Daweishan National Forest Park in Pingbian County, Honghe
Chinese Name: 屏边大围山国家森林公园
English Name: Daweishan National Forest Park in Pingbian County, Honghe
Pingbian Daweishan, also known as the Honghe Pingbian Daweishan Nature Reserve, is located in the northeastern part of Pingbian County, Yunnan Province, approximately 15 kilometers from the county seat. It is a provincial-level nature reserve approved by the Yunnan Provincial Government. The reserve extends 30 kilometers from north to south and 6 kilometers from east to west, covering a total area of 230,000 acres. It belongs to the tropical forest ecological type and preserves a diverse range of forest ecosystems and rich populations of rare and endangered plant and animal species. The majestic and rugged mountain ranges, stretching for dozens of miles with vast, unspoiled forests, create a stunning and captivating natural landscape. The highest point in the reserve is 2,365 meters above sea level, with the second highest peak, Dajian Mountain, at 2,354 meters, and the lowest point at 225 meters.
Daweishan National Park
In 2009, the State Council approved the establishment of Daweishan National Park as a national-level nature reserve. Located in the southeastern border area of Yunnan Province, near the China-Vietnam border, it is known as the “Green Pearl on the Tropic of Cancer.” The park encompasses 660,000 acres of original forest, rich in negative oxygen ions, making it a natural oxygen bar. It is celebrated for its unique climate, with the phrase “Flowers never wither in winter, and it is spring all year round.”
Biodiversity
The reserve is home to 331 families, 1,539 genera, and 4,765 species of wild plants, including 61 species of nationally protected rare and endangered plants. It also supports wildlife of 35 orders, 111 families, and 555 species, including 58 species of nationally protected animals and 12 species of first-class protected animals. The reserve is renowned for the “Pingbian Four Wonders,” which include Pingbian cycad, multiple-headed tree fern, Chinese slow loris, and red-faced monkey.
Activities and Attractions
Exploring Daweishan is like stepping into a green treasure trove and natural zoo. It is an ideal destination for sightseeing, reconnecting with nature, experiencing local customs, and cultural exploration. The area offers a variety of activities including walking across suspension bridges, climbing treehouses, watching the sea of clouds, and viewing sunrises and sunsets. Visitors can also enjoy dense forest adventures, specialty cuisine, ethnic dance performances, bonfire parties, and outdoor barbecues. Forest hotels are available for accommodation.
Geographical Location
The Daweishan Scenic Area is located south of the Tropic of Cancer and has not been affected by Quaternary glaciation. It has evolved continuously from ancient geological times, with rich and complex forest vegetation. The area is home to 170 families and approximately 1,050 species of higher plants, including 25 rare and protected tree species such as tree ferns, long-stamen magnolia, chicken feather pine, and Fujian cypress. The animal resources are also abundant, with over 20 species of animals listed as protected by the country, including the black-cheeked gibbon, slow loris, golden cat, clouded leopard, water deer, and giant lizard. Monkeys and tree frogs are particularly numerous and noteworthy.
Development Prospects
Since being listed as a key scenic spot in Yunnan Province in September 1993, Pingbian Daweishan has received over 2 million yuan in investments for the renovation and improvement of various attractions. The park’s charm has been enhanced with sites such as Shuiwei City Garden Area, Golden Chicken Nest Ethnic Style Area, Rhododendron Mountain Forest Science Area, and others, allowing visitors to experience the exceptional beauty of nature. Notable attractions include ancient trees, timeless root art, “sky baskets,” “treehouse sea views,” and “Simmons Path,” all of which captivate visitors. A small lake in the heart of Daweishan, covering about 1,000 square meters, remains clear and sparkling year-round. With its mild climate and surrounding dense forest, it is truly a paradise on earth.
General Information
True to its name, the Daweishan Beauty Spot is a lovely sight to behold. Nestled on the crossroads of Pingbian County and Yunnan’s Hekou County, Vietnam serves as its southernmost border.
It was July 1992 when the Daweishan Mountain National Forest Park was opened, with the blessing of the Ministry of Forestry. The reserve, also known as the “Green Pearl on the Tropic of Cancer,” occupies a vast 650,000 square meters of land. Its lush forests occupy more than 80% of the area.
Several Sceneries
The Daweishan Beauty Spot is the perfect place for tourists for its numerous sights and attractions. One is the Dawei mountain zone, where they can revel at the views of China’s wonderful peaks. There’s also the Yunnan line of the Yunnan Vietnam Railway, for those who are fascinated with transportation sights. As for environmentalists, they will enjoy the views of the lovely Xianxian River line.
Apart from these areas, there are 19 more scenic spots scattered in 50 square kilometers of lush Daweishan land. As you roam around the vicinity, you will be treated to the beauty of wildlife animals, rare plants and true virgin forests. For the ultimate sightseeing spectacle, the Daweishan Beauty Spot should be included in your itinerary.
Eco-tourism
The natural splendor of the Daweishan Beauty Spot is known all throughout the country. Its highest peak – the Seven Star Ridge – is the tallest in Changsha, reaching a peak of over 1600 meters.
The sides of the mountains, on the other hand, are known for its wildlife. Here, birds and wild animals thrive. If you’re in for a total adventure, you can see a couple of South China tigers and red-billed Leiothrix in the area.
A Center For Buddhism
Apart from its environmental beauty, Daweishan is famous for its Buddhist edifices and structures. Since the eastern part of the province consists of a Buddhist population, there’s no surprise that 48 temples are greatly preserved in the beauty spot. The Honglian and Yuquan temples are some of the most prominent attractions in Daweishan, as they have become pilgrimage places for devout Buddhists.
Daweishan Water Fun
Surrounded by river lines, the Daweishan Beauty Spot is considered as one of the best locations for water activities. The river banks are littered with pools, bays and beaches where you can lounge around with your family and friends.
The Daweishan Beauty Spot also has a rafting course that spans 10 kilometers long, with a total drop of 86 meters. If you’re in for a rush of adrenaline, you will enjoy the thrill of the 6-meter plunge. But if you’re looking for a mellow activity, you can always rent a kayak as you roam around the crystal clears water of the river.
Geographical Environment
The Pingbian Daweishan Scenic Area is located in the northeastern part of Pingbian County. It is a crucial gateway to the national-level border trade port of Hekou, making it a region with significant strategic and scenic advantages. This area is ideal for border and cross-border tourism, scientific research, and leisure. The local ethnic culture and traditions also add unique charm to the region.
Biodiversity
Pingbian Daweishan is referred to by experts as a “gene pool of plants and animals,” “crown of the plant kingdom,” and “biological museum.” It has become a key destination for tourists seeking to reconnect with nature and experience the wilderness of the forest. The park features relatively intact tropical and subtropical primary forests with diverse biological species and rare, endangered plant and animal resources. It is lush with flora throughout the year, maintaining its verdant beauty in all seasons.
Major Attractions
Tian Sheng Bridge Rock Carvings
The Tian Sheng Bridge Rock Carvings are located on the east cliff of Tian Sheng Bridge, 32 kilometers east of Pingbian County. The carvings feature the characters “岩疆锁钥” (Key to the Rocky Frontier), each 1 meter square, inscribed in clear, bold calligraphy by the monk Liao Yingchang in the 25th year of the Guangxu era (1899). Tian Sheng Bridge spans the Nanxi River, with its rugged terrain and swift currents, serving as a historical passage from Mengzi to Vietnam.
Jiu Cheng Waterfall
The Jiu Cheng Waterfall is formed by numerous streams and mountain springs within the Daweishan Primitive Forest Park. The waterfall consists of three tiers, with each tier comprising three levels, totaling nine levels. Each tier of the waterfall is approximately 7 meters high and 4 meters wide, cascading down through rock crevices.
Features of the Yunnan Honghe Pingbian Daweishan Forest Park
Feature 1
Pingbian Daweishan is a provincial-level nature reserve approved by the Yunnan Provincial Government. The park includes eight central scenic areas: Shuiwei City, Shijia Cavity, Volcanic Cone, Lingbao Mountain, Rock Peak Stone Forest, Tian Sheng Bridge, Dripping Water Layer Waterfall, and Pearl Cave.
Feature 2
As a tropical forest ecological type, the park preserves a diverse range of forest ecosystems and rich populations of rare and endangered plant and animal species.
Feature 3
The forest vegetation in Pingbian Daweishan is rich and complex, with 170 families of higher plants, approximately 1,050 species. Notable among these are the long-stamen magnolia, chicken feather pine, and Fujian cypress, with 25 species classified as rare and protected tree species.
Where to stay
If you find yourself tired and flustered after exploring the Daweishan Beauty Spot, you can rest for a day or two at the Dawei Mountains Tourist and Holiday Resort. True to its’ name, it’s the perfect place to stay in while in the area. Its numerous facilities and amenities will make your vacation one that you’ll remember for as long as you live.
Daweishan Scenic Area Travel Guide
Recommendations:
- Getting to the Park: The entrance to Daweishan Scenic Area is approximately 14 km from the entrance gate. You need to purchase a ticket and take a sightseeing bus to the park (walking is not recommended).
- Private Car Options: Negotiate the price with a taxi driver for a private car up the mountain.
- Parking: Private cars can only go up to the ticketing area at the Daweishan entrance.
Comparison of Sightseeing Bus vs. Private Car:
- Sightseeing Bus: Suitable if you drive yourself to the ticketing area and then take the bus up the mountain. However, buses have irregular departure times and are only available when full. There is a last bus time, which may not be ideal for those wishing to capture evening scenes.
- Private Car: Ideal for larger groups or those traveling by high-speed train, and who prefer to avoid waiting for sightseeing buses. Time management is more flexible (though if traveling alone, renting a car might be expensive or not feasible, as the driver would need to wait in the parking lot).
Ticket and Transportation Costs:
- Park Entrance Ticket:
- Adult: ¥30 per person
- Student: ¥15 per person
- Sightseeing Bus:
- Round trip: ¥50 per person
- One-way: ¥30 per person
- Private Car (Taxi):
- From the high-speed train station to the park entrance: approximately ¥30 (metered fare)
- From the entrance to the ticketing area (round trip): ¥50 per person
Dining:
- At the Entrance: There are snacks available at the entrance ticketing area.
- Villages Along the Way: There are restaurants in the villages you pass.
- Inside the Park: No convenience stores or snack shops are available beyond the ticketing area, but you can bring food with you.
Timing Recommendations:
- Morning: For misty mountain views, enter around 9:00 AM.
- Afternoon: To enjoy evening views, arrive around 2:00 PM. Different times offer different scenic experiences, but be cautious not to stay too late as the last bus has a set time.
Important Reminder:
- Respect the Environment: Do not litter. Garbage bins are available near resting pavilions. Be careful on slippery paths after rain and avoid the viewing platforms and suspension bridges during thunderstorms.
Practical Information:
- Ticket Information:
- Free Admission: Seniors over 70 years old and disabled persons with relevant certificates are admitted free of charge.
- Discounted Tickets: Military personnel and students with valid IDs receive a 50% discount (¥20 per person).
- Best Travel Time:
- Rainy season in Honghe Prefecture is from May to October. Frost period is from late November to February of the following year. It’s best to avoid summer and autumn when both rain and heat are present.
- Transportation Information:
- Minivans are available to the scenic area from the Pingbian County Government before 4:00 PM, with a fare of ¥5.
One-Day Itinerary for Daweishan:
Morning:
- Have breakfast and travel to Pingbian County.
- Upon arrival, head to the Daweishan Scenic Area entrance.
Late Morning:
- Purchase tickets at the entrance and prepare for the tour.
- Start your hike along the designated trails to explore Daweishan, enjoying natural sights such as waterfalls, streams, and forests.
- Stop at viewpoints to take photos.
Afternoon:
- Have lunch at a restaurant within the park. Try local specialties such as bamboo tube rice and wild mushrooms.
- Continue exploring other attractions in the park like the summit viewpoints and ancient tree groves.
- Visit the park’s tea garden to sample local teas and buy souvenirs.
Evening:
- Return to Pingbian County.
- Stroll around the town to appreciate local culture and architecture.
- Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with specialties such as “crossing the bridge rice noodles.”
Night:
- Relax at a nearby bar or café, enjoying music and food to end your day.
Warm Tips:
- Check the weather in advance and dress appropriately.
- Protect the environment and avoid littering or damaging natural scenery.
- Follow safety guidelines and park regulations.
- Bring some snacks and water for your trip.
Solo Adventure Tips:
Location:
How to Get There?
Take a bus at the Gejiu Passenger Station and then arrive in Pingbian County.
Ticket Price:
Opening Hours:7:00-16:00
More Tips: Recommended Travelling Time: Half a day
