Black Bear Valley Forest Park

Black Bear Valley Forest Park

Black Bear Valley Forest Park is located in the northwest of Muchuan County, 27 kilometers from the county seat. It is a provincial-level forest park, with the highest elevation (Southeast Mountain) reaching 1,671.6 meters and the lowest at 800 meters. The forest covers an area of approximately 30 square kilometers, including 134 hectares of natural forest and 676 hectares of planted forest. It is part of the foothills of the Greater and Lesser Liangshan mountain ranges. The scenic area is known for its undulating terrain, overlapping peaks, steep cliffs, and deep valleys, forming a spectacular green corridor. The valley is overgrown with shrubs, scattered with bluestone rocks, and crisscrossed by clear streams that tumble over rocks and carve through stone, sometimes forming waterfalls and other times deep pools. Towering ancient trees line the stream banks, accompanied by lush arrow bamboo, tangled vines, and a variety of wild mushrooms. Walking through this area gives visitors a sense of returning to nature, making it an ideal summer retreat. The park is also home to more than ten species of nationally protected plants, such as Michelia wilsonii, Baile tree, Sweet Osmanthus, and Baisin tree, as well as wildlife including black bears, goats, musk deer, river deer, sika deer, wild boars, and squirrels. Highlights include the majestic Eagle Beak Rock, the Cliffside Embrace Rock, the breathtaking Beijing Pool, and the ruins of the Stone Temple—Qingcheng Mountain Grand Temple and Jiulaoping Temple, both rich in legend. There is also a fire watchtower offering views of the nearby Chaotianma peaks and, farther away, Mount Emei, making it a prime destination for travel and exploration.