Zigong Nongtuan Ecological Tourism Scenic Area

Zigong Nongtuan Ecological Tourism Scenic Area

Introduction to Zigong Nongtuan Ecological Tourism Scenic Area The Nongtuan Ecological Tourism Scenic Area is located on the southwestern edge of Zigong city proper, about 18 kilometers from downtown Zigong, with very convenient transportation and communication. The scenic area features predominantly hilly terrain, with elevations generally ranging between 400–480 meters. It is the source of the Liugen River, part of the Yuexi River system in the Minjiang River basin. The area has a continental monsoon climate with abundant rainfall, a long frost-free period, and a cool, moist environment. The average annual temperature is 17.1 degrees Celsius, with summer highs reaching up to 36 degrees Celsius and winter lows dropping to around 2 degrees Celsius. The area enjoys an average of 1,106 hours of sunshine per year, a frost-free period of about 300 days, and annual precipitation exceeding 1,100 millimeters. The township covers a total area of 23.5 square kilometers, with a population of nearly 5,000. Arable land is scarce, while forests and suitable forested land dominate the landscape. The scenic area currently has over 25,000 mu of forested land, achieving a forest coverage rate of 70%. The forests are mostly mixed, consisting primarily of Masson pine, fir, cypress, camphor, nanmu, oil tea, azalea, and various bamboo species. There are over 300 plant varieties and more than 200 species of birds and animals in the woods, including nationally protected species such as egrets, pheasants, owls, goshawks, rabbits, wild boars, and wild cats that often roam the forest. There are no polluting industries in the entire township. With dense forests, clear mountains, pristine waters, and fresh air, the area boasts distinctive natural and cultural landscapes. In June 1999, after evaluation by relevant provincial and municipal experts, Nongtuan was approved as Sichuan Province’s first prefecture-level ecological demonstration zone. In 2000, it was further designated as a national key protected natural forest area, showing great potential for eco-tourism development.

Sichuan Zigong