Riding on the coattails of APEC, relevant units in the capital unexpectedly received a six-day holiday. “Not adding to APEC traffic” quickly became a popular online joke. While netizens from other regions marveled at the capital’s perks, long-suffering residents of the smog-plagued city voiced their complaints. Don’t forget to give your “lungs” a break during the APEC holiday. Here are some great “lung-cleansing” destinations.
1. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in Zhangjiajie City in northwestern Hunan, within the eastern section of the Wulingyuan Mountain Range. The area features numerous dramatic peaks and secluded valleys, with exceptionally rich forest resources and a forest coverage rate of 97.7%. It is China’s first national-level forest park, known as the “land of 3,000 unique peaks and 800 beautiful waters.” Among them, Yuanjiajie stands out as the core scenic area of the park due to its extraordinary peaks and peculiar rocks. Its real-time PM2.5 levels consistently rank among the best in the nation, with air quality rated as excellent year-round. The area has over 100,000 negative oxygen ions per cubic centimeter, earning it the title “natural oxygen bar.” With the crisp autumn air upon us, immerse yourself in the forest park, breathe deeply, and cleanse your lungs of smog and dust.
Additionally, visitors don’t have to worry about long queues. The Bailong Elevator, which takes you to Yuanjiajie, can whisk you from the mountain base to the summit in just two minutes.
2. Qiandao Lake National Forest Park
Qiandao Lake National Forest Park is located in Chun’an County, Zhejiang Province, about 150 kilometers from both Hangzhou and Huangshan. It serves as the backyard of the Yangtze River Delta. The scenic area boasts crystal-clear waters, uniquely shaped islands, breathtaking natural scenery, and an outstanding ecological environment. It gets its name from the 1,078 emerald-green islands dotting the lake. Qiandao Lake is one of China’s first national-level scenic spots and also the country’s largest forest park. The lake covers an area of 573 square kilometers, containing 1,078 islands of various sizes, with an average depth of 34 meters and visibility reaching up to 12 meters, classifying it as Grade I water quality. In this season of crisp autumn air, take a boat ride on Qiandao Lake to wash away the smog from your lungs.
3. Jiuzhaigou National Forest Park
As the saying goes, “See the mountains in Zhangjiajie, see the waters in Jiuzhaigou.” Jiuzhaigou National Forest Park is located in Jiuzhaigou County, situated in the transitional zone from the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau to the Sichuan Basin. Its unique geology and landforms, shaped by millions of years of erosion and cutting, create a secluded terrain of high mountains and deep valleys, exuding a strong sense of pristine wilderness. Lush green mountains and clear waters define the area, with a forest coverage rate of 70%.
4. Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Park
Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Park is located east of Jinghong and north of the Lancang River. It is China’s only tropical rainforest nature reserve, characterized by a warm and humid climate, lush trees, and tangled vines. Many rare birds and animals inhabit this tropical jungle. The reserve features a mix of various forest types, including eight vegetation types and over 3,500 species of higher plants, accounting for about one-eighth of the nation’s total. Among these, 58 species are classified as rare or endangered and are under national protection, making up 15% of the country’s protected plant species. Over 5,000 species of tropical plants and animals thrive on nearly 20,000 square kilometers of land in Xishuangbanna—an awe-inspiring sight.
5. Wuzhishan
Wuzhishan is located in the central-southern part of Hainan Island, surrounded by mountains and dense forests. Known as the “Emerald Mountain City,” it is the highest peak on Hainan Island and has been designated as an A-level tourist destination by international tourism organizations. The mountain lies in the central part of Hainan Island, with undulating peaks resembling five fingers—hence its name. The Wuzhishan area is covered with lush tropical primeval forests that stretch endlessly. Most of Hainan’s major rivers originate here, where the interplay of mountain scenery and water creates a uniquely spectacular landscape.