Taiping Lake Forest Park in Mile City, Honghe
Overview
Taiping Lake Forest Park (太平湖森林公园, Tàipíng Hú Sēnlín Gōngyuán) is situated in Mile City (弥勒市, Mílè Shì), Honghe Prefecture (红河州, Hónghé Zhōu), a picturesque area in southern Yunnan Province (云南省, Yúnnán Shěng). Spanning an area of 42 square kilometers (approximately 16.2 square miles), this park is characterized by its dense forest vegetation and a high concentration of negative oxygen ions, making it an ideal location for health and wellness activities. The park integrates various functions, including sightseeing, tourism, vacationing, entertainment, conferences, sports events, and wellness activities, presenting itself as a world-class plateau forest health resort park that is ecological, intelligent, and internationalized.
Park Features
The park is designed around eight major attractions, each offering unique experiences:
1. Characteristic Forest Cabin Town
This area focuses on developing and showcasing traditional wooden cabins, blending cultural heritage with modern design. The project aims to create the largest collection of resort cabins in China, featuring wooden culture at its core. The development includes the integration of local villages to promote tourism and enhance the regional economy through smart wooden cabins and community renovations.
2. Love-Themed Cultural Park
At the heart of this park is an international royal rose garden, complemented by stunning church architecture, royal carriages, and equestrian facilities. This area provides a romantic setting for wedding photography, film shoots, ceremonies, and various leisure activities.
3. Earth Art Landscape Park
Home to the largest flower sea scenic area in Southwest China, this park features installations by international earth artist Stan Herd (斯坦·赫德, Sītǎn Hèdé). His Asian debut artwork, “Young Chinese Women,” is showcased here, along with a rare plant garden. The park promotes a one-stop tourism model centered around flower-themed attractions and agricultural art.
4. Plateau Sports Training Base
This facility features a 21.1-kilometer running track around the lake, designed for professional half-marathon events and cycling training. Additional recreational facilities support various outdoor activities and ecological initiatives aimed at protecting water sources and restoring the local environment while promoting a healthy lifestyle.
5. Plateau Agricultural Demonstration Base
Focusing on the promotion of local specialty agriculture, this base aims to enhance the international competitiveness of Yunnan’s agricultural products. It covers about 2,000 acres and emphasizes education and modern agricultural practices.
6. Plateau Nursery and Flower Production Base
This area integrates flower production, exhibition, and tourism, evolving traditional floral markets into modern, diversified experiences. The base spans around 2,000 acres, showcasing artistic and standardized flower cultivation practices.
7. Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition
Focusing on Yunnan’s rich cultural diversity, this center promotes intangible cultural heritage through various activities, such as festivals, performances, and community experiences. It serves as a venue for cultural education and preservation.
8. Lakeside Wetland Recreation Center
Emphasizing the scenic beauty of lakeside wetlands, this center features boardwalks and recreational facilities for water sports. It provides a relaxing environment for tourists, integrating leisure, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.
Development Plans
Mile City’s Taiping Lake Forest Park is envisioned as an ecological tourism flagship project with significant ecological demonstration effects. The initial phase includes the construction of the “Honghe Paradise” agricultural ecological tourism complex, which aims to open during the National Day holiday in 2017.
Historical and Cultural Background
Taiping Lake (太平湖, Tàipíng Hú) is named after the nearby Taiping Reservoir (太平水库, Tàipíng Shuǐkù), built in 1950 under the leadership of General Zhang Chong (张冲, Zhāng Chōng). The reservoir spans an area of 13,000 acres and holds approximately 86 million cubic meters of water.
Zhang Chong (1901-1980), originally named Shaoyu (绍禹, Shàoyǔ), played a crucial role in developing the Dianxi River’s water resources. His initiatives transformed the local agricultural landscape, enhancing productivity and significantly impacting the region’s economy.
How to Get There
Taiping Lake Forest Park is located about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) from Mile City’s center. Visitors can reach the park via public transportation, such as buses, or by driving from major nearby cities, including Kunming (昆明, Kūnmíng).
Transportation Options
- By Car: Self-driving is a convenient option for exploring the park and nearby attractions.
- Public Transport: Local buses frequently connect Mile City to the park.
- Taxi Services: Taxis are available in the city, offering a quick and direct route to the park.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: The park is open year-round, but the ideal time to visit is from October to April when the weather is mild and pleasant.
- What to Bring: Comfortable shoes for walking, a camera for capturing the beautiful scenery, sunscreen, and water are essential for a pleasant visit.
- Respect Local Culture: Engage with local communities respectfully and participate in cultural events when available.
- Plan Ahead: Check the park’s opening hours before visiting; it operates daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Stay Hydrated: Carry water, especially during outdoor activities, to stay hydrated.
- Explore Nearby Attractions: Consider extending your trip to explore other scenic locations in Honghe Prefecture, such as traditional villages and local markets.
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