Shunhuangshan Forest Park

　　Shunhuangshan Forest Park The renowned Shunhuangshan, hailed as the “Number One Peak of the Chu Kingdom,” earned its illustrious name as Emperor Shun once made a southern tour and set up camp here. Shunhuangshan Forest Park is located in Xinning County in the southwestern border of Hunan Province, standing majestically on the northern slope of the central section of the Yuecheng Mountain Range.

　　Since its opening in 1994, Shunhuangshan has attracted numerous domestic and international tourists, scholars, and researchers with its ancient cultural history, stunning natural scenery, abundant forest resources, and pleasant climate. It has become a radiant jewel along the popular tourism route from Guilin to Zhangjiajie in southern China.

　　The main peak of Shunhuangshan stands at 1,882.4 meters above sea level. The area features overlapping mountain ranges, rugged rocks, and dense, lush forests. It possesses a typical mid-subtropical mountain climate with valleys and basins. The temperature remains mild in both winter and summer, and the air is humid. This unique ecological environment once served as a refuge for flora and fauna from both the north and south during the glacial catastrophe 400 million years ago. According to surveys, the over 50,000 acres of preserved primary-secondary forests here are home to more than 2,400 species of higher plants, including 105 families, 334 genera, and 917 species of woody plants; over 700 species of medicinal plants; and 418 species of precious trees.

　　There are 42 tree species under national protection, including ancient relict species such as Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Tetracentron sinense, Emmenopterys henryi, and Tapiscia sinensis. Rare species include the resourceful Abies ziyuanensis, Nothotsuga longibracteata, and the Southern Yew; there are also highly valuable beech trees and the exceptionally rare groupings of Pinus kwangtungensis.

　　The area boasts an especially rich diversity of animal species, among which 38 are under national protection, including the South China Tiger, Red-faced Monkey, Large Indian Civet, Clouded Leopard, and Black Bear. There is also the horned forest frog, the four-legged winged “flying tiger” with fur, and scientists have dubbed Shunhuangshan a “treasure trove of living fossils” and a “biogenetic reservoir.”

　　After the establishment of the forest park, it was divided into three major scenic areas, encompassing over 120 attractions.

　　There are vividly lifelike scenes such as “Shunhuang Viewing Platform” and “Xiangfei Sunbathing in Modesty”; marvels of nature like “Fengtuo Protecting Buddha” and “Guanyin Sitting on a Lotus Pedestal”; exquisitely detailed sights like “Spirit Turtle Crossing the Ridge” and “Twin Consorts Searching for Their Husband”; as well as the ruins of an ancient temple commemorating Emperor Shun’s hunting here and the original Xiang-Gui passage formed by the ancient tribute of Lingnan lychees to the capital. The park’s scenery is characterized by its ancient charm, beauty, uniqueness, seclusion, peril, and mystery.

　　Legend has it that in ancient times, Emperor Shun was enthralled by the mountain’s spectacular scenery during his southern tour. Later, upon seeing 18 evil dragons wreaking havoc here and causing great suffering to all living beings, he brandished his sword, mounted his warhorse three times, and fought nine fierce battles. In the end, he beheaded the dragons and subdued the spirit turtle, transforming the evil dragons into 18 small rivers that forever flow for the people. Today, remnants of the “Three Horses, Nine Plains, and Eighteen Rivers” can still be found here. After Shunhuang departed for Jiuyi Mountain, his beloved consorts Ehuang and Nüying followed in his footsteps to this mountain in search of him. Numerous stone likenesses and beautiful legends of the consorts remain here. The park experiences distinct seasons, each with its own charm. Facilities for dining, accommodation, transportation, sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment are all well-established. With convenient transport and warm, attentive service, it is indeed an ideal destination for those seeking to reconnect with nature and enjoy outdoor adventure.

　　The area boasts abundant local produce, including fir, miscellaneous timber, nanmu bamboo, and various bamboo and wood products. It also produces natural resources such as ganoderma, gastrodia elata, gynostemma pentaphyllum, and kiwi fruit. Business owners are welcome to inquire about orders, investors from home and abroad are encouraged to establish factories, and tourists from around the world are invited to visit, vacation, and escape the summer heat.