Ankang Phoenix Mountain Forest Park

　　Phoenix Mountain Forest Park is a national 2A-level tourist attraction, located in Hengkou Town, Hanbin District, Ankang City. It enjoys convenient transportation, situated just 35 kilometers from the city center, covering an area of 19,800 mu with a forest coverage rate of over 85%. The entire mountain range boasts majestic terrain, lush greenery, and stretches for hundreds of miles. Ankang Phoenix Mountain Forest Park was approved as a provincial-level forest park by the Provincial Forestry Department in September 1997. The park has an operational area of 584.4 hectares and is divided into four scenic areas: Yunwu Mountain Scenic Area, Wangheya Scenic Area, Grotto Mountain Scenic Area, and Xizhu Garden Scenic Area, with over thirty developed attractions. The forest landscape here is beautiful, with a forest coverage rate of 78% within the park. Vast green mountains are covered with dense, lush forests, where verdant trees and vines twist and sway, creating a picturesque scene. There are more than 370 species of plants and trees.

　　The park also features unique geomorphological landscapes. Situated along the main ridge of Phoenix Mountain, it has an average elevation of 1,100 meters. Climbing to the main peak and looking out, you can see rolling mountains all around, with fields crisscrossing the valleys below, farmhouses dotting the landscape, and smoke gently rising from chimneys. Countless cliffs compete in beauty, and valleys rush with streams. Birds sing in the spring gullies, and rare birds nest in the dense woods. During the holidays or on leisure days, strolling through this place delights the eyes and lifts the spirit, offering a refreshing and tranquil experience. Its uniquely ecological tourism environment is truly captivating.

　　The main peak of Phoenix Mountain is located at Tiewadian in Pingliang Town, Hanyin County, with an elevation of 2,128 meters. It spans four counties (cities)—Ankang, Shiquan, Hanyin, and Ziyang—and is the largest in span, broadest in area, and highest in peak within the Ankang region. The Phoenix Mountain within NiuTi Township of the city, with an elevation of 1,891 meters, is also one of Shaanxi’s famous mountains.

　　The "Xing’an Prefecture Annals: Record of Phoenix Mountain" states: “In southern Shaanxi, one can see Ankang’s Phoenix Mountain, stretching over 300 li, its momentum like a dancing dragon. Even the world’s most famous mountains seem hardly its equal. This mountain is crowned with hundreds of vibrant lotus-like peaks that soar boldly into the blue sky. Below, the Han River meanders, with murmuring springs and rocks producing the deepest and most serene echoes. This is indeed one of the great scenic wonders of Zhongnan. Lying against the green cliffs, shaded by parasol and cypress trees, one can gaze into the distance and see mists gathering and dispersing in the deep valleys, or the sunset casting its glow over solitary mountain peaks. Whether near or far, the main peak seems like a waterfall pouring from a water kettle or clouds flying from a crane’s back. That is why it was named Phoenix. Perhaps it is because of its towering form and radiant five-colored hues? Or the magnificent peaks shining with nine colors? Or maybe because the phoenix of Qishan was born here and sang its song there…” This vivid description portrays the grandeur, powerful vitality, and breathtaking scenery of Phoenix Mountain. Reading it feels like being there in person, stirring deep emotion.

　　Scenic Area Address: Within Hengkou Town, Hanbin District, Ankang City, Shaanxi Province

　　Transportation by Bus: Take a minibus from downtown Ankang headed to Ziyang County and get off midway, or hire a car in Hengkou Town.

　　Self-Driving Route: Ankang City – via S316 – Hengkou Town – onto S310 (toward Ziyang) – turn left at the signpost into the park fork road – go straight to reach the scenic area