Guguan Forest Park

　　Ningqiang County’s Guguan Forest Park is situated in the southwestern part of the county, around 17 kilometers from the county seat. It extends about 4 kilometers from east to west and 3 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 640 hectares. The park features lush forests, abundant grass, towering peaks, serene valleys, winding streams, and a cool, pleasant climate, boasting rich tourism resources. It is a radiant pearl along the Shu Road and holds great potential for development as an open tourist destination.

　　The park is home to vast areas of coniferous forests and a diverse range of broadleaf tree species. In spring, all things come back to life—tender buds sprout, wildflowers bloom brilliantly, and the warm breeze carries a fragrant scent, creating an enchanting atmosphere. In the scorching summer, dense foliage provides deep shade, while refreshing mountain breezes bring a cool and pleasant respite from the heat. In late autumn, pines and bamboos remain vibrant green, and red leaves drift like flowing boats. Fallen branches in the mountains release their fragrance into the nearby villages. In winter, snow blankets the landscape, forests turn into a vast sea of white, and trees are adorned with glistening frost and snow, resembling a world adorned in jade. Silver dragons seem to dance among the mountains, heavy snow weighs down the green pines, yet the vibrant green of the pine branches stands out even more strikingly. Major forest landscapes include “Pine Sea at Dawn,” “Breezy Green Firs,” “Qin Willow in Snow,” “Tea Garden,” “Flower Viewing by the Winding Stream,” “Moonlit Pine Ridge,” and “Birdsong in Flower Villages.”

　　The park lies within the Bashan Mountain Range. Its highest peak, Hongshiliang (elevation 1,859 meters), stretches across the park from northeast to southwest. The peak is majestic and towering. Atop the peak stands the Stone Gate, where massive rocks face each other, standing prominently above the sea of green pines. Shakouba Valley is a major ravine in the park, featuring a valley that alternates between openness and seclusion. In some sections, steep cliffs press in on both sides, making the sky appear as a thin line. The valley varies in width and twists and turns unpredictably, shifting between light and shadow, offering endless charm. In the southern part of the park lies the spectacular Orchid Stone Sea, where huge black-colored boulders—some as large as houses and others as small as cows—are strewn across the mountainside, resembling a sea of stones. Major landform landscapes include “Red Cliff and Emerald Shadows,” “Maitreya Rock,” “Eight Immortals Cliff,” “Stone Gate,” “Stone Screen and Exotic Pines,” “Princess Cave,” “Giant Elephant Playing in Water,” “Viewing the Grand Pass,” and “Orchid Stone Sea.”

　　The park's main streams include Hui Shui River, Ma Huang Gully, and Shaheba. Hui Shui River and Ma Huang Gully are tributaries of the Yudai River, which flows into the Han River. Shaheba belongs to the Jialing River system. The park enjoys abundant water resources, with crystal-clear streams flowing year-round. Some parts feature rapid currents crashing against cliffs and rocks, splashing silver-white spray, while others meander gently, murmuring softly, carrying the hues of green and blue. Mountain streams form pools in many places, where emerald peaks and blooming flowers are mirrored in the water, enhancing the allure of the pools.

　　Guguan: It is one of the four ancient Shu Roads passes in Ningqiang (the other three being Wuding Pass, Guguan, Xiqin First Pass, and Qipan Pass). The Ningqiang area is known for its overlapping passes, famous for their treacherous paths, breathtaking scenery, and challenging terrain. Guguan is located 13 kilometers southwest of the county town and serves as the watershed between the Han River and Jialing River basins. From the top of the pass, one can look southeast to the majesty of Hongshiliang and northwest to the beauty of Cai Shanling. Lush mountains stretch into the distance, and the sea of clouds spreads far and wide. The mountain paths below twist and turn like giant serpents in motion.

　　Princess Tomb: Historical records indicate that the Princess Tomb, located in Sipingli within the park, was originally the grave of Li Zicheng’s daughter, the leader of the peasant rebellion. After the failure of Li Zicheng’s uprising, his daughter wandered to Ningqiang, became a nun in Sipingli, and lived in seclusion until her death. She was buried here, hence the name “Princess Tomb.”

　　Princess Temple: The temple where Li Zicheng’s daughter became a nun is known as the Princess Temple. It is now located deep within the park.

　　Scenic Area Address: 17 kilometers southwest of Ningqiang County, Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province