Laoshan National Forest Park (老山国家森林公园), situated in the PuKou District of Nanjing, is a sprawling natural haven bordered by the Yangtze River to the south and the Chu River to the north. As the largest national forest park in Jiangsu Province, it covers an expansive area of 7,493.33 hectares, boasting a diverse landscape of rolling hills and nearly a hundred peaks. Stretching 35 kilometers from east to west and 15 kilometers from north to south, the park is characterized by lush greenery, with a forest coverage exceeding 80%, making it a sanctuary for various wildlife.
The park is renowned for its picturesque scenery, harmoniously blending natural wonders and cultural landmarks. It has long been celebrated for the “Four Wonders” – forests, springs, rocks, and caves. Throughout history, Laoshan has attracted numerous notable figures, including Emperor Wu of the Song Dynasty, Emperor Wu of the Liang Dynasty, Crown Prince Zhaoming, Han Xizai, Wang Anshi, Su Shi, Qin Guan, Zhu Yuanzhang, Chen Xianzhang, Li Hongzhang, and Zhang Xun, who have left their mark on the landscape with their visits.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Laoshan National Forest Park
- Vlog about Laoshan National Forest Park
- Useful Information Summarized from Reviews
- Other Natural Sceneries in Nanjing
Basic Information
| Website | http://www.laoshanpark.com/ |
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | 30 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-025-58112708 |
Location and Transportation
Laoshan National Forest Park is located on the western outskirts of Nanjing, spanning across a vast area of land. It is nestled amidst the Laoshan Mountains, which form a majestic backdrop for the park’s scenic beauty.
To get there, you can first take metro line 10 to Longhua Road Station (龙华路站), transfer to bus 608, 610, or 611 at Jiangpu Bus Station (江浦客运站), which is about 10 minutes walk away to the west, and then get off at Laoshan Forest Park Stop (老山森林公园站).
Highlights of Laoshan National Forest Park
Eagle Mountain
One of the prominent features of Laoshan National Forest Park is the formidable Eagle Mountain, standing at an elevation of 326 meters. Crowned by a 20-meter-high observation tower built in 1991, the summit offers panoramic views of the Yangtze River winding through the mountains. The surrounding landscape, with its scattered villages, intricate farmlands, and verdant hills adorned with ancient pines and cypress, creates a captivating scene. The skies are often graced by soaring eagles, adding to the enchantment of the area. Sunrise and sunset at Eagle Mountain provide breathtaking displays, with the sun casting its warm glow over the sea of clouds or painting the sky in vibrant hues.
Hiking and Nature Trails
For those seeking a more adventurous experience, Laoshan National Forest Park offers an extensive network of mountain trails spanning over 112 square kilometers. These trails, once ancient pathways forged by locals navigating the hills, are now popular among hiking enthusiasts. The routes cover approximately 30 kilometers of mountain ridges, linking three major scenic areas within the park, including Tangquan, Pearl Spring, and landmarks such as Tianjing Cave, Longdong Cave, Dacishan, Tingzishan, Shizishan, Yingzui Mountain, Fulong Mountain, Eagle Mountain, Dayizishan, Shigong Mountain, and Zhenzhuquan Great Wall. This network of trails provides an immersive outdoor experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and diverse landscapes of Laoshan National Forest Park.
Ancient Temples
Laoshan National Forest Park is also a repository of cultural and historical significance. The park houses ancient temples such as Huiji Temple, originally known as Tangquan Zen Temple, which dates back to the Southern Dynasties period. Legends surround the three ancient ginkgo trees within the temple grounds, said to be over 1,500 years old and planted by Crown Prince Xiaotong of the Southern Liang Dynasty. Another historical site is Doule Temple, situated at the foot of the West Huafeng Peak, founded in the late Ming Dynasty by the accomplished scholar Zheng Jifan’s son, Zheng Jifan.
Rich Biodiversity
The biodiversity of Laoshan National Forest Park is rich and varied. The park is home to a plethora of plant species, including 148 families of seed plants and ferns, totaling 226 species. Among these, there are more than 68 species of trees and over 150 medicinal plants. The park encompasses 94,000 mu (approximately 62.67 square kilometers) of forested land, comprising coniferous forests (37,000 mu), broad-leaved forests (35,000 mu), bamboo forests (over 10,000 mu), orchards (over 2,000 mu), and tea plantations (over 400 mu). The diverse ecosystems support over 200 species of birds and animals, including rare and protected species like the toothed muntjac, pangolin, beaver, and the national treasure, the Chinese monal pheasant.
Vlog about Laoshan National Forest Park
Useful Information Summarized from Reviews
Eagle Mountain Top Observation Tower: At the top of Eagle Mountain, there is an observation tower that visitors can climb. The view from the top is refreshing.
Summer Insect Precautions: In the summer, be prepared for a higher presence of mosquitoes. Bring insect repellent spray to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Water Availability: Water is only available at the very top, so it is advisable to bring your own water when visiting. This is essential to stay hydrated.
Clothing Recommendations: Wear quick-drying long pants and long sleeves. The mountain terrain may have thorny plants, and protective clothing helps prevent scratches or cuts. Be mindful of the vegetation that might have sharp thorns.
