Luohanba Forest Park in Daguan County, Zhaotong

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Chinese Name:大关县罗汉坝森林公园
English Name: Luohanba Forest Park in Daguan County, Zhaotong

Overview:

Luohanba Forest Park is located 15 kilometers northeast of Tianxing Town in Daguan County, about 53 kilometers from the county seat. The park spans a total area of 76 square kilometers, with elevations ranging from 1,923 to 2,100 meters. It features over 100,000 acres of natural reserves, 50,500 acres of pristine forest, and more than 1,700 acres of wetlands. The area is home to 13 species of national-level protected animals, including bears and clouded leopards, and 20 species of rare and endangered plants, such as yews and rhododendrons. The forest boasts a vegetation coverage of 99%, making it a natural forest sanctuary and a haven for fresh air.

Tourist Attractions:

1. Jiucheng Rock:
   • Location: East side of Yanhe Village, Tianxing Town.
   • Description: This area features a series of peaks over 200 meters high, resembling towering camel humps. The weathered rock layers form nine stepped terraces on the cliff face, with lush green vegetation growing in the crevices. The peaks vary in shape, appearing like bamboo shoots up close, turtles from afar, and towers or Buddhas from different angles. When enveloped in mist, the scene becomes ethereal, with clouds and fog swirling around the peaks.
2. Longtang Waterfall:
   • Location: 100 meters northwest of Longtangba.
   • Description: The waterfall cascades down from a series of small cliffs before plunging 13 meters from a steep ledge. It starts narrow at 1.5 meters and widens to 3 meters, resembling a skirt as it falls. The waterfall’s white spray contrasts beautifully with the surrounding dark green trees and bamboo, creating a striking and elegant scene.
3. Tianwai Laike (Visitor from Beyond):
   • Description: The flowing water from the winding Zhuanzhuan River is diverted by a large upright rock resembling a giant frog, splitting into two streams before merging again. Facing the rock is another massive stone shaped like a giant’s head, covered with dense vegetation that resembles hair. The stone’s features, including bright eyes and a prominent nose, suggest it has just tasted the fresh water and is savoring its sweetness.
4. Bamboo Sea:
   • Description: The park is surrounded by 40,000 acres of bamboo forests, with thousands of acres of pure bamboo in the northwest of the reservoir. The main bamboo species is Iron Buddha bamboo, with other varieties including water bamboo, spotted bamboo, charity bamboo, and arrow bamboo. The bamboo forests create a vast, green sea, with sunlight making the leaves sparkle and the breeze causing the branches to sway gently.
5. Primitive Forest:
   • Location: Eastern mountain ridges of Luohanba.
   • Description: Covering approximately 14 square kilometers, this ancient forest is rich in dense, well-structured, and beautiful Emei oak trees. The forest is home to a variety of protected animals such as black bears, wild boars, and golden cats, as well as rare plants like ginkgo and camellias. The forest floor is covered with ancient trees, tangled vines, and hanging moss, creating a mysterious and primal atmosphere.
6. Rhododendron Lake:
   • Location: Eastern edge of the county.
   • Description: At an altitude of 1,944 meters, the lake is 190 meters long and 14.1 meters high, with a storage capacity of 3.8 million cubic meters. The reservoir is situated on a tabletop landscape, surrounded by lush forests and bamboo sea. The lake offers stunning views with its clear blue waters and surrounding scenery, including blooming rhododendrons and a variety of bird species.
7. Zhuanzhuan River:
   • Length: 3 kilometers.
   • Description: The river’s winding path and changing water flow give it its name. After flowing 500 meters from the reservoir dam, the riverbed becomes steep and deep, with a total drop of over 500 meters along its winding course. The area features deep canyons, steep cliffs, and lush vegetation, with cascading waterfalls and rugged paths enhancing its natural beauty.
8. Grassland:
   • Area: Approximately 80,000 square meters.
   • Description: This flat and expansive grassland is surrounded by rolling hills and green scenery. The lush green grass resembles a vast natural carpet, dotted with colorful flowers. The area offers a serene and picturesque setting, ideal for relaxation, picnicking, and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. In winter, it transforms into a pristine snow-covered landscape.
9. Jiutian Waterfall:
   • Width: 10-20 meters.
   • Description: The waterfall cascades from nearly 100 meters high, creating a thunderous roar that can be heard from hundreds of meters away. The deep pool below is kept clear of fallen leaves by a flock of water birds. The waterfall’s stream continues with a playful descent over a 30-meter cliff, creating a charming and dramatic natural scene.
10. Yupan Waterfall:
    • Location: Downstream from Jiutian Waterfall.
    • Description: Consisting of three similar streams, this waterfall, although smaller in drop, is exceptionally beautiful. The clear spring water cascades from the rocks onto a circular stone platform, creating a dazzling spray. Sunlight filtering through the trees makes the water sparkle like a rotating necklace of colorful pearls.

Accessibility:

• Luohanba Scenic Area is conveniently located near major roads and railways. It is about 1 hour to the Yanjiang Dou Sha Pass tourist area, 2 hours to the Shuihu Grand Canyon, and 3 hours to the Shunan Bamboo Sea. The scenic area is also well-connected to major hydropower stations like Xiluodu, Xiangjiaba, and Baihetan, with travel times from these stations not exceeding 2-3 hours. Luohanba is poised to become a central tourist destination, ideal for summer escapes, relaxation, and exploration.