Shimen Forest Park

Shimen Forest Park

Located at No. 118 Minzu Avenue in the city center, Shimen Forest Park borders the ASEAN Business District to the east and the Nanning International Convention and Exhibition Center to the west. With convenient transportation and a prime location, the park was established in 1997 and named "Shimen" (Stone Gate) because it sits on the original site of Nanning's historic "Stone Threshold." The park covers a total area of 63.2 hectares, including 50.3 hectares of forested land and 2.3 hectares of water bodies, with a forest coverage rate of over 82.7%.

Shimen Forest Park officially opened to the public free of charge on May 1, 2008, receiving approximately 1 million visitors annually. Since its establishment, the park has been awarded several honors, including Advanced Unit in Urban Greening of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Advanced Unit of Nanning City, and Advanced Unit in Greening of Nanning City. In 2010, the park’s master plan was revised and approved by the municipal planning authorities, changing its designation from a forest park to a comprehensive urban park. Starting in 2011, Shimen Forest Park has gradually developed its landscape and scenic spots according to the new master plan, eventually establishing a distinctive brand centered around cherry blossom scenery.

In August 2015, as a key part of Nanning’s sponge city demonstration zone, the park implemented a sponge city renovation project covering 20.52 hectares, guided by the six core concepts of infiltration, detention, storage, purification, utilization, and drainage. New features were added, including a central rainwater wetland, dry stream, south gate rainwater garden, and southeast rainwater garden. The renovated park now functions as a sponge system for itself and surrounding residential areas, maximizing water resource efficiency and contributing to the development of the city’s "water storage cells" and a "breathing city," playing a positive role in Nanning’s sponge city initiatives.

Major Attractions:

The park is primarily a botanical landscape, featuring cherry blossoms as its highlight, and serves as a comprehensive urban park integrating recreation, entertainment, and fitness. Currently open to the public are attractions such as Minghu Scenic Area, Cherry Blossom Valley, Cherry Blossom Valley Theme Park, Forest Wellness Area, Cherry Blossom Ridge, Leisure & Adventure Zone, and Sightseeing Orchard.

Minghu Scenic Area: Located in the core of the park, the lake covers an area of about 30 mu (approximately 2 hectares). The water is crystal clear, with green shades and floral reflections, red fish swimming gracefully, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.

Stream & Cascade Area: Situated in the southern core of Minghu, this area underwent a sponge city renovation in 2015. Following the six core concepts—Infiltration, Detention, Storage, Purification, Utilization, and Drainage—it utilizes rain gardens, dry streams, rainwater wetlands, and grassy swales to achieve slow drainage, infiltration, purification, storage, and utilization of rainwater. Post-renovation, this area has become another premium scenic spot in the park.

Cherry Blossom Valley: Located in the central part of the park, it features vast plantings of cherry blossom trees. Every blooming season attracts thousands of visitors. The sea of cherry blossoms enchants visitors, creating a fairy-tale-like experience that leaves them lingering.

Cherry Blossom Valley Theme Park: Situated in the heart of Cherry Blossom Valley, the park covers about 5,000 m² and houses over ten types of medium-sized amusement facilities, making it one of Nanning’s most well-equipped and diverse amusement venues.

Forest Wellness Area: Located in the northern part of the park, it spans about 200 mu (approximately 13.3 hectares) and is characterized by its forest landscape, with well-preserved secondary forests. The forest is rich in negative air ions, reaching 869 per cubic centimeter, and the aromatic compounds emitted by forest plants have sterilizing and wellness benefits, making it an ideal place for rest and fitness.

Cherry Blossom Ridge: Located in the western part of the park, it covers about 65 mu (approximately 4.3 hectares) and features over 1,000 cherry blossom trees of four varieties. The area includes viewing platforms and cherry blossom pavilions. It represents the beginnings of Guangxi’s largest cherry blossom viewing park. From here, visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of Nanning’s International Convention and Exhibition Center and gaze at the new skyline of Langdong.

Leisure & Adventure Zone: Situated in the southern part of the park, it covers about 60 mu (approximately 4 hectares) and offers sports, leisure, and recreational activities that can accommodate over 1,000 people simultaneously, such as physical challenges and laser tag. It provides visitors with a space to relax and enjoy outdoor adventure activities.

Sightseeing Orchard: Located in the eastern part of the park, it spans about 100 mu (approximately 6.7 hectares) and grows fruits introduced from Taiwan, such as star fruit, loquat, mango, and guava. When the fruits are in season, visitors can pick and taste them themselves.

Transportation: Take bus routes 6, 16, 25, 39, 42, 43, 52, 72, 76, 87, 90, 206, 213, 603, 609, 704, or 706 to Shimen Forest Park Station. Please refer to the latest bus routes published by the transportation department.

Information Source: Organizing Committee of the 12th China (Nanning) International Garden Expo