Pingquan Liaohe River Source Scenic Area

Pingquan Liaohe River Source Scenic Area

Pingquan Liaohe River Source Scenic Area is a national forest park.

Guide

This scenic area combines high mountains, forests, grasslands, clear springs, and peculiar rocks. The wonders of nature have created numerous landscapes here at the Liaohe River Source, such as the Crocodile Gazing at the River Stone, the Seal Trying on Its Crown Stone, the Divine Turtle Stone, the Stone River, and dozens of other rock formations, all strikingly lifelike. The “Nine-Dragon Coiled Poplar” is a unique highlight of the area—this tree has an enormous canopy that covers nearly 750 square meters, with nine main branches reaching upwards, dipping down, or stretching out horizontally, all twisted and coiled like a group of dragons playing together. It has been hailed by experts as “a wonder of the world.”

Highlights

The main peak, Mayushan Mountain, is the centerpiece of the scenic area, standing at an elevation of 1,738 meters and featuring a subalpine grassland landscape. Legend has it that this meadow was once a pasture for horses belonging to a prince of the Liao Dynasty, hence the name “Prince’s Horse Field.” The mid-slopes of the mountain are densely forested, blocking out the sky, while the foothills are filled with murmuring streams and babbling springs. Up on the mountain, the grassland stretches wide, with grasses brushing the waist and wildflowers blooming like embroidery. According to the History of Liao, this area is the birthplace of the Khitan and Xi peoples. Existing ruins and relics include the stone coffin of the Princess of the Great Court and the stone statues, stone sheep, and stone tigers from the tomb of Dou Jingyong, the Vice Chancellor of the Southern Secretariat of the Chen State of Liao. The Liaohe River Source Scenic Area boasts beautiful scenery, a pleasant climate, and ever-changing views in all four seasons, making it an ideal destination for those seeking to return to simplicity and reconnect with nature.

Pingquan Liaohe River Source Scenic Area is located 60 kilometers northwest of Pingquan County and covers a total area of 230 square kilometers. Due to the abundance of mountain springs and water sources here, which form the origin of the West Liaohe River, it is called the “Liaohe River Source.” The scenic area features dense forests and abundant wildlife, with a forested area of 218,000 mu, including 116,000 mu of primary secondary forest. There are more than 1,700 species of plants, including various types of trees, and over 100 species of animals. In July 1993, it was designated as a “Provincial Forest Park” by the provincial forestry department.

Chengde City, Hebei Province