Honghe Valley Forest Park

　　Honghe Valley Forest Park is situated in the Honghe River Basin at the northern foot of the main peak of the Qinling Mountains, Taibai Mountain. It borders the Taibai Mountain National Forest Park to the east and the Taibai Mountain Nature Reserve to the southwest. The park covers a planned area of 2,341 hectares, featuring lush forests with a forest coverage rate of over 91.7%, and its highest elevation reaches 3,666.6 meters.

　　Honghe Valley Forest Park lies in a transitional zone where flora and fauna from different regions converge, showcasing characteristics of both north-south and east-west biodiversity. It serves as a natural alpine botanical and zoological garden. Surveys have identified over 1,500 species of seed plants, more than 300 species of mosses, over 260 species of wild animals, and approximately 1,400 species of forest birds and insects. Among them, 26 plant species are under national key protection, including Taibai redwood, Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Tetracentron sinense, and Circaeaster agrestis. Precious wild animals include over ten species such as golden monkeys, antelopes, clouded leopards, giant salamanders, serows, and golden pheasants. The forest vegetation exhibits distinct vertical distribution patterns influenced by climate and soil conditions, holding significant ornamental and research value.

　　The natural landscapes are uniquely majestic and picturesque. In the low mountain areas, paths wind along the mountains with ever-changing scenery, accompanied by murmuring streams and dense woodlands. The mid-mountain areas feature steep terrain, towering peaks facing each other, layered ridges, and rugged rocks, presenting a spectacular momentum. Waterfalls cascade like curtains, and stone pillars resemble rainbows. Among them is the Red Cliff of Honghe, one of the Eight Scenic Spots of Taibai. The high mountain areas showcase remnants of Quaternary glaciers and alpine lakes, all wondrous and enchanting. The forest landscapes vary beautifully with the seasons. In spring, flowers bloom across the mountains in vibrant colors; in summer, dense green foliage glistens with vitality; in autumn, frosted leaves blaze like fire, dyeing the forests in layers of color; and in winter, everything is blanketed in silvery white, resembling ice sculptures.

　　The cultural landscapes are rich and complement the natural scenery. Upon entering the forest park and following the Honghe River upstream, visitors can find historical sites such as Jinlin Temple, Wen Cave Temple, Lotus Cave, Guanyin Temple, Jade Emperor Tower, and Xiaowengong Temple. Nearby the park are also temples and scenic spots like Haoping Temple, Zhongshan Temple, Upper Baiyun, Lower Baiyun, Dianbingchang (Troop Inspection Ground), Dadian (Grand Hall), Doumu Palace, and Ping’an Temple—important sites for Buddhist and Taoist activities.

　　

　　Honghe Valley is located within Yingtou Town, Meixian County, Baoji City, on the northern foothills of the main peak of Taibai Mountain. It is 120 kilometers from Xi'an and 60 kilometers from Baoji.

　　Honghe Valley is one of the ancient routes to climb Taibai Mountain. Now a forest park, it has developed four scenic areas with over 80 attractions. Upon entering the park, visitors can see religious and cultural relics such as Jinglin Temple, Xian Cave Temple, Jade Emperor Pavilion, and Guanyin Cliff. The park features perilous mountain terrain, deep rocky gorges, cascading waterfalls, and deep pools. The ancient and serene Taigong Stone Boat and the mysterious Twin Cave Waterfall are highlights. Other attractions include Panlong Bay and Doumu Waterfall.

　　Honghe Valley contains unique Quaternary glacial relics, a specialty of Taibai Mountain, allowing visitors to witness the wonder of glacial rock seas without ascending high altitudes. The park also offers views of “Red Cliff of Honghe,” “Doumu Soaring Peak,” and “Ping’an Sea of Clouds” from the Eight Scenic Spots of Taibai, as well as the famed “Taibai Snow Accumulation” from the Eight Scenic Spots of the Guanzhong Region.

　　Ticket Price: Peak Season: 60 | Off-Peak Season: 30 | Inquiry Phone: 0917-5790019

　　Postal Code: 722308 | Scenic Area Address: Yingtou Town, Meixian County