The Ancient Yellow River Geological Forest Park

The Ancient Yellow River Geological Forest Park

In 602 BC, the Yellow River breached at the confluence of the Qi River and the Wei River, flowing unimpeded from south to north for 613 years. During the Spring and Autumn Period, it was referred to as the Great River or the Old Yellow River. The Ancient Yellow River refers to the remnants of this historic waterway. Within the boundaries of Linqing City, the Ancient Yellow River stretches approximately 70 kilometers, covering a total area of about 130,000 mu.

The Ancient Yellow River Geological Forest Park is primarily located within the Xianfeng Subdistrict, covering an area of over 10,000 mu, with an initial development phase of 2,000 mu. It lies to the north of the Xinglin Expressway, to the south of Provincial Highway 322, to the west of the Beijing-Kowloon Railway, and to the east of the Dezhou-Shangqiu Expressway, enjoying a prominent geographical advantage and excellent transportation access. The park features undulating ancient sand dunes that resemble a majestic coiled dragon, creating a spectacular sight. An almost two-kilometer-long ancient dike and ancient post road still retain their pristine appearance. There are also more than 10,000 ancient mulberry trees, lush and verdant, most of which are around 300 years old. With a forest coverage rate as high as 80%, it is truly known as the “Ancient River Course of the Qin and Han Dynasties, and the Mulberry Orchard of the Ming and Qing Dynasties.” It is hailed by people as a “natural oxygen bar” and a “paradise on earth,” where ancient legends such as Yu the Great taming the floods and Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s eastern inspection tour still circulate to this day.

The ancient mulberry trees in the park take on a myriad of forms. The mulberries they bear are not only deliciously sweet and tangy but also hold significant medicinal value. According to *Compendium of Materia Medica*, mulberries can be eaten alone to quench thirst, benefit the five internal organs and joints, promote circulation of qi and blood, calm the spirit, whiten the skin and delay aging, counteract alcohol poisoning, and reduce water retention and swelling. Modern medical research shows that mulberries are rich in glucose, various vitamins, amino acids, as well as trace elements such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and selenium, and contain anti-cancer substances like “resveratrol,” making them the “king of natural selenium-rich foods,” with selenium content 12.4 times that of grapes. The Ministry of Health has listed mulberries as one of the first plants that are both food and medicine. Within the Ancient Yellow River Geological Forest Park, there are attractions such as the Nine-Dragon Pool, Tanhua Bridge, Tingtao Pavilion, Longwei Hill, Chen’s Dike, and the “Tree King.” Additionally, the park offers fitness and leisure facilities such as sand volleyball courts, sand play areas, and water play zones. The preserved ancient dikes, post roads, and pavilions are not only scenic but also of archaeological value.