Park of China
Overview
| Designation | National Park of China (second batch) |
| Province | Chongqing |
| Location | South of Nanchuan, south-east of Chongqing |
| Mountains | Dalou Mountains |
| Latitude, longitude | 29.0, 107.2 Google Maps |
| Highlights | Primeval forest |
| Top sights | Cathaya trees |
| Area | 1,300 km² |
| Highest point | 2,251 m |
| Nearby cities | Chongqing |
| Nearby sites | Furong River, Wulong 71km, Mount Jinyun 118km, Chishui Scenic Area 138km, Dazu Rock Carvings 144km, Fanjingshan 193km Search nearby |
| Themes | Mountain, Forest, Plant, Cliff, Karst, Buddha, Cave, Cable Car, Bamboo forests, Ancient trees |
About
Mount Jinfo (“Golden Buddha”) lies in Nanchuan District in south-east Chongqing, a spur of the eastern Dalou Mountains; its main peak, Fengchuiling, is 2,251 m. The scenic area covers 1,300 km², with 264 km² open to visitors.
It consists of three mountains, Jinfo, Baizhi and Qingba; the main peak rises more than 1,900 m above its foot, forest cover is 76% and about 30% is primeval forest.
A limestone karst landscape, deeply cut and majestic, it holds ancient cave systems.
Wildlife is rich and large butterflies are found. The living fossil Cathaya argyrophylla, extensive square-bamboo groves, ancient great tea trees, wild gingko and the “king of rhododendrons” are called the five wonders of Jinfo.
It is in the second batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 1988.
Travel tips
Getting there: Mount Jinfo is in Nanchuan district of Chongqing. Take a train or bus from central Chongqing to Nanchuan and then a local vehicle up the mountain; allow one to two hours.
Areas: the park is divided into north, south and west slopes, each with its own cable car or shuttle; choose one or two.
Main sights: the Fengchuiling summit area, cliff-side walkways and large stands of square bamboo; the top has wide views.
Cable cars and paths: the north slope has a cable car to the top, and paths for walking up or down; level circuits at the top are easy walking.
Plants and animals: the Cathaya silver fir, square bamboo and rhododendrons are the highlights; rhododendrons bloom in spring and the bamboo forest is best in autumn.
Season: summer is cool on the mountain, a good time to escape the heat; winter often brings snow and low temperatures at the top.
Time: a day covers the main sights of the north slope; a sunrise or more areas need two days.
Caution: the weather changes quickly and cloud is common; warm clothes and non-slip shoes are useful.
Photo credits: Mount Jinfo: Shallowell (CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons)
Nearby
| World Heritage | Furong River, Wulong 71km, Chishui Scenic Area 138km, Tusi Sites 139km, Dazu Rock Carvings 144km |
| National parks | Simian Mountains 86km, Mount Jinyun 118km, Wu River Gorges, Yanhe 129km, Jiangjie River, Weng’an 193km |
| AAAAA attractions | Heishan Valley Scenic Area 21km, Wulong Karst Tourist Area 85km, Ayi River Scenic Area 92km, Youyang Peach Blossom Spring Scenic Area 155km |
| AAAA attractions | Shenlong Gorge 13km, Gelao Culture Tourist Scenic Area 43km, Gujian Mountain 57km, East Hot Spring Scenic Area 58km |
| Historic cities | Chongqing 87km |
| Cities | Chongqing 85km |
| Historical sites | Yin Daozhen Wuben Hall in Zheng'an 29km |
| National geoparks | Wansheng National Geopark 26km, Qijiang National Geopark 46km, Huayingshan National Geopark 140km |