Bishan Qinglong Lake

Bishan Qinglong Lake

Bishan Qinglong Lake is a national forest park.

The National Forest Park – Qinglong Lake Scenic Area is located in the Yunwu Mountains, 20 kilometers northwest of Bishan County and 60 kilometers from downtown Chongqing. The area features major attractions such as Qinglong Lake, Yunwu Mountain, Paradise Lake, Tieweizhai, Ancient City, and Jintian Temple. It is known for its serene lake waters, beautiful mountain scenery, and rich cultural heritage, and is hailed as the "Little Jiuzhaigou of Eastern Sichuan."

Covering an area of 5,000 hectares with a managed area of 1,880 hectares, Qinglong Lake Forest Park has a forest coverage rate of 75.8%. The forest mainly consists of coniferous trees such as Masson pine and Chinese fir, broadleaf forests of the Fagaceae family, mixed coniferous and broadleaf forests, and bamboo groves. The area boasts a rich variety of plants, with over 900 species across 180 families recorded. The lush and colorful forest, along with the clear, meandering lake, is complemented by profound historical and cultural sites, blending natural beauty with historic charm. Major attractions include Dragon Playing with Water, Nine Maidens Bathing, Golden Altar Tiger’s Roar, Five Tigers Raging in the Mountains, Three Rivers Gorge, Qinglong Pagoda, Eagle Rock, Qinglong Cave, Moon Stone, Ancient Fortress, Tieweizhai, Jintian Temple, and Paradise Nunnery. The diverse geographical landscapes add an air of mystery to the forest: the strikingly abrupt Nine Maidens Peak, the galloping Heavenly Horse Mountain, the perilous Chicken Ridge, and the roaring Lion Rock, all form a landscape of overlapping mountains, steep cliffs, and bizarre rocks. The dense forests cradle numerous pristine lakes: Qinglong Lake shimmers with blue waves, Jade Maiden Pool is crystal clear, Paradise Lake mirrors like glass, and Sister Lakes ripple with light. Meandering streams and sweet springs complete the scene. The perfect harmony of forest, geographical, and hydrological landscapes paints a picturesque tableau of lake and mountain vistas. The mystical phenomena of Qinglong Lake’s mist and Nine Maidens Peak’s clouds are just a few of the countless wonders.

The forest park is rich in historical and cultural legacy. There are Ancient Fortress and Tieweizhai, built during the Southern Song Dynasty, where local soldiers and civilians resisted Yuan invaders—the latter also famed for defeating them. There are the ruins of Lion Nunnery, established in the Song and Yuan Dynasties and flourishing in the Ming Dynasty; the remains of a sentry tower built in the early Ming Dynasty to protect trade routes; the ruins of Tiantai Temple from the Qing Qianlong era and Jintian Temple from the Daoguang era; as well as the tomb of the renowned modern physician Zhang Anqin and the 36-meter-tall Qinglong Pagoda.

The beautiful Qinglong Lake offers a picturesque blend of mountains and water, abundant scenic charm, and a wealth of local specialties. These include "Yunwu Spring Tea," which became a tribute as early as the Ming Dynasty; the nationally famous "Seven-Stamen Yellow Flower" from the early years of the People's Republic of China; and the unique, tender, and succulent "Jade Shoots" of the nanmu bamboo. Qinglong Lake resembles an exquisite, secluded mountain bonsai, exuding an irresistible allure that draws countless visitors to hike for fitness, boat on the lake, ride horses for sightseeing, take sedan chairs to enjoy the views, fish by the water, stroll and chat—making it an ideal destination for urbanites seeking leisure, entertainment, summer retreats, and scenic exploration.