Nanzhao Baotianman

Nanzhao Baotianman

Nanzhao Baotianman is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction.

Nanzhao Baotianman is a national AAAA-level scenic area. It is the core section of the Nanyang Funiu Mountain UNESCO Global Geopark, one of the world's biosphere reserves, and a national nature reserve. In September 2001, it was approved by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve, and in September 2006, it was approved as a UNESCO Global Geopark. Located in Nanzhao County, Nanyang City, Henan Province, Nanzhao Baotianman lies in the heart of the Funiu Mountains, bordering Song County to the northwest, Lu Shan to the northeast, and Neixiang to the southwest. Its geographical coordinates are 33°27′–33°32′N latitude and 111°55′–112°02′E longitude, covering a total area of 86.4 square kilometers, with the main peak at an elevation of 1,830 meters. The ancient and lush primeval forest, along with its rich and unique wildlife resources, ranks first in China at the same latitude, earning it accolades from experts both in China and abroad as the “Natural Species Gene Bank” and the “Green Pearl of Central China.”

The ecological tourism resources of Baotianman are truly unique, with beautiful scenery throughout all four seasons. In spring, flowers bloom in seas across the mountains, especially the 10,000-mu azalea forest at West Stone Cliff, where various blossoms such as winter jasmine, forsythia, cornelian cherry, magnolia, cherry blossoms, and wisteria compete in splendor. Summer brings no intense heat, offering a cool sanctuary—the Broom Field acts as a natural green air conditioner, with swaying tree shadows and refreshing comfort. In late autumn, red leaves paint the forests, with maple reds and pine greens creating a colorful tapestry. Winter is draped in silver, with ice formations hanging from branches and alternating ice pools and waterfalls forming enchanting views. The area’s 3,000 hectares of pristine virgin forest, entwined with ancient vines and towering old trees, is truly remarkable. The soaring Baotianman Peak, resembling a knife-carved Yanling Blade, the lofty Muhuding that pierces the clouds, the abruptly rising Saozhiba Cliff, and the faintly visible Gunianglou all showcase majestic and naturally formed landscapes that dominate the scenery. The Baotian Grand Canyon plank walk stretches 4 kilometers, with stunning waterfalls and pools within the canyon, shrouded in mist, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere. The treasures within Baotian Cave hang inverted like figures—some comical and endearing like humans, others fiercely wild like beasts, and still others reminiscent of the legendary Crystal Palace, vividly ethereal.

The Number One Plank Walk in Central Plains

The Baotian Gorge is deep and serene, with cliffs rising steeply on either side. The plank walk meandering through the gorge starts at Youlong Waterfall and ends at Lianxin Waterfall, spanning a total length of 4.5 kilometers. Most sections run close to sheer cliffs, making it feel as if you could ascend directly into the heavens. Looking down, you see misty waters and swirling mountain vapors, almost like a celestial realm. Hence, it is known as the “Number One Plank Walk in Central Plains,” and also called the “Dragon-Taming Plank Walk” due to its proximity to Youlong Waterfall.

Youlong Waterfall

With a drop of 168 meters, Youlong Waterfall features cliffs and peaks standing opposite each other on both sides, with the waterfall zigzagging and cascading through the gorge like a vigorous dragon, hence its name “Youlong” (Roaming Dragon) Waterfall. On rainy or overcast days, the gorge fills with billowing clouds and mist, with water droplets mixing with the fog and rising up, creating an even more spectacular, fairyland-like scene.

Baozi Cave

The leopard is the dominant predator among Baotianman’s wildlife, as the local saying goes, “Where there are no tigers in the mountains, the leopard is king.” In 1991, an intense “leopard vs. ox” battle took place outside Baozi Cave. Two leopards attacked a mother ox and her calf; the calf was devoured while the mother ox narrowly escaped, leaving behind the name “Baozi Cave” (Leopard Cave).

Immortal’s Heavenly Scripture

Here, the rock layers stand tall and layered, resembling a profound and extensive book. Legend has it that this is a secret manual left by an immortal from ancient times, containing the infinite mysteries of Baotianman’s forests. Those who can decipher it are said to master these secrets, which is why people vividly call it the “Immortal’s Heavenly Scripture.”

Happy Forest / Happy Bridge

This area features gentle terrain, ancient trees that block out the sky, and fragrant exotic flowers and plants. Flat stones and wooden benches offer places to sit or lie down, and wandering here makes worldly worries instantly vanish. Hence, it is named Happy Forest, and the small bridge in front of the forest is called Happy Bridge. A local saying goes: “Sit in Happy Forest for a while, and you’ll have a happy year.” Another says: “Walk across Happy Bridge, and you’ll be carefree like an immortal.”

Tongtian Waterfall

Gazing into the distance, a waterfall cascades down from a towering cliff, seemingly connecting to the blue sky, hence its name Tongtian (Reaching Heaven) Waterfall. With a two-tiered drop totaling 238 meters, it is the highest waterfall in Baotian Gorge. Legend has it that those with good fortune may hear the songs and laughter of immortals from the Heavenly Pool on a full moon night beneath this waterfall.

Earth-Shaking Rock / Astonishing Cliff

In front of Tongtian Waterfall stands a large rectangular boulder perched atop another massive rock below. From afar, it seems ready to topple, but up close, it stands as solid as Mount Tai. Known as Earth-Shaking Rock, scientific research indicates it fell from the Astonishing Cliff above it around 3 million years ago. In winter, once the leaves have fallen, the large depression on Astonishing Cliff becomes visible.

Jietian Cliff

Looking up ahead, the left side of Tongtian Waterfall features the Painted Screen Rock covered in dense moss, resembling a painted scroll, while the right side is dominated by the towering Astonishing Cliff, which resembles a sentinel. The two cliffs together form a massive wall that seems to connect earth and sky, known as Jietian Cliff (Heaven-Connecting Cliff). It acts as a natural barrier in Baotian Gorge, blocking north-south airflow and creating a unique microclimate within the gorge.

Tongxin Pool

In the gorge lies a clear pool with emerald water so transparent that one can see its meandering edges forming the shape of a heart. Locals call it Tongxin Pool (Heart-to-Heart Pool). Legend says that couples who make wishes here will enjoy everlasting love and a happy marriage.

Lianxin Waterfall

Looking back from here, a waterfall cascades down, with rushing water flowing from the cliff. A protruding boulder beside the stream, seen from afar, resembles a leaping heart, hence the name Lianxin Waterfall (Heart-Linked Waterfall). There is an ancient legend in the Baotianman area that this waterfall symbolizes love, and it is believed that paying homage to it from afar can bring wishes to fruition and lead to a blissful marriage.

Wish Waterfall / Ruyi Pool

The Wish Waterfall stands over 20 meters high and can reach up to 12 meters wide during the wet season, hence its name. The pool below is shaped like a Ruyi (scepter symbolizing good fortune), known as Ruyi Pool. Legend says that in ancient times, newlyweds in the Baotianman area would come here to make wishes in front of the pool the day before their wedding, and their wishes often came true.

Scenic Spot Location

Yucang Village, Qiaoduan Town, Nanzhao County, Nanyang City, Henan Province

Yuzang Village: Yuzang Village…… Yuzang Village detailed information++