Baohe Forest Park

　　Baohe Forest Park in Shaanxi Province is situated at the southern foot of the Qinling Mountains and the lower reaches of the Baohe River. National Highway 316 traverses the entire park from north to south. It is 15 kilometers away from Hanzhong City, a renowned historical and cultural city in China. The park is a scenic tourist area that integrates both natural and cultural landscapes. It was officially established in September 1998 with approval from the Forestry Department of Shaanxi Province. In recent years, funding has been raised by the Baohe Forest Farm to further develop the site, which is now open to the public.

　　Covering a total area of 3,312 hectares, Baohe Forest Park has a forest coverage rate of 92%, with elevations ranging from 550 to 2,037 meters. It features a typical northern subtropical humid monsoon climate. The park enjoys an average annual temperature of 14.3°C, free from intense summer heat or severe winter cold, offering distinct seasons and diverse sceneries. The forest within the park is dense and home to a wide variety of species, including over 1,500 types of seed plants and more than 200 species of wildlife. The park is divided into four major scenic areas: Hanwang Mountain, Huanghua River, Laozhangou, and Bao Si Pu. Its landscape combines the stunning elements of ruggedness, peril, beauty, and serenity, with the “Three Seas” views (wave-like seas, flower seas as splendid as brocades, and dreamy sea of clouds) being particularly captivating. The park lies at the heart of the heritage sites of the “Two Hans and Three Kingdoms” periods, boasting rich cultural landscapes and profound historical significance. These include the ruins of Hanwang Mountain where Emperor Gaozu of Han stationed his troops, the birthplace of Bao Si—the woman whose smile famously toppled kingdoms—as well as the historical sites of events such as the “Ming Repairing the Plank Road While Secretly Marching Through Chencang” and “Xiao He Chasing Han Xin Under the Moon.” The harmonious blend of natural and cultural attractions gives the park its unique charm. Baohe Forest Park is an ideal destination for sightseeing, summer retreats, as well as for scientific research, camping, and spiritual enrichment. There are 51 scenic spots in total, including famous water features such as Huanghua Waterfall, Mirror Pool Reflecting Greenery, Gold-Silver Du Falls, and Secluded Valley Seven-Tiered Falls; rock formations like Frog Gazing at the Moon, Snoring Sleep Rock, and Towering Peaks; and historical sites such as Hanwang Overlook, Hanwang City Ruins, Plank Road Cliffs, and Dam Dragon Coil.

　　Gold-Silver Du Falls: Located at the initial section of the plank road in the Huanghua River scenic area, this waterfall cascades down from a towering cliff dozens of meters high. Sunlight refracts through the water, creating golden and silver hues, hence its name.

　　Snoring Sleep Rock: This rock hangs dramatically over the cliff, connected to the rock wall only by a small corner. It features dozens of tiny holes, and when the wind blows, it sways from side to side while emitting a “whooshing” sound. Even when pushed by hand, it shows signs of rocking.

　　Hanwang City Ruins: Situated at the highest peak of the Hanwang Mountain scenic area, at an elevation of 2,037 meters, these are the remains of the spot where Emperor Gaozu of Han stationed his troops while crossing the mountain pass. Some of the original stone walls can still be seen today.