Daxiong Mountain National Forest Park

　　The area features towering peaks, ancient trees, and a diverse range of wildlife, making it an important forested region and a spectacular scenic destination in Xinhua. Sima Qian’s Records of the Grand Historian mentions that the Yellow Emperor traveled south to the river and ascended Xiongxiang. Research suggests that Xiongxiang refers to Daxiong Mountain.

　　In recent years, stone inscriptions have been discovered at the site of an ancient temple on the mountain, documenting the visit of the Yellow Emperor. Local folklore says the Yellow Emperor was guided here during his southern tour, hence the name “Bear Mountain.” This is the homeland of Chiyou and the birthplace of the Miao and Yao peoples. The undulating mountains include the highest peak in central Hunan, Jiulong Peak, which stands at 1,662 meters above sea level, standing opposite the 1,602-meter-high Lookout Platform. Over 40 peaks exceeding 1,000 meters form a grand mountain range stretching across central Hunan for hundreds of miles, an awe-inspiring sight. Each peak is shrouded in mist, presenting ever-changing views.

　　The dense forests here are home to an exceptionally rich diversity of species. More than 20 types of nationally protected plants, including ancient yews, and over 10 types of nationally protected animals, such as clouded leopards, thrive in their own habitats. A thousand-year-old ginkgo tree, with a crown spread of over 320 square meters, is known as the “King of Ginkgos in Hunan.” The ancient woods, peculiar trees, rare flowers, wild birds, and animals complement one another. Verdant bamboo groves, endless red azaleas, vast fields of dwarf bamboo, and weathered alpine thickets create a colorful and vibrant forest landscape. Legend says that after Chiyou was defeated, he led the Jiuli tribes to plant plum, azalea, and maple trees across the land—hence the sea of red maples in autumn, embodying the ancient vision of plum blossoms blooming in the snow, heralding a mountainside in crimson bloom.

　　Mountain roads wind through shaded forests, where swaying bamboo, fragrant blossoms, and birdsong abound. In the valleys, clear springs, waterfalls, and babbling streams create sounds like music. The Fanjia Cave cliff is dissected vertically, from which a hundred-foot-long white cascade appears to float mid-air. The waterfall plunges down, with silver threads splashing, beads of mist spraying, and clouds swirling in a spectacular display. Standing before the waterfall, one looks up to see thousands of luminous pearls tumbling down, with rainbows and flying jade-like droplets, accompanied by a thunderous roar like rolling spring thunder, stirring the soul.

　　The beauty of Daxiong Mountain has attracted everyone from emperors to commoners. Forty-eight temples and monasteries, including Xiongshan Ancient Temple and Xiquan Temple, have thrived for millennia, drawing countless worshippers. Daxiong Mountain has shaped the spirit of its people.

　　The main peak of Daxiong Mountain, Jiulong Pool, rises 1,622 meters above sea level, making it the highest point in the Loudi region. At the summit lies a pool with ink-dark waters, so cool it penetrates to the bone. Remarkably, nine clear springs bubble up from the bottom of the pool, continuously gushing with sand and spraying pearls, accompanied by a pleasant bubbling sound.