Yufengshan Forest Park

Yufengshan Forest Park

Chongqing Yufengshan Forest Park is a municipal-level forest park approved by the Chongqing Forestry Bureau and first developed by the People's Government of Yubei District as one of its “Six Major Series Projects.” The park covers a total area of 10 square kilometers, located in the southeastern part of Yubei District (behind Tieshanping), 23 kilometers from downtown Chongqing. The altitude of Yufengshan Forest Park ranges from 270 to 848.8 meters (with the highest point, Dingjiazhai on Nanshan Mountain, at 687 meters). Its national forest coverage spans 18,000 mu, making it currently the largest suburban forest park in Chongqing in terms of forested area and the best-preserved in vegetation. The forest vegetation belongs to the tropical temperate evergreen broad-leaved forest zone. The park is home to 326 species of plants and nearly 200 types of wild vegetables and medicinal herbs. Although tigers and leopards have disappeared from the jungle, various wild animals such as rabbits, squirrels, pheasants, snakes, and azaleas can still be found. The average annual temperature in the park is 17°C, which is consistently 5°C lower than that of the urban area.

The park is planned to be developed into four functional zones: the Yufengshan Ancient Exploration and Sightseeing Area, the Damoping Rural Charm Scenic Area, the Yuquanhu Forest Tourism and Convention Area, and the Maple Lake Recreational Resort Area. The park also features 13 uniquely styled scenic spots and 44 attractions, including pavilions, mountain resorts, natural bathing beaches, and botanical flower gardens.

Here stands Yufengshan, known as the “First Peak of Yubei,” described as “where the wind carries the essence of jade, and the landscape is lush and profound.” On the mountain, remnants of an ancient city wall and gate (Tianchengzhai and Renhe Gate), built with strip stones during the Guangxu era, remain, stretching over 3,000 meters. Numerous stone Buddha statues atop the mountain can still be faintly seen, and at the center lies a stone pool, said to contain perpetually clear, never-drying water.

At the foot of Yufengshan lies the ancient Yongfo Temple, built in the 27th year of the Qianlong reign. According to the Jiangbei County Annals, Yongfo Temple was a sacred site for worshippers from the surrounding areas, attracting tens of thousands of devotees at its peak. Related ruins include the Jingping Immortal Well, Lotus Pond, and Willow Pool. Though Yongfo Temple no longer exists, it has left behind historical relics such as inscribed stone tablets, incense burners, and stone statues.

Here you’ll find Maple Lake, Yuquan Lake, and Longdan Pool, fed by pristine valley waters—so clear and sweet that locals and visitors often drink directly from them. Tofu pudding made with Yufengshan spring water is said to be far more fragrant than that made with city water.