Yumuchuan Scenic Area

Yumuchuan Scenic Area

The Yumuchuan Scenic Area is located within the Sandaogou Forest Farm, over 30 kilometers from the county town (15 kilometers from the Xishanwan Scenic Area), and is currently applying for the status of a “National Forest Park.” It is a natural scenic area awaiting development.

Yumuchuan is one of Asia’s rare natural elm forests, forming a long, narrow belt along the riverbanks, also known as the Ten-Thousand-Mu Elm Forest. On the sparsely treed grasslands of the Xilingol Grassland, the abundant water sources in Duolun nourish dense forests. The terrain in the forest is relatively flat, and the serene, beautiful elm trees stand quietly. Due to the dense tree cover, ample water supply, and an altitude of over 1,400 meters, the Yumuchuan Scenic Area has developed its own unique microclimate. In summer, even when the weather is hot, the interconnected canopies of the natural elm trees block out the sun, allowing only dappled sunlight to filter through, creating a cool and pleasant environment in the woods. In the shaded valleys and pools, there are even year-round ice formations.

Historical records state that in July of the 22nd year of the Yongle era (1424), the Ming Emperor Chengzu, Zhu Di, fell ill on his way back to the capital after successfully campaigning against the Northern Yuan leader Arughtai (after the fall of the Yuan Dynasty, the Mongols retreated north of the Great Wall and established a regime historically referred to as the Northern Yuan). Seeking a place with beautiful scenery and a cool climate for recovery, he chose Yumuchuan in what is now the Sandaogou Forest Farm. However, due to the severity of his illness (reportedly contracted dysentery), he eventually passed away in Yumuchuan. Even during the peak heat of July, Zhu Di’s body was preserved intact and transported back to the capital. This was possible because the ice blocks retrieved from the shaded pools of Yumuchuan were used to cool his remains. As the coffin moved forward, a team of fast horses continuously transported fresh ice from behind, ensuring a constant supply that preserved the emperor’s body and allowed it to reach the capital without decay.

Most of the elms in Yumuchuan are over a hundred years old. Naturally formed, each tree has its own unique shape—there are “lovers’ trees” twisted together and “mother-and-child trees” nestled beside larger trunks, displaying a variety of fascinating forms. The natural elm forest, together with the grasslands, sandy areas, Luan River water, and rustic suspension bridges along the banks, creates a wildly charming landscape. It serves as an excellent destination for leisure and escaping the summer heat. In late autumn, golden leaves hang from the branches, swaying as if about to fall, offering a distinctive view. In winter, the area is covered in silvery white, presenting an exceptionally enchanting scene.