Huzhai Rising Smoke Forest Park

Huzhai Rising Smoke Forest Park

Located 8 kilometers south of Jingxi City, the park stretches approximately 1.5 kilometers from east to west and 1.3 kilometers from north to south. It is a small karst peak cluster with the main peak at an elevation of 1023 meters. One peak on the western end resembles a monkey when viewed from afar. In ancient times, the area was densely forested and home to many tigers and leopards. A valley within the mountain contains a spring, and during turbulent times, nearby villagers took refuge here to form a settlement that was difficult to breach, known as the “Huzhai” (Tiger Stockade). This mountain, towering in height, often remains shrouded in smoke even after rain, especially in the evening when the mist lingers and the summit disappears from view, creating a stunning sight. This is one of the Eight Scenic Views of Jingxi, known as “Huzhai Rising Smoke Drifting Far and Wide.” The forest park was developed as a tourism project based on the 5,320-acre forest area of the Wuling Forest Farm. The forest features ancient geological origins, complex landform characteristics, rich local features, a wide variety of plant species, and a diverse forest structure, composed of soil and water conservation forests, natural forests, planted forests, and economic forests. The forest coverage rate of the park reaches 90%. The park offers colorful mountain forest landscapes, reservoirs, caves, and more, making it a comprehensive tourism destination for forest exploration, summer retreats, and water recreation. The scenic area is surrounded by undulating mountains, crisscrossed streams, and endless meadows. Viewed from the reservoir, the mountains are covered with dense forests, their hazy forms reflected in the clear blue waters, enhancing the scenery’s beauty and charm. During the day, walking through the sea of trees feels like diving into an overwhelming green ocean—lush foliage filters the light, while clouds and mist drift around, causing the peaks to appear and disappear unpredictably. At night, moonlight filters through the branches, casting silver beams and dappled spots of light. The gentle swaying of branches and flickering light add a poetic touch. Visitors strolling through the forest breathe in fresh air, admire the lush greenery, and experience the serene ambiance described in the phrase “cicadas chirp, the forest grows quieter; birds sing, the mountains grow more secluded,” truly immersing themselves in nature. Wandering through the Wuling Forest, one hears birdsong and smells blossoms, with panoramic views of lake and mountain scenery all around. Here, the peaks are fresh and vibrant, and the interplay of mountain and water is naturally picturesque. In the distance, one can see the patchwork of buildings in the city, and in the early morning, sea of fog blankets the landscape, while sunrise paints the forests and mountains in a captivating giant landscape painting. From afar, the rural scenery of Shizi and Jiuzhou resembles a poetic paradise, transporting visitors to the idyllic world depicted in Tao Yuanming’s Peach Blossom Spring, making them linger and forget to leave. Visitors can explore the forest’s hidden wonders, go camping, sleep under the stars, fish by the reservoir’s shaded banks in peaceful leisure, or simply close their eyes in the woods, forgetting all worries and enjoying nature’s boundless gifts.