Guantouling National Forest Park (冠头岭国家森林公园, Crown Head Ridge National Forest Park) is located at the westernmost end of Beihai City, approximately 8 kilometers from the city center. The ridge stretches 3 kilometers long, resembling a green dragon lying across the southwest end of the city. It consists of several peaks, including the main peak Wanglouling (which had a “watchtower” at its summit during the Qing Dynasty, with an elevation of 120 meters), Fengmenling, Yajiling, and Tianmaling, extending northeast to the southern foothills of Shibuling and connecting with the Di Jiaoling of Shibuling.
The entire ridge is named for its “dome-like crown” shape. The main peak, standing at 120 meters, offers stunning views of sunrises, sunsets, vast ocean waves, and the enchanting sight of fishing lights at night. The coastal side features sea-eroded platforms and cliffs, creating a unique and diverse landscape.
Historically, Guantouling was a coastal defense fortress. In the eighth year of the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty, a cannon fort was established next to the main peak to guard against pirate attacks, remnants of which still exist. The lighthouse at the summit has been heightened, and a mountain road now leads directly to the peak. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the area was extensively reforested. In 1988, the Forestry Ministry approved the establishment of Guantouling Forest Park. In 1995, the Beihai City Planning Bureau designated the forest park’s area as 245.7 hectares. The park is predominantly covered with Masson pine trees, encompassing about 3,000 acres of forest land.
Visitors to Guantouling can enjoy clear views of the sunset, and it’s common to see couples taking wedding photos. From May to early November, it’s a great time to explore the area and catch your dinner among the rocks. Seafood is a specialty of Beihai, and the seafood at Guantouling is fresher and more affordable compared to the city center. Many villagers run small seaside restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood while enjoying the sea breeze and the sound of the waves. This is the essence of a beautiful life.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day throughout the year |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0779-3883863 |
Location and Transportation
Guantouling National Forest Park is located at the end of Haijing Avenue in Yinhai District, Beihai City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. To get there, you can take the No. 6 bus from Beibu Gulf Square in downtown Beihai for 2 RMB, which will take you directly to the park. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the city center, with the starting fare at 7 RMB and an additional 1.4 RMB per kilometer after the first 2 kilometers.
