Shehong Peach Blossom Mountain Scenic Area

Shehong Peach Blossom Mountain Scenic Area

Shehong Peach Blossom Mountain Scenic Area is a national AA-level tourist attraction.

The clear Fujiang River meanders slowly through Shehong County. On the east bank of the river, about ten kilometers from the county town, lies a tranquil and serene mountain range covered with peach orchards and lush forests — a place of exceptional quietude and charm. This is the widely renowned Pujia Hao Peach Blossom Mountain and the celebrated Peach Blossom Source Scenic Area across Sichuan.

It takes just over twenty minutes by car from the county town to reach the foot of the mountain. If you have the leisure, consider leaving your vehicle behind and hiking up on foot. A broad cement road winds upward from the base, curving along the verdant mountain ridges all the way to the summit. The mountain isn’t particularly high — in fact, it’s more typical of the central Sichuan hills. Towering trees line both sides of the road, casting ample shade, occasionally punctuated by bright bursts of wildflowers. Halfway up the mountain, a splendid sight greets you: a peach orchard spanning hundreds of acres. Every spring in March, clusters of pink and red blossoms burst forth amid the green mountains and blue waters, radiant as rosy clouds, filling the heart with joy.

Walking further and crossing several hills brings you to the summit of Peach Blossom Mountain. The top is a flat and open expanse, where the Peach Blossom Source Complex Building stands out prominently — the heart of this 3,500-acre Peach Blossom Source. Lush greenery surrounds the building, accented by chrysanthemums and peach blossoms in bright hues. Around the building are thoughtfully arranged pavilions, towers, and uniquely styled cottages, offering comprehensive dining, entertainment, tea tasting, and leisure facilities. Following a gravel path in front of the building leads to the “Pine Slope,” an area of planted forest with over 30 years of history. The sturdy pines demonstrate the great achievements of the Pujia Hao people in transforming nature. Upon entering the forest, it feels like stepping into a primeval woodland. The crisp, melodious chirping of birds adds to the serenity, while the breeze brings rustling pine waves, like galloping horses approaching from afar and gradually fading away. For those often immersed in the hustle and bustle of the city, this is a perfect place to experience the tranquility of nature, offering relief from worldly concerns and pure delight. Looking down through the dappled shadows of the trees, you can faintly see a pool of clear water nestled in the emerald valley, with blue skies and white clouds reflected on its surface, adding a magical touch to the mountain woodland. This reservoir, holding 10,000 cubic meters of water, is ideal for swimming, fishing, or irrigating farmland. Next to the pond lies the “Simple Cottage” leisure center, where quaint thatched cottages and pavilions are tucked away among the green hills and waters — a great spot to sit, sip tea, or have a drink. In springtime, the scene is further adorned with blooming pink peach and white pear blossoms, creating a delightful atmosphere. With the breeze, distant laughter from the mountaintop mingles with sounds of Sichuan opera gongs and drums, signaling the start of a show. Walking up the stone path beside the pond and ascending toward the summit, passing the west side of the complex building, you’ll see densely green hills and valleys dotted with Western-style villas and pavilions with red walls and green tiles — a truly pleasant sight. This is the Peach Blossom Source Leisure Villa, combining leisure and entertainment.

Behind the complex building, tucked beyond a few corridors and a stretch of peach orchard, lies a large square pool spanning a hundred meters. Its sides are lined with weeping willows and blooming peach blossoms, while a leafy and robust yellow-leaf tree stands peacefully by the water, silently sheltering people from wind and rain. Under the trees and by the pool, elderly folks fish or play chess, children laugh and play, others enjoy card games or tea in leisurely harmony — a peaceful and idyllic scene. If you take a seat for tea, you might occasionally hear the distant toll of temple bells and the chanting of sutras drifting over — those are the sounds of the Cave Heaven Temple and the Bliss Shrine, two sacred sites providing a spiritual haven for devoted believers and visitors alike.

If you’re tired from walking, you can sit anywhere to enjoy Sichuan opera, watch cultural shows, or observe street performances. When hunger strikes, stop by a small stall for some local snacks and homemade country flavors. If you drove here, you could even take a drive along the newly paved oil road, which winds through the rolling hills and connects various summits and scenic spots like a string of green agate beads. Driving through the green mountains and woods, you’ll also pass by lotus ponds; in summer and autumn, you may feast your eyes on fields of blooming lotuses, red and white, shining brilliantly. Leveraging its expansive peach and plum orchards, Pujia Hao Village also holds an annual Peach Blossom Festival, now in its fourth edition. Each spring when peach blossoms are in full bloom and nature thrives, the festival grandly commences. The mountains and orchards come alive with bustling crowds, creating a lively sight unseen at any other time. The festival lasts a month and features diverse activities such as cultural performances, painting and calligraphy gatherings, Sichuan opera renditions, flower appreciation, countryside picnics, and local snacks — especially highlighted by its dense forests and romantic peach blossoms, offering visitors a refreshing return to nature. Each year during the Peach Blossom Festival, visitor numbers reach nearly 400,000.

"A pool of spring water glows green, myriad peach trees blaze red." Admiring the flowers and scenery is nothing short of blissful. As the setting sun paints the distant Fujiang water in dazzling orange-red, you can stroll down flower-lined paths, filled with joy, and return to your cozy home. If your wanderlust remains unquenched, you may opt to stay in a mountain villa and experience the many enchantments of Peach Blossom Mountain after nightfall.