Baotaishan National Forest Park in Yongping County, Dali
Overview
Baotaishan National Forest Park (宝台山国家森林公园) is situated in Baotaishan (宝台山) within Yongping County (永平县), part of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture (大理白族自治州) in Yunnan Province (云南省), China. The park spans a total area of 1,047 hectares, with rich biodiversity and a significant historical background.
- Chinese Name: 宝台山国家森林公园
- Location: Yongping County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
- Total Area: 1,047 hectares
- Elevation: 1,000 to 3,000 meters
- Number of Scenic Areas: 5
- Number of Attractions: 21
Geographic Location
Baotaishan National Forest Park is strategically located, bordered by the Jin Guang Temple Natural Reserve Experimental Area (金光寺自然保护区实验区) to the southeast, southwest, and northeast. To the north, it borders Shueixie Township (水泄乡).
Park Boundaries
- East: Park entrance to the watershed, approximately 4,200 meters.
- South: From the watershed to Erding Peak (二顶), approximately 3,500 meters.
- West: From Erding Peak to the main peak of Bodao Mountain (薄刀山), approximately 2,800 meters.
- North: From the main peak of Bodao Mountain to the entrance, approximately 3,700 meters.
The park’s total area encompasses 9,584 hectares, preserving its original ecology with dense forests, rich species diversity, and numerous cultural and historical sites.
Resource Status
The park features a diverse elevation range, from 1,150 to 2,913 meters, contributing to significant vertical climatic variation. The forest composition reflects a rich tapestry of plant life.
- Vegetation Cover: 96.68%
- Plant Diversity:
- Total Species: 1,001
- Ferns: 90 species from 22 families and 41 genera
- Seed Plants: 911 species from 134 families and 443 genera
Rare plants and ancient species, including Yunnan magnolia (云南木莲花), tree rhododendrons (大树杜鹃), and fragrant Camellia (云南山茶), can be found throughout the park. Additionally, wildlife such as the Golden Leopard (金钱豹), Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (金丝猴), and Green Peacock (绿孔雀) thrive in this rich ecosystem, with over 30 species under national protection.
Historical Background
The park houses the historic Jin Guang Temple (金光寺), built in the first year of the Chongzhen era (崇祯元年, 1628). Known for its impressive architecture and intricate carvings, it represents a rare artistic treasure in the region. The temple is a vital site for the study of Buddhism in Yunnan and contains numerous valuable manuscripts and artifacts.
Renowned geographer Xu Xiake (徐霞客) visited the temple in 1639, providing detailed accounts of Baotaishan’s beauty, praising it with the phrase:
“余至省，即闻此山之盛”
(“When I arrived here, I heard of the mountain’s grandeur.”)
In March 1994, the provincial government designated Baotaishan as a provincial-level natural reserve. On December 23, 2005, it was officially recognized as a National Forest Park of Yunnan.
Travel Information
How to Get There
- By Public Transport:
- Dali Airport (大理机场), Dali Railway Station (大理火车站), and Baoshan Airport (保山机场) are about 90 kilometers from Yongping County. Various public transport options are available for easy access.
- By Car:
- Utilize navigation applications to drive to the park, which is well-marked and accessible.
Travel Tips
- Admission Fees:
- Adult Ticket: Free
- Children’s Ticket: Free
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Best Time to Visit: October and November, offering ideal weather conditions.
- Attractions: Experience stunning mountain views, rivers, and dense forests.
- Cultural Sites: Explore the park and recreational areas, especially the historical Jin Guang Temple.
- National Certification: Recognized as a National Forest Park (国家级森林公园).
- Travel Preferences: Perfect for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and those seeking outdoor adventures.
By following these guidelines and immersing yourself in the rich natural and cultural heritage of Baotaishan National Forest Park, you can ensure a memorable experience in this captivating Yunnan destination.
