Simingshan National Forest Park (四明山国家森林公å›) is situated in the heartland of the Siming Mountains in Ningbo. Stretching in an east-west direction, the park covers a total area of 6,665 hectares, with a standing timber volume of 350,000 cubic meters and a forest coverage rate exceeding 96%. The park is characterized by rolling low hills, undulating peaks, and overlapping ridges, with elevations ranging between 600 and 900 meters above sea level. The main peak, Jinzhong Mountain, rises to approximately 1,018 meters. The climate in the park is characterized by mild coldness and humidity, distinct seasons, ample sunlight, abundant rainfall, and noticeable alternation between winter and summer monsoons, resulting in refreshing summers.
The park boasts dense forests, fragrant flowers, and towering cliffs amidst the lush cypresses and pines. With a diverse range of flora and fauna, preliminary surveys have recorded nearly a thousand plant species and 106 main animal species within the park. Visitors to the park can enjoy breathtaking sunrises, picturesque sunsets, mesmerizing cloudscapes, and winter scenes adorned with snow and frost.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Simingshan National Forest Park
- Vlog about Simingshan National Forest Park
- Other Attractions near Simingshan National Forest Park
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 day |
| Ticket Price | 50 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0574-62340889 |
Location and Transportation
Simingshan National Forest Park is located in the hinterland of Siming Mountain, spanning the areas of Yuyao, Yinzhou, Fenghua, Shengzhou, and Shangyu in Zhejiang Province, China. Its geographical coordinates are approximately N29°44’0.98″ latitude and E121°05’35.39″ longitude.
To reach Simingshan National Forest Park:
- From Ningbo Bus South Station, there is a minibus departing at 1:35 PM directly to Simingshan Town (approximately 2 hours), where you can transfer to Simingshan National Forest Park.
- Around 7:00 AM, take a minibus from Ningbo Bus South Station to Jiangkou, Fenghua, then transfer to a minibus bound for Yuyao. Alight at Simingshan Town.
- From Yuyao South Station, take a minibus heading towards Simingshan (approximately 2 hours). The first minibus departs from Yuyao South Station at 6:40 AM, and the last one leaves at 2:30 PM.
Highlights of Simingshan National Forest Park
Yangtian Lake
Situated 80 kilometers from Ningbo, Yangtian Lake is nestled at an altitude of 810 meters. With an average daily temperature of around 20°C during the summer and maximum temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C, it serves as a cool summer retreat, with cooler temperatures in the early mornings and evenings. According to legend, during the Ming Dynasty, Liu Bowen, a founding hero of the dynasty, searched for an ideal burial site for Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang but was unsuccessful until he reached Yangtian Lake. There, he saw five peaks surrounding a clear pool of water, resembling five dragons vying for a pearl. He then planted his bamboo staff in the ground as a marker before returning to the capital. When craftsmen later ascended the mountain, the lake was covered with bamboo, but no dragon’s lair was found. Feeling abandoned by the heavens, Liu Bowen retreated from public life. Nowadays, visitors can enjoy camping and fishing around Yangtian Lake.
Shenxiu Valley
Located to the east of the reception center in Simingshan National Forest Park, Shenxiu Valley features two artificial lakes, known as Shen Lake and Xiu Lake, respectively. The lakes are surrounded by lush greenery, and the water is clear and serene, earning the valley its name. A winding stone pathway meanders around the lakes, offering scenic views at every turn. Along the shaded path, visitors will encounter various exquisite pavilions, such as Lingzhi Pavilion, Hancui Pavilion, Shenxiu Pavilion, Linhu Hanbi, and Linyin Shuixie, among others. Shenxiu Valley provides an excellent opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the forest, offering a cool respite from the summer heat and serving as a perfect destination for exploring nature with friends.
Shangliang Hill
Shangliang Hill covers a total area of ​​13379 acres. According to folklore, during the Jin Dynasty, three immortals gathered at the Xianren Bridge to discuss the construction of temples and the development of the Buddhist land in Siming Mountain. After their discussion, the three eminent monks – Zhine, Jingkong, and Muxiong – each set out to build a temple. Zhine headed south to build Baoshan Temple on Xuedou Mountain, Jingkong went to the “heart of Siming Mountain” to build Zhangxi Temple, and Muxiong went to Ning County to build Guanding Temple, all of which later became famous temples in eastern Zhejiang. In commemoration of their deliberations here, local people named the place Shangliang Hill, meaning discussion. The Shangliang Hill Scenic Area consists of 20 attractions, including the Chiang Kai-shek and Soong Mei-ling Summer Resort, the Army Officer Academy, the Shangliang Historical Exhibition Area, the Forest Waterfall Square, Forest Climbing, Natural Rock Climbing, Primitive Hunting Grounds, Fishing Paradise, Forest Oxygen Bar, Log Cabins, Health Trails, Leisure Resorts, Elderly Leisure Areas, the Sanhu Scenic Area, and the Immortal Bridge.
Siming Mountain Resort
Located on Ganzhu Ridge in Simingshan Town, Yuyao City, Simingshan Resort is part of the Shenxiu Valley Scenic Area and serves as the reception center for Simingshan National Forest Park. The resort offers over 150 standard beds and has both large and small meeting rooms, as well as recreational facilities such as a karaoke hall and a tea house. All types of rooms are equipped with air conditioning, water heaters, televisions, broadband internet access, and mahjong tables. The resort also features a vegetable garden that provides fresh seasonal vegetables all year round, including organic produce sourced from nearby rural areas. Additionally, the resort’s tea house serves homemade wild mountain tea, known for its fragrant and pollution-free qualities.
