Kuankuoshui Primeval Forest

Kuankuoshui Primeval Forest

Kuankuoshui Primeval Forest is a national nature reserve.

Kuankuoshui is a famous primeval forest reserve in Guizhou Province and one of the few remaining primeval forests at this latitude on Earth. Located in the central-northern part of Suiyang County, it is 54 kilometers from Suiyang County town and 102 kilometers from Zunyi City, covering an area of 173.5 square kilometers. Nestled within a mid-altitude canyon terrain at elevations between 1,400 and 1,700 meters, the area features diverse karst landforms, numerous streams and valleys, and is the source of the Furong River, a tributary of the Wu River. The dense and lush primeval forest, with its emerald mountains and thriving trees, presents picturesque scenery. It holds significant value for scientific research and serves as an ideal tourist destination. The highlights of the Kuankuoshui Nature Reserve include:

I. Rarity and Primitiveness

The Kuankuoshui Primeval Forest includes primary forests dominated by ancient plants such as the Tertiary-era survivor *Lithocarpus litseifolius*, as well as secondary forests, plantations, bamboo groves, and shrublands. The reserve is home to the national first-class protected plant *Davidia involucrata* and second-class protected plants such as *Toona sinensis* and *Liriodendron chinense*. There are 148 species of birds, including 14 rare nationally protected species such as the Lady Amherst’s pheasant, the Reeve’s pheasant, and the Temminck’s tragopan, making it one of China’s top three bird-watching destinations. The area also hosts 25 species of small mammals, including national first-class protected animals like the clouded leopard, leopard, forest musk deer, and black-leaf monkey, as well as provincially protected animals like the tufted deer. Amphibians such as the yellow-spotted dwarf salamander and *Jingfu tree frog* are unique to Guizhou. Rare reptiles in the region include the flower-tailed scale snake, black-spined snake, purple-necked snake, and white-headed frog, while *Sabah pigs* and *Sabah rats* are found only in this reserve.

The Kuankuoshui forest area offers not only a primitive, mysterious, tranquil forest atmosphere but also stunning botanical landscapes featuring uniquely shaped and vibrantly colored plants. Visitors can also observe a colorful array of bird species and various rare mammals such as the clever and adorable black-leaf monkey. In the rhododendron woods beneath the tall canopy trees, rhododendrons bloom vibrantly from April to May, painting the hillsides in brilliant hues. The ancient *Davidia involucrata*, dating back to the Tertiary period, produces white flowers resembling doves. When in full bloom, the tree looks as though it is covered in white doves from afar. This endemic monotypic plant species is a world-famous ornamental tree known as the “Chinese Dove Tree.” The yew tree bears clusters of red berries reminiscent of “love beans,” while the *Liriodendron chinense* leaves resemble mandarin jackets and date back to the time of the dinosaurs. On quiet, moonlit nights, the singing frog performs its melody from its self-made mud speaker, calling out to its mate.

II. Complete with Caves, Forests, Mountains, and Water

Although Kuankuoshui is famed for its primeval forest, its mountain peaks, karst caves, grotesque rocks, and other geomorphological landscapes, as well as its waterfalls, reservoirs, streams, and springs, are equally enchanting.

The terrain of Kuankuoshui belongs to the Dalou Mountain Range, with higher altitudes in the northwest and lower in the southeast. Mountains over 1,300 meters rise between deeply cut gullies descending to 600 meters, creating nearly 1,000-meter relative elevation differences. The steep valleys, layered peaks, rugged summits, and sheer cliffs form countless spectacular and picturesque wonders. The karst valley landscape around Rangshui features steep gray cliffs as if cleaved by a knife, twisted pines dancing among them, hooked vines hanging upside down, and delicate stone bamboo shoots standing elegantly. With an elevation of 1,751 meters, Sun Mountain is the highest point in Kuankuoshui. From its summit, visitors can gaze over green foliage stretching into the clouds, with reservoirs dotting the landscape. It’s a great spot to watch the sunrise and sunset. At dawn, amid the hazy clouds, the peaks appear and disappear, the rising sun barely emerging—a truly rare and breathtaking view. At dusk, the setting sun and afterglow interplay with the forest, casting it half red and half green, a magnificent scene found only in this unique primeval forest at this latitude.

In the heart of the forest lies a high-altitude alpine lake embraced by primeval forest. With gentle ripples, flying waterfowl, and fish swimming beneath the surface, it offers a soft and serene beauty. Meanwhile, the Biaoshui Cliff Waterfall to the southeast of the forest exudes a bold, masculine energy. The waterfall cascades 70 meters down from a cliff, its thunderous roar blending with the forest’s whispers, evoking a majestic feeling. Other notable waterfalls include the Lion Gate Waterfall and Xiangshuidong Waterfall along the Yangyan River.

The forest also contains many caves—some vertical, others extending horizontally. The Lotus Cave, measuring 60 meters in height, 70 meters in width, and 40 meters in depth, is surrounded by perilous cliffs. On the cliffs outside, a temple with red walls and vermilion eaves blends harmoniously with the craggy peaks, ancient trees, and lush vegetation, creating a wild and charming atmosphere. The Tianxing Cave, located on the western slope of Sun Mountain and hidden within a bamboo grove in a mountain hollow, features a massive natural bridge nearby, creating a delightful interplay between the cave and the bridge.

III. Both a Summer Retreat and a Snow-Viewing Destination

The Kuankuoshui forest area is especially cool in summer, making it a famous summer retreat. Unlike other scenic spots in Guizhou, Kuankuoshui experiences cold winters with snow cover typically lasting 3–4 months, offering spectacular snowy landscapes that are highly attractive to tourists in the region who enjoy snow viewing.

IV. Hub of Natural Reserves

The Kuankuoshui Nature Reserve is located at the center of the northern Guizhou nature reserve belt and plays an irreplaceable “golden bridge” connecting role. Within the north Guizhou region spanning 28°–29° N latitude in Guizhou Province, a chain of national and provincial nature reserves or scenic spots stretches from west to east, including the Chishui Nature Reserve, Loushanguan Park, Daozhen Dashuhe Cathaya argyrophylla Nature Reserve, Yanhe Mayanghe Black-leaf Monkey Nature Reserve, Fanjingshan Nature Reserve, and numerous natural forest belts serving as the upper Yangtze River’s ecological protection barriers. The Kuankuoshui Nature Reserve sits right at the center of this zone, linking all these reserves to form a large-scale nature reserve belt across northern Guizhou—the Northern Guizhou Nature Reserve Belt. Thanks to its unique geographical advantages and active promotion, the Kuankuoshui Nature Reserve has even greater appeal.

The Kuankuoshui Nature Reserve also features a 100-acre tea plantation located to the southwest of Sun Mountain. The lush green tea bushes, layer upon layer, look like rippling waves of green. Stopping here for a cup of tea adds a touch of comfort and leisure to your journey.