Stretching several kilometers, the reservoir’s surface is as smooth as a mirror, with azure waters. From Baoyun Hall, visitors can gaze out at the expansive lake, its shimmering waves and picturesque interplay of water and mountain creating a scene straight out of a painting.

The natural landscapes of Chaotian Mountain Forest Park are a feast for the eyes, and its cultural attractions are equally captivating. The park is home to numerous historical relics and sites. Baoyun Hall, also known as Immortal Father Hall, is perched atop Lion-Shaped Peak at the summit of Fengguan Mountain in the tail corner of Lantian Village, Lantian Township. It enshrines deities such as the Five Grains Emperor, renowned for the efficacy of its dream-incubation practices. Originally built in the ninth year of the Ming Hongzhi era (1496), the hall boasts a history of over 500 years. Since ancient times, it has stood in triadic harmony with Taihu Rock and Dharma Rock, serving as a popular destination for sightseeing. Xianhe Palace, also called Fairy Mother Palace, is located in Shanmei, Shuwei Forest, Wutu Village, Lantian Township, and enshrines three fairy mothers—the “Three Manifest True Immortals.”

Xianhe Palace is situated on the geomantic site of Phoenix Mountain, gathering the spiritual essence of Chaotian. It enjoys flourishing incense offerings. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, numerous devotees visit the palace to offer incense, pray, and seek dream guidance.

The joy of leisure amidst mountains and waters knows no bounds. Life in Anxi’s Chaotian Mountain Forest Park is blissful. Surrounded by misty clouds, rolling peaks, ancient towering trees, the park is also beautiful in its harmony—the harmony among plants, animals, landscapes, and between humans and nature. In this harmony lies vibrant life, and in this harmony blooms captivating beauty.