Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park

　　Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park is situated on the southern side of the historic and cultural city of Fenghuang in Xiangxi, Hunan Province — the ancient town of Fenghuang. The park ranges in elevation from 500 to 1,000 meters, covering a total area of 2,240 hectares with 4 scenic zones and 32 individual attractions. With a forest coverage rate of 96%, the park wraps around the ancient town in a crescent shape, while the clear Tuojiang River flows through the town. The natural beauty of the park complements the many cultural sites of the ancient town, forming a picturesque scene where the ancient town nestles within the forest, and the park lies within the city — a beautiful tapestry integrating antiquity, elegance, refinement, and mystique. The green mountains, clear waters, and ancient town blend seamlessly, enhancing each other’s charm.

　　The predecessor of Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park was the Nanhua State-owned Forest Farm. In 1992, it was officially established as Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park with approval from the Ministry of Forestry. The park makes full use of its rich forest ecological and cultural resources to develop forest ecotourism-themed attractions. Various gardens have been introduced and built over time, including the Peach Blossom Garden, Azalea Garden, Winter Sweet Garden, Osmanthus Garden, Cherry Garden, Shawan Scenic Area, Qifeng Temple, Nanhua Forest Sanatorium, and Nanhua Zen Temple. At an elevation of 571.9 meters, Nanhua Mountain features complex terrain with overlapping peaks and dense ridges. It has a subtropical monsoon warm temperate climate — warm, humid, with distinct seasons and pleasant weather, making it an ideal destination for tourism, summer retreats, and convalescence. After years of ecological protection and afforestation, the forest coverage rate has reached 98%. The lush forest and deep grass form thousands of layers of green. Millennium-old trees cast thick shade, while rare flowers and fragrant plants create a natural botanical garden.

　　Nanhua Mountain lies to the south of the ancient town of Fenghuang. It is a serene and mysterious green labyrinth. Rising 700 meters high, it consists of nine peaks and seven streams.

　　Nanhua Mountain is a natural paradise for flora and fauna, home to over 500 species of plants and animals, including more than 30 rare species. The area enjoys a mild climate. Mornings are veiled in light mist, while evenings glow with the purple hues of the setting sun. Whether under bright sunshine or soft rain, it captivates with poetic charm and artistic beauty all year round, fully showcasing the irresistible allure of nature.

　　Nanhua Mountain is one of China’s Seventy-Two Blessed Landscapes. It is a serene and mystical green labyrinth. The park features attractions such as Layered Greenery of Nanhua, Sunrise at East Ridge, Towering Peaks, Songbirds along the Orchid Path, Sacred Temple Bells, Golden Hook Hanging Jade, Guanyin Mountain, Shen Congwen’s Tomb, Martyrs’ Monument, Tianwang Temple, Wuhou Temple, Qifeng Temple, as well as pavilions, terraces, towers, and other cultural and natural landmarks that complement one another. The late Premier Zhou Enlai visited the ancient town of Fenghuang and inscribed the words “Ancient Town of Fenghuang.” Former Minister of Forestry Xu Youfang personally visited Nanhua National Forest Park and wrote its name.

　　Best Time to Visit

　　Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park is located in the Fenghuang region of Xiangxi, Hunan. The climate here is subtropical monsoon and humid. The area enjoys mild temperatures, distinct seasons, abundant sunlight, and plentiful rainfall, with an average annual precipitation of 1,300–1,500 millimeters. The average annual temperature ranges from 12°C to 16°C. July, the hottest month, averages between 24°C and 27°C, while January, the coldest month, averages between 1.7°C and 4.3°C. The frost-free period lasts 240–288 days. Nanhua Mountain National Forest Park is suitable for travel year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to November.

　　Major Attractions Nanhua Mountain Forest Park covers a vast area with numerous attractions, forming a mystical mountain labyrinth. The park spans a total area of over 9,500 mu, is 3 kilometers wide from east to west, and 5 kilometers long from north to south. It includes 45 peaks and 72 valleys. Notable attractions include Tiger Tail Peak, Lotus Terrace, Kuixing Pavilion, Wenchang Pavilion, Martyrs’ Monument, Observation Hill, Sunrise Platform, Golden Hook Hanging Jade, Nanhua Zen Forest, and the Nanhua Stone Stairway, among more than ten other sites.