Forty-eight Troughs Forest Park

　　Forty-eight Troughs Forest Park is located in Lianhua Township in the western part of Yunyang County, covering an area of approximately 8 square kilometers. It features dense forests and a rich variety of species, including more than 2,000 subtropical plants such as Cyclobalanopsis glauca, ginkgo, Cathaya argyrophylla, and camphor trees, as well as over 20 types of animals such as wild boars, river deer, wild goats, foxes, monkeys, rabbits, golden pheasants, and pheasants. The altitude ranges from about 180 to 1,100 meters, making it a great destination for exploring nature and escaping the heat.

　　The overall master plan for Forty-eight Troughs Forest Park (2001–2010) was completed and reviewed in August 2001 by the Chongqing Forestry Science Research Institute and the Chongqing Forest Survey and Design Team. The “Master Plan” defines the nature and positioning of Forty-eight Troughs Forest Park as a provincial-level forest park characterized by the mid-subtropical mid-low mountain forest landscape of the Three Gorges Reservoir Area. It integrates forest tourism, leisure vacations, recreational fitness, science education, scientific exploration, and Buddhist pilgrimage.

　　Since being designated as a provincial forest park in 1998, the county forestry bureau and the Forty-eight Troughs Forest Farm have invested over 2 million yuan to develop the Dabao Temple scenic area. Developments include one resort lodge (Dabao Hotel), multiple simple forest cabins for accommodation and rest, three observation pavilions, a reservoir with a capacity of 3,000 m³ (for domestic water supply), and 9.7 km of forest roads along with 13.5 km of walking trails for visitors. Now equipped with water, electricity, and communication facilities, it has preliminary conditions to receive tourists. To further unlock its forest tourism potential, Yunyang is accelerating the construction of attractions and supporting facilities. It is believed that in the near future, Forty-eight Troughs Forest Park will become another highlight of tourism in the Three Gorges Reservoir Area.