Laiyanghe (Taiyanghe) National Forest Park in Puer
Chinese Name: 普洱菜阳河国家森林公园
English Name: Laiyanghe National Forest Park in Pu’er
Overview: Laiyanghe National Forest Park, previously known as Caiyanghe National Forest Park, signifies a place where the sun never sets in the hearts of Pu’er residents, and where Mother Earth continuously nurtures and sustains them. The park spans a variety of ecosystems, from torrential rivers to serene waters, and from grasslands to dense forests. It is home to a wide range of animals, including protected species such as black bears, bison, green peacocks, and macaques.
Geographical Environment: Located in the southeast of Simao City in Yunnan Province, Laiyanghe National Forest Park is situated in Nanping Town and Yixiang Town, approximately 37 km from the main urban area of Simao. The park stretches about 23 kilometers from east to west and 9 kilometers from north to south, covering an area of 216 square kilometers. It sits at the junction of subtropical and south subtropical zones, characterized by dense forests, numerous rivers and gullies, a cool climate, fresh air, and diverse flora and fauna.
The park was invested in and constructed by Mekong River Tourism Co., Ltd. in August 2011 and commenced operations in August 2013.
Natural Resources: Laiyanghe National Forest Park is in a transition area between tropical and subtropical climates, with a forest coverage rate of 94.5%. It preserves the largest and most complete subtropical monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest in China. The park experiences distinct dry and wet seasons with an annual rainfall of 1600 mm. The air is rich in negative oxygen ions (more than 30,000 per cubic centimeter throughout the year), contributing to a pleasant climate without extreme heat in summer or severe cold in winter.
The park is home to nearly 1,000 plant species, including precious and state-protected species such as “living fossil” tree ferns, Rhododendron grandis, velvety longan, Toona sinensis, and Michelia pseudoacacia. It also hosts 153 species of orchids, known as the “natural garden.”
The abundant heat, humid climate, dense forests, and rich food sources support diverse wildlife, including about 200 mammal and bird species, as well as numerous amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects. Key protected species include bison, bee monkeys, grey leaf monkeys, golden cats, clouded leopards, otters, water deer, pangolins, giant lizards, great civets, green peacocks, Sumen antelopes, black bears, and white-bellied pheasants.
The park is also the only “Javanese bison habitat” in China, earning it the title of the “hometown of bison.”
Main Attractions: The park has developed various tourism facilities, including water, electricity, and communication infrastructure, to support tourism. The first phase of tourism development by Jinzhou Group includes approximately 6 km of tourism pathways, 2 km of wooden plank roads, 12,000 m² of parking lot construction, 4,000 m² for the tourism customer service center foundation, and 400 m² for the ticketing center and ancillary facilities.
Key attractions include:
- Monkey Island
- Baiwuling
- Bird Park
- Baichong Valley
- Rhinoceros Wetland Park
- Travel Panda Park
Rhinoceros Ping Scenic Area is a comprehensive mountain attraction that integrates themes of “mountain, forest, water, and human” and showcases the rich animal resources of Yunnan along with the monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest landscape. Visitors can explore ten scenic spots including Rhinoceros Seclusion, Macaque Paradise, Fish Shadow Tracing Stream, Alsophila Path, Hippie Ape Peninsula, Osprey Playing in the Water, Butterfly Valley, Traveling Panda, Hippie Bird Paradise, and Orchid Garden. Additionally, cultural performances featuring the 14 ethnic minorities of Pu’er enhance the visitor experience.
The Taiyang River basin in Pu’er, Yunnan Province, was historically home to a large population of rhinoceros. After the last two rhinos were killed in 1933, no rhinos were found in Pu’er for 80 years. In 2010, seven rhinos from South Africa were brought to Yunnan Wildlife Park to adapt, and by March 2013, rhinos were reintroduced to their original habitat in Taiyanghe National Forest Park, where they now contribute to the establishment of a rhino population.
Tourism Information:
- Operating Hours: Tickets for Rhinoceros Ping are available from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Ticket Prices: Adult tickets cost ¥100. Various discounts are available for tour guides, senior citizens, military personnel, individuals with disabilities, and children under 1.2 meters. Local tourists from Pu’er can purchase tickets for ¥100 with ID or student cards.
Honors: On October 18, 2019, the park was selected as a “China Forest Oxygen Bar.”
Coordinates:
- Longitude: 101.11799621582
- Latitude: 22.596700668335
Ecological Resources: Laiyanghe National Forest Park features a rich variety of plant species, including 1,722 species across 196 families and 806 genera, with 22 protected species and a forest coverage rate of 91.8%. Vegetation types include tropical seasonal rainforests, deciduous seasonal rainforests, monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forests, deciduous broad-leaved forests, warm temperate evergreen coniferous forests, and secondary shrub forests. Notable species include the ancient “living fossil” tree ferns, red chinkapin, red osmanthus, and precious tree species like the false michelia. The park’s diverse plant resources create unique and picturesque forest landscapes.
The park also supports over 200 species of mammals and birds, including key protected species like Javanese bison, bee monkeys, golden cats, clouded leopards, and many others. Amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects are abundant as well. It is the only known habitat for Javanese bison in China, earning it the nickname “hometown of bison.” The park officially opened in 1993.
Tourism Spots: The park has developed several premium tourist attractions including:
- Tea Horse Road Relics
- Orchid Valley
- Yellow Bamboo Forest
- Jade Growth Field
Additionally, three resort areas provide a retreat into a pristine, idyllic environment:
- Longtan Resort
- Tianbi Resort
- Treehouse Resort
