Jinpenshan National Forest Park

Jinpenshan National Forest Park

Jinpenshan National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit Forest Park

The Xinfeng County Jinpenshan Nature Reserve is located within the state-owned Xinfeng County Jinpenshan Forest Farm. It was established in 1982 with the approval of the Xinfeng County People's Government, covering a total area of 1,830 hectares. Located on the eastern edge of Xinfeng County, Jiangxi Province, at longitude 114°34′—114°19′ and latitude 25°20′—25°23′, it borders Gubei, Daqiao, and Xintian townships to the north, Anxi Township to the west, and An Yuan County to the east. The reserve spans 19 kilometers from east to west and 15 kilometers from north to south within the forest farm. The area features plateau-like terrain with branches of the Wuyi Mountain range, generally ranging in elevation from 300 to 500 meters, with the highest peak at 970 meters. The overall topography slopes from south to north, with general slopes between 26° and 35°. It falls within the subtropical humid monsoon zone, characterized by distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, and favorable water and heat conditions. The annual average temperature is 19.5°C, with an annual average precipitation of 1,511 mm. The extreme maximum temperature is 39.4°C, and the extreme minimum is –4°C. The frost-free period lasts 280 days, with an average annual sunshine duration of 1,810.7 hours and a plant growing season of 270 days. The mountain soils are mainly red soil and red-yellow soil developed from granite and shale, with deep and fertile layers generally over 80 cm—though thinner than 80 cm at mountaintops—and humus layers typically between 15 and 25 cm. The pH value is around 6±0.5.

The favorable natural environment of the Jinpenshan Nature Reserve is conducive to species survival and development. The area boasts extremely rich and diverse forest biological species. According to incomplete statistics, there are 180 common woody plant species belonging to 73 families, including national first-class protected tree species such as Ginkgo and Southern Yew, and national second-class protected species like Rosewood. There are also 12 plant species under key protection in Jiangxi Province. Investigations by botanical and zoological experts from provincial and municipal institutions have discovered the province’s unique seven-petal Michelia among the reserve’s wildlife and plant resources. These abundant and highly valuable flora and fauna resources include five national first-class protected species, 20 national second-class protected animal species, 20 provincial-level protected animal species, and 245 species of wild plants across 86 families. It is hailed as a gene bank for flora and fauna.

The Jinpenshan Nature Reserve features high mountains and narrow paths, with precipitous natural landscapes, streams, waterfalls, rivers, and lakes scattered throughout. It is an ideal summer retreat and a great destination for nature-focused eco-tourism. Known as the "Little Lushan Mountain," the Jinpenshan Nature Reserve is home to the unique seven-petal Michelia plant.

The Jinpenshan Nature Reserve belongs to the mid-subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest zone, with a forest coverage rate of over 80%. It enjoys distinct seasons, abundant rainfall, favorable water and heat conditions, an annual average temperature of 19.5°C, and an annual average rainfall of 1,511 mm. The extreme maximum temperature is 39.4°C, and the extreme minimum is –4°C. With large diurnal temperature variations, a frost-free period exceeding 280 days, and an average annual sunshine duration of 1,810.7 hours, the plant growing season lasts 270 days. The reserve sees few human visitors, has clean water sources, and is covered in layered forests. The summer climate is mild, cool, and pleasant, free from anthropogenic pollution.

Jinpenshan is located in the eastern part of Xinfeng County. The entire region is mountainous and forested, with nearly 80,000 mu of forest land. In addition to coniferous trees such as pine and fir, the area also includes broad-leaved forest belts like catalpa, maple, birch, tung oil tree, and jujube, as well as precious tree species such as oak, camphor, and nanmu, making it one of the city’s major forested areas.

The Jinpenshan Nature Reserve boasts beautiful scenery and is covered by vast primeval forests. Its landscape is “majestic, spectacular, elegant, and unique,” with ever-changing views that shift with the seasons and time of day—often described as “four seasons in one mountain, beautiful scenes every month.” Ancient scholars summarized its wonders as the “Ten Scenic Spots of Jinpenshan,” namely “March Mist Veil,” “May Cloud Ribbon,” “Dawn Before Sunrise,” “Sunset at Dusk,” “Five-Colored Sunshine,” “Moon and Stars in Twilight,” “Green Sea and Unique Peaks,” “Jade Lake Reflections,” “Dragon Scale Clouds,” and “Flying Spring Nectar.” The surrounding area of Jinpenshan is one of the earliest settlements of Hakka people in southern Jiangxi and one of the birthplaces of Hakka culture. It offers rich and unique natural and cultural attractions, such as Jade Belt Waterfall, Baoshan Stone Drum, and Nanyue Temple. In 1990, Jinpenshan was designated as a tourist resort area by Jiangxi Province. While strictly protecting its scenic and natural resources, several sites within the reserve have been reasonably developed, earning it the title “Little Lushan Mountain.” It has since become a popular holiday destination and a favored spot for outdoor adventures among hikers in southern Ganzhou.

Jinpenshan, with its spiritual mountains and beautiful waters, resembles a graceful young maiden lost in thought or enlightenment. Against the azure sky, she seems to float in on clouds, ready to dance away in her feathered gown. On slightly overcast days, the “maiden” remains hidden in the fog all day, reluctant to show her face. The most enchanting moment is the morning sunlight on clear days, when Jinpenshan is often enveloped in thick morning mist or light white clouds—like a pure white veil, long ribbons, or a hazy canopy—draping the maiden’s elegant figure. Backlit by golden rays of sunlight, the maiden appears as if just awakened from slumber, rising in her gauzy attire, her fair skin veiled in mist, glowing with radiant beauty.