Liaohe River Source National Forest Park

Liaohe River Source National Forest Park

Liaohe River Source National Forest Park is a national AAA-level tourist attraction and a national forest park.

Liaohe River Source National Forest Park is located in the heart of Dawopu Forest Farm, 60 kilometers northwest of Pingquan County, Hebei Province, and 80 kilometers from Chengde City, covering a total area of 230 square kilometers. Due to its high altitude, dense forests, numerous mountain springs, and abundant water resources, it is the source of the West Liaohe River, hence the name "Liaohe River Source." The park covers a total area of 11,886 hectares, with a forest coverage rate of 81.2%. Its main peak, Ma’yu Mountain (also known as Bald Mountain), stands at an elevation of 1,738 meters. The park preserves large areas of pristine secondary forests, featuring distinct vertical plant distribution. It is home to over 2,000 species of plants, including 198 species of woody plants, as well as more than 20 types of wildlife, such as the nationally protected leopard and golden eagle.

Geologically, Liaohe River Source National Forest Park lies in the transitional zone between the Inner Mongolia Platform Anticline and the Qilaotu Ridge. Since the Mesozoic Yanshan Movement, volcanic eruptions and magma flows have occurred multiple times. With tectonic movements, the land gradually rose, forming mid-level and low mountains, hills, and various granite formations, caves, and cliffs, creating a diverse range of landform landscapes.

Liaohe River Source National Forest Park is divided into three major scenic areas: the Liaohe River Source Forest Bathing Area, the Ma’yu Mountain Grassland and Flower Sea Area, and the Liao Dynasty Ancient Tomb Area. There are currently over 70 scenic spots, celebrated for its combination of high mountains, forests, grasslands, flower seas, bizarre rocks, clear springs, ancient trees, and ancient tombs. All the landscapes are naturally formed, without any artificial alterations. From the summit, you can enjoy the view described by the saying, “When standing atop the highest peak, all other mountains seem small,” and “Looking up, the sun feels close; looking back, the white clouds seem low.” Walking through the forests and grasslands, you’ll hear the murmuring of springs, towering pines and birches, creating a transcendent experience; observing the bizarre rocks, they are remarkably lifelike and exquisitely crafted by nature; offering incense to Dragon Mother brings prayers for favorable weather and peace in all seasons; appreciating the stone elephant connects you with ancient knowledge; and standing before the ancient poplars, it feels as if nine dragons are dancing, vibrant and graceful.

This area is also the birthplace of the Khitan and Xi ethnic groups. Historically famous figures such as Emperor Daozong and Emperor Jingzong of the Liao Dynasty, along with the widely known Empress Xiao, once hunted on horseback and shot eagles here. The thousands of acres of high mountain grassland at the top of Ma’yu Mountain are said to have been the “Princes’ Horse Pasture.” The tomb of Dou Jingyong, the Vice Chancellor of the Southern Secretariat and Duke of the Chen Kingdom of the Liao Dynasty, is located at Wolfslope within the park. The stone statues in the tomb area showcase the exquisite stone carving artistry of the Liao Dynasty.