Liupan Mountain National Forest Park

Liupan Mountain National Forest Park

Liupan Mountain National Forest Park is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction and a national forest park.

Guide: Also known as Long Mountain, Liupan Mountain is located in southern Ningxia, at the center of the triangular area formed by the three provincial capitals of Xi’an, Yinchuan, and Lanzhou. Its main peak lies within Longde County, Guyuan City, Ningxia, at an elevation of 2,928 meters. The mountain range generally runs from north to south, stretching approximately 240 kilometers. It serves as the boundary between the Loess Plateaus of northern Shaanxi and western Gansu, as well as the watershed between the Wei River and the Jing River, characterized by its rugged and steep terrain. In ancient times, six layers of winding paths led to the summit, hence the name “Liupan” (Six Passes). At the southeastern foot of the mountain lies the scenic Lao Longtan (Old Dragon Pool), one of the sources of the Jing River. Introduction: Liupan Mountain has long been described as having “no intense summer from spring to autumn.” From the summit of Migang Mountain, the highest peak, visitors can gaze into the distance to see morning mists lingering and seas of clouds stretching far and wide. When the sun rises and the clouds part, layers upon layers of undulating peaks come into view, endless in number. In spring, the landscape is filled with green trees and blooming flowers, offering a fresh and clear view of the world; in summer, the climate is cool and pleasant, with uniquely beautiful scenery; in autumn, the mountains are covered with red foliage, painting the forests in vibrant hues; in winter, the land is blanketed in snow, presenting a pristine, silver-coated world. In 1935, Comrade Mao Zedong led the Chinese Workers’ and Peasants’ Red Army on the Long March to this area and composed the famous poem “Qingpingyue · Liupan Mountain.”

The main attractions of Liupan Mountain National Forest Park include Yehe Valley, Xiaonanchuan, Liangdian Gorge, the Botanical Garden, and Erlong River.

Yehe Valley, also known as Lotus Garden, is a valley that runs from north to south. Though it is no more than 6 kilometers long and only 6–7 meters wide, its scenery is extraordinary and its views exceptionally beautiful. The serene, winding valley features peaks standing opposite each other, ancient pines covering the sky, and wild lotuses lining the path. Clusters of pine and cypress trees cling tightly to sheer cliffs, while bare birch trees hang suspended from the mountainsides. At the bottom of the valley, the water is crystal clear, surrounded by green leaves and yellow flowers, exuding lush beauty and fragrance. A rugged path winds its way through the wild lotuses. The long valley resembles a verdant corridor or a colorful painted screen, filling the gorge with intoxicating charm and fragrant aromas.

Xiaonanchuan, praised as “Little Jiuzhaigou,” boasts enchantingly beautiful scenery—though not in the south of the Yangtze, it rivals the beauty of the Jiangnan region.

Erlong River: Legend has it that when the Old Dragon King resided in the Dragon Pool, he sent his two sons to set up camp and guard the strategic river area here, hence the name “Erlong River” (Two Dragons River). The area is flanked by peculiar peaks and quiet valleys, interspersed with pine forests forming natural canopies, lush green grass, birds singing among fragrant flowers, and the gentle sound of flowing water.

Liangdian Gorge, located in the heart of Liupan Mountain, enjoys a moist climate, elegant surroundings, and beautiful scenery. Since ancient times, it has been a renowned summer retreat. Historical records indicate that during his western campaign, Genghis Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty, once stayed here to rest and prepare his troops, and pavilions and towers were built in the area. To this day, relics such as a tethering stone for horses, pillar bases, horse troughs, and flagpole stands remain.

The Botanical Garden mainly features ecological plants. It consists of 24 zones, including 0 Garden, Xiayang Garden, Qiuyi Garden, Jiamu Garden, Rose Garden, Wild Fruit Garden, Birdsong Forest, Sanyou Garden, Fragrance Garden, Azalea Garden, Evergreen Garden, Qiolong Exhibition Area, Mountain Watermill, Wild Bao Pillow Stream, Autumn Color Garden, Introduction and Domestication Garden, Vine Garden, Rare Animals and Plants Garden, Wetland Animals and Plants Garden, and Herbal Medicine Garden. Transportation: You can hire a car from the county town, with costs generally around 160 yuan.　

Guyuan City, Ningxia