Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park

Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park

Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park is a national-level forest park.

Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park is located on the south side of Fenghuang Ancient Town in Xiangxi, a famous historical and cultural city in Hunan Province. The park sits at an elevation of 500–1000 meters, covers a total area of 2,240 hectares, includes 4 scenic areas, features 32 scenic spots, and has a forest coverage rate of 96%. It embraces Fenghuang Ancient Town in a crescent shape, with the clear Tuojiang River flowing through the town. The natural beauty of the park complements the many cultural attractions of the ancient town, forming a picturesque scene where the ancient town lies within the forest, the park is nestled in the city, and an elegant, serene, classic, and mystical ambiance is harmoniously blended. The green mountains, clear waters, and ancient town blend naturally, complementing each other.

The predecessor of Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park was the Nanhua State-owned Forest Farm. In 1992, it was approved by the Ministry of Forestry to become Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park. The park makes full use of its abundant forest ecological and cultural resources to develop the Nanhua Scenic Area, which centers on forest ecotourism. Various species have been introduced over time, leading to the creation of the Peach Blossom Garden, Azalea Garden, Waxberry Garden, Osmanthus Garden, Cherry Garden, Shawan Scenic Area, Qifeng Temple, Nanhua Forest Sanatorium, and Nanhua Zen Temple. With an elevation of 571.9 meters, the terrain is complex, featuring overlapping mountains and dense ridges. The area has a subtropical monsoon warm temperate climate—warm, moist, with distinct seasons and pleasant weather—making it an ideal destination for travel, summer retreats, and convalescence. After years of ecological protection and afforestation, the forest coverage rate has reached 98%, with lush grass and deep forests, creating thousands of layers of emerald green. Millennium-old trees cast thick shade, while rare flowers and plants fill the air with fragrance, forming a natural botanical garden.

Nanhua Mountain is located south of Fenghuang Ancient Town and is a tranquil, mysterious green maze. It stands 700 meters tall and consists of nine peaks and seven streams.

Nanhua Mountain is a natural paradise for flora and fauna, home to more than 500 species of plants and animals, including over 30 rare species. The area enjoys a mild climate, where mornings are veiled in light mist and evenings glow with the purple hues of the setting sun. Whether sunny or rainy, the scenery remains enchanting year-round, brimming with poetic charm and artistic elegance, fully showcasing the captivating allure of nature.

Nanhua Mountain is one of China’s Seventy-Two Blessed Sites. It is a tranquil and mysterious green maze, featuring attractions such as the Layered Greenery of Nanhua, the Sunrise Glow of East Ridge, the Towering Beauty of Qifeng, the Song of the Woodcutters on Orchid Path, the Divine Bell of the Mountain Temple, the Jade-Hanging Golden Hook, Guanyin Mountain, the Tomb of Shen Congwen, the Martyrs’ Monument, Tianwang Temple, Wuhou Temple, Qifeng Temple, as well as pavilions, towers, and other structures where cultural and natural landscapes enhance each other. The former Premier inscribed the words “Fenghuang Ancient Town” during his visit to the ancient town, and former Minister of Forestry Xu Youfang personally visited Nanhua National Forest Park to inscribe its name.

Best Time to Visit

Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park is situated in the Fenghuang region of Xiangxi, Hunan. The local climate is subtropical monsoon humid, characterized by mild temperatures, distinct seasons, ample sunlight, and abundant rainfall, with an average annual precipitation of 1300–1500 mm. The mean annual temperature ranges from 12°C to 16°C, with July being the hottest month at 24°C–27°C on average, and January the coldest at 1.7°C–4.3°C. The frost-free period lasts 240–288 days. The park is suitable for travel all year round, but the best time to visit is from April to November.

Main Attractions Nanhua Mountain Forest Park boasts vast grounds and a dense concentration of attractions, forming a mystical mountain maze. Covering a total area of over 9,500 mu (approximately 633 hectares), the park stretches 3 km from east to west and 5 km from north to south, encompassing 45 peaks and 72 valleys. Highlights include Tiger Tail Peak, Lotus Terrace, Kuixing Pavilion, Wenchang Pavilion, the Martyrs’ Monument, Observation Hill, Sunrise Viewing Platform, Golden Hook Hanging Jade, Nanhua Zen Forest, and the Nanhua Stone Stairway, among over ten other scenic spots.

Address: No. 38, Hongqiao Middle Road, Tuojiang Town, Fenghuang County, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province

Tel: 0743-3211211

Opening Hours:

(Low season) 8:00–17:30; (High season) 7:30–18:00

Admission Fee:

Adult Ticket: 128 RMB per person

Free Admission: Children under 1.2 m; seniors aged 70 and above

Discount Policy: Children between 1.2–1.4 m pay 68 RMB per person; seniors aged 65 and above with ID pay 68 RMB per person; military personnel, students, and people with disabilities present relevant certificates to purchase tickets at 68 RMB per person