Liaokuo Mountain Forest Park in Qujing City
Overview
Liaokuo Mountain Forest Park is located 1 kilometer southwest of Qujing City (曲靖市). Established as a park in 1973, it covers an area of 218 acres and features attractions such as a cherry blossom garden, plum garden, children’s playground, and zoo. The mountain is lush with greenery, elegant pavilions, and winding paths, offering a panoramic view of the Qujing Basin (曲靖坝子).
Introduction
Liaokuo Mountain, originally known as Miaogao Mountain (妙高山), is situated 1 kilometer southwest of Qujing City. From the mountain, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the densely packed buildings in Qilin District (麒麟区), rivers, and mountains, giving a sense of being on top of the world. The area is rich in forests, bamboo groves, and blooming wildflowers, with green grass and competing plum and orchid blossoms in the park. Pavilions are built according to the terrain, and winding paths meander throughout the area. The park is home to animals such as monkeys, bears, deer, and peacocks, making it a favorite spot for children.
Located in the southwestern suburbs of Qujing City, Liaokuo Mountain is also known as Shengfeng Mountain (胜峰山). The name originates from a significant battle during the Ming Dynasty (明朝) when generals Zhu Yuanzhang (朱元璋) and his subordinates, such as Fu Youde (傅友德) and Lan Yu (蓝玉), defeated the Yuan army and captured their commander, Dalima (达里麻). To commemorate this victory, the mountain was named Shengfeng Mountain. The area was designated as a park in 1973.
Park Features
In 1958, while constructing the Xiaoxiang Reservoir (潇湘水库) and roads on the mountain’s side, a large number of ancient fish fossils were discovered. Experts identified these as the earliest known ancient fish fossils in the world, dating back approximately 420 million years. The park spans 218 acres and includes a cherry blossom garden, plum garden, children’s playground, and zoo. The mountain is adorned with blooming flowers, shady trees, elegant pavilions, and winding paths. Climbing to a high point offers a comprehensive view of the vibrant Qujing Basin, creating a refreshing and tranquil atmosphere.
The park features several attractions, including a monkey hill, deer park, a revolutionary memorial, and a statue of Xu Xiake (徐霞客). The highest structure on the mountain is the Jingning Pagoda (靖宁宝塔), which is also the third tallest building in the country. From the top of the pagoda, visitors can overlook the entire Qujing urban area.
The landscape greening project in the key areas of the southern slope of Liaokuo Mountain has been completed, with 706 acres of afforestation undertaken, an investment of 2 million yuan, and a survival rate of 96%.
How to Get There
To reach Liaokuo Mountain Forest Park, you can take a local bus from Qujing City center or drive, as it is only a short distance away. The park is well signposted, making it easy to locate.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring is particularly beautiful when the cherry and plum blossoms are in bloom.
- Bring Snacks: There are limited dining options within the park, so pack some snacks and water for your visit.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking, as you’ll be exploring the park’s trails.
- Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for the animals in the zoo and the natural surroundings, but do not feed them.
- Photography: The park offers stunning views and vibrant flora, so don’t forget your camera!
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