Sichuan Gaoshiti Forest Park

Sichuan Gaoshiti Forest Park

Covering a total area of 182.13 hectares, Gaoshiti Forest Park was designated as a provincial-level forest park by the Provincial Forestry Department in 1993.

The park features unique landforms, where massive rocks, peculiar peaks, valleys, and mountain streams form the natural landscape typical of low mountainous areas in southern Sichuan. The Gaoshiti Natural Scenic Area was recognized as early as the 33rd year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty as one of the four major summer resorts in Sichuan for foreigners by the Western Church's West China Mission. Major attractions include:

Jiuxiaoding (Nine Heavens Summit) — Swan Hugging an Egg: Jiuxiaoding is the highest peak and also the central point of the tour. Surrounded by layered mountains, it boasts over 30 large and small peaks. From a distance, Jiuxiaoding resembles either a mushroom or a swan spreading its wings, bowing down as if incubating eggs—hence the nickname "Swan Hugging an Egg." On the rocky slope halfway up the summit, cobblestones resembling “swan eggs” of various sizes have been unearthed, some as big as baskets and others as small as rugby balls. On the front side of the “swan,” there is a red rock formation that, when viewed from the side, strikingly resembles a “toad” staring intently at the “swan,” seemingly waiting for a chance to snatch the “eggs.”

Twin Lions Worshipping the Elephant: At the northern end of Gaoshiti, known as “Laolin Kou,” the terrain is rugged and densely forested, with uniquely shaped mountains. Among them, two peaks resemble lions—one like a laughing monk and the other like an elephant. From a distance, it looks as though the laughing monk is leading two lions in worship toward the elephant, hence the name “Twin Lions Worshipping the Elephant.”

Stone Bamboo Shoots Piercing the Sky: Beneath “E Gong Jing” (Goose Neck), there is a man-made cave that leads through a mountain valley flanked by steep cliffs on both sides, creating a perilous yet serene atmosphere. Terraced fields along the valley evoke a sense of a hidden paradise beyond the cave. At the bottom of the valley stands a solitary peak thrusting into the blue sky, known as Shisun Mountain, and the valley is called “Shisun Gully.” Legend has it that the elephant fed on bamboo shoots, which inspired the growth of these stone formations. A red azalea grows atop the stone shoot, blazing bright red in late spring and early summer, creating a spectacular sight.

Yangsi Rock: Facing Shisun Gully across the valley, Yangsi Rock features four cave chambers carved into the mountainside halfway up the cliff, with six Qing Dynasty stone tablets embedded in the walls. Traces of old bamboo poles used to hang lanterns remain visible. Legend says a wooden deity statue named Yangsi flew in from Mount Emei and was known for its valor in battle. To protect the local area, villagers carved caves and built a temple to enshrine the statue of General Yangsi—hence the name “Yangsi Rock.” A narrow, winding stone path requires visitors to climb and crawl their way into the cave.

Zigong, Sichuan