Daxiong Mountain National Forest Park

Daxiong Mountain National Forest Park

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

Also known as Xiongdan Mountain or Sacred Mountain, Daxiong Mountain is located at the northern end of Xinhua County, bordering Anhua County, over 50 kilometers from downtown Xinhua. Covering a total area of 73 square kilometers.

The area is dotted with steep peaks, ancient towering trees, and diverse wildlife, making it an important forested region and a magnificent scenic destination in Xinhua. Sima Qian’s *Records of the Grand Historian* records that the Yellow Emperor traveled south to the river and climbed Xiongxiang. Research suggests that Xiongxiang refers to Daxiong Mountain.

In recent years, stone inscriptions have been discovered at the site of an ancient temple on the mountain, documenting the visit of the Yellow Emperor. Local folklore says that during the Yellow Emperor’s southern tour, he was guided here by Daxiong Mountain, hence its name. This is the homeland of Chiyou and the birthplace of the Miao and Yao peoples. The undulating mountains feature Jiulong Peak, the highest point at 1,662 meters above sea level, which is the tallest in central Hunan. It stands opposite the 1,602-meter-high Lookout Platform. Over 40 peaks exceeding 1,000 meters form a grand mountain range stretching across central Hunan, creating a breathtaking sight. Each peak is shrouded in mist, presenting ever-changing vistas.

The vast land here boasts an incredibly rich variety of species. More than 20 types of nationally protected plants, including ancient yew trees, and over 10 species of protected animals, such as clouded leopards, thrive in their natural habitats. A thousand-year-old ginkgo tree with a crown spanning over 320 square meters is hailed as the “King of Ginkgos in Hunan.” The ancient woods, peculiar trees, exotic flowers, and diverse wildlife complement one another. Verdant bamboo groves, endless red azaleas, vast fields of dwarf bamboo, and weathered alpine thickets paint a vibrant forest scene. Legend has it that after Chiyou’s defeat, he led the Jiuli tribe to plant plum, azalea, and maple trees widely. As a result, the mountains turn crimson with maple leaves in autumn, embodying the ancient vision of plum blossoms blooming through snow, heralding a landscape of vibrant red.

Mountain roads twist through dense forests shaded by swaying bamboo and fragrant wildflowers, accompanied by birdsong. In the valleys, clear springs cascade down waterfalls, with babbling streams singing like melodies. The cliffs of Fanjia Cave stand vertically, from which a hundred-foot-long white silk-like waterfall plunges. The cascading waters scatter silver threads, spray droplets, and mist, creating a scene of billowing clouds and radiant light. Standing before the waterfall, one looks up to see thousands of luminous pearls tumbling down, with rainbows and splashing jade, accompanied by a thunderous roar like rolling spring thunder that stirs the soul.

The beauty of Daxiong Mountain has attracted everyone from emperors to commoners. Forty-eight temples and nunneries, including Xiongshan Ancient Temple and Xiquan Temple, have thrived for centuries, drawing numerous worshippers. Daxiong Mountain has shaped the spirit of its people.

The main peak of Daxiong Mountain, Jiulong Pool, stands at 1,622 meters above sea level, making it the highest peak in Loudi region. At the summit lies a pool with ink-black, bone-chillingly cold water. Remarkably, nine springs bubble up from the bottom of the pool, continuously gushing sand and spraying beads, accompanied by a pleasant bubbling sound.

Address: Xinhua County, Loudi City, Hunan Province

Phone: 0738-3782063, 0738-3782798

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket:

Adult ticket for Daxiong Mountain National Forest Park: 58 RMB