Zaozhuang Baodugu National Forest Park

Zaozhuang Baodugu National Forest Park

Zaozhuang Baodugu National Forest Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a Shandong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit, and a national forest park.

The Baodugu Scenic Area is located within Shanting District of Zaozhuang City, about 20 kilometers northeast of downtown Zaozhuang. It is a national forest park, national geopark, provincial-level scenic area, and provincial-level nature reserve, with a forest coverage rate of 96.8%. Its main peak is the highest among the 72 peaks (Guzi) in southern Shandong. In 2004, it was awarded the title of National Agricultural Tourism Demonstration Site, ranked among the Top Ten Forest Parks in the province, and listed as one of Shandong’s Top Ten Most Charming Attractions in 2005.

The Baodugu National Forest Park features continuous mountain ranges and densely clustered peaks, forming a natural barrier stretching from west to east. The area boasts extensive forest vegetation, with major tree species including Platycladus orientalis, black locust, and rare species such as catalpa, along with various mixed broadleaf trees. Among these mountains rises a prominent peak, Baodugu, which stands like a towering pillar reaching the sky. At the southwestern foot of the peak lies a deep valley where springs converge to form waterfalls. To the east of the valley are Qinghua Temple and Chaoyun Temple. Halfway up the mountain, there are dozens of caves, such as Taoyuan Cave and Shuiliandong (Water Curtain Cave), with stone walls inside and outside carved with Buddha statues in various poses. The mountain is steep all the way from base to summit, requiring hands and feet to climb. At the mountaintop, there are dozens of acres of flat farmland and several stone pools filled with mountain spring water, several feet deep. Standing atop the peak and looking southward, you’ll see picturesque plains; gazing eastward toward the Yellow Sea, you’ll be greeted by misty seascape—hence the name “Junshan Wanghai” (Looking at the Sea from Junshan). Nearby attractions include Chaoyun Temple, the top of Baodugu, the Eighteen Arhats Cave, and the Yellow Dragon Cave.

In February 1935, the Provisional Special Committee of the Chinese Communist Party’s Su-Lu Border Region sent comrades such as Guo Zihua to carry out rural work in the Baodugu Mountain area and established the first Party branch in southern Shandong. In September 1939, Luo Ronghuan personally led the troops of the 115th Division of the Eighth Route Army to station in the Baodugu Mountain area. Subsequently, the Su-Lu Detachment, the Canal Detachment, and the Southern Shandong Detachment were established, opening up a new phase in the Baodugu Mountain region. On November 20 of the same year, Luo Ronghuan established the first county-level red political power in southern Shandong—the Yixian Anti-Japanese Democratic Government—in Nanquan Village at the foot of Baodugu Mountain, as well as the first rural grassroots Party organization in southern Shandong—the Party branch of Dazhaizhuang Village. In July 1942, Comrade Liu Shaoqi visited Zaozhuang and highly praised the anti-Japanese forces, calling the Yixian County Government a model regime nationwide. When Liu Shaoqi left Zaozhuang for Yan’an, the Railway Guerrillas escorted him along the way. Passing through Baodugu, they stayed overnight in Xiaobeizhuang Village at the foot of Baodugu, then entered Weishan Lake via Binhu Town in Tengzhou City. In late December of the same year, Chen Yi, commander of the New Fourth Army, was also escorted through the Baodugu Mountain area on his way to Yan’an.

Address: 20 kilometers northeast of Zaozhuang City, Shanting District

Business Hours: 8:00–18:00

Suggested Visiting Time: About 3 hours

Price: 60 RMB per person

Price Description: All-inclusive ticket 60 RMB

Featured Attractions: Scenic Wonder Garden, Chaoyun Temple, Baodugu Summit, Eighteen Arhats Cave, Yellow Dragon Cave

Recommended Tour Route: Zhuyun Bamboo Forest – Peach Blossom Fairyland – Junshan Wanghai – Ecological Wonder Garden

Public Transport:

Take the Zaozhuang–Baodugu bus from Sanjiaohuayuan Station in the urban area. The bus runs every 15 minutes and terminates at Baodugu.

Self-Driving Guide:

Take the Beijing–Fuzhou Expressway, exit at Tengzhou South, then get on the Zao-Mu Expressway. Exit at Zaozhuang North Outer Ring, drive 5 kilometers eastward along the outer ring, head northeast toward Zao-Xin Line, pass through Beizhuang Town, turn right at the National Geopark signpost and drive eastward, then take the Bei-Bao Line for 5 kilometers to reach the forest park. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

Further Reading:

· Third Batch of Shandong Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units