Introduction to the Celestial Phenomena of Bajiaozhai National Forest Park
Due to its diverse terrain and significant temperature variations, the park often presents various unique celestial phenomena. Among these, the mist scenery of Bajiaozhai is most noteworthy.
Climbing to the top of Bajiaozhai at dawn, thick fog engulfs the toes and stretches endlessly to the horizon, boundless and serene like a fairyland. As a gentle breeze passes, the mist gathers like an army of thousands, charging and surging, forming ranks and seizing hills, flags fluttering, concealing and revealing; the mountains encircled by the mist and the vast white mist merge and separate, the white mist forming waves, one wave after another, each higher than the last. The peaks in the sea of clouds rise and fall, hide and appear, evoking feelings of "where the sea ends, the sky becomes the shore, and where the wild waves devour the mountains, I stand as the peak." Once the wind calms, the misty sea also becomes tranquil. When the sun rises in the east, it scatters countless beams of golden light, reflecting a red sky and mist red as fire. The morning glow extends countless tender hands, gently pulling back the white mist like a curtain, revealing the peaks piercing through the clouds. Clouds surge and peaks float, like a thousand sails competing, with strange peaks and ridges displaying a myriad of postures, deep valleys with winding paths appearing and disappearing. A magnificent landscape unfolds before the eyes.
Introduction to the Cultural Landscape of Bajiaozhai National Forest Park
The cultural landscape of Bajiaozhai National Forest Park is rich and varied, especially the folk customs of ethnic minorities, which are rich in content and urgently need further exploration. The cultural landscape of the park mainly includes:
① Bajiaozhai Sky Temple: Originally built during the Song and Yuan dynasties, it is a renowned Buddhist site in southern Hunan with thriving incense offerings. During temple fair periods on the 19th day of the second, sixth, and ninth lunar months, crowds gather. At night, people camp throughout the mountain forests, creating a spectacular sight.
② Langtian Yao Village: Located midway along the Zijiang Drift Scenic Area, visitors can enjoy local Yao cuisine, watch ethnic dances and songs, and experience the vibrant culture of Miao and Yao minorities.
③ Baihui Valley Modern Stone Carvings: Contemporary calligraphy masterpieces are carved into rock walls or sculpted onto peculiar stones, offering high artistic value.
④ Mid-July River Lantern Festival: From the thirteenth to the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, villagers gather for rooster and bird fighting, dragon dancing, lion dancing, song competitions, agricultural product displays, and more. At night, fireworks light up the sky, and ten thousand lanterns float down the Zijiang River, creating a breathtaking scene.
Additionally, the park contains relics such as the Fuzhu Wind and Rain Bridge, Hunan Guild Hall, Kongda Bridge, Bajiao Pavilion, Red Army Long March revolutionary sites, and Neolithic human activity sites.
Introduction to the Biological Landscape of Bajiaozhai National Forest Park
Bajiaozhai National Forest Park boasts extremely rich natural resources. Here, the forest sea is vast, ancient trees tower towards the sky, and there has been minimal human destruction, preserving thick vegetation types. It harbors abundant animal and plant resources. Preliminary surveys indicate that the park has over 1,120 species of native plants across 164 families. Among these, nine families and nine species are under national second-level protection, including the resource fir, tulip tree, and yuanbao fir. Third-level protected plants include seven families and thirteen species such as the southern fir, camphor tree, and ginseng. Additionally, there are over ten varieties of bamboo with high value, such as square bamboo, arhat bamboo, and silver bamboo. Within the area, there are over a dozen rare wild animals including bears, monkeys, giant salamanders, otters, yellow pheasants, and white pheasants, as well as over a hundred insect species. With a wide variety of plant species, the park is known as a "natural pharmacy" with over 140 medicinal plant species including Eucommia, Magnolia officinalis, Phellodendron, ginseng, Poria, honeysuckle, and Chinese gallnuts. It is an ideal place for forest tourism and scientific expeditions.
Introduction to the Water Body Landscape of Bajiaozhai National Forest Park
Bajiaozhai National Forest Park enjoys abundant rainfall and surface water resources. Clear springs flow everywhere amidst the green mountains, streams and waterfalls crisscross, converging into rivers and eventually forming major rivers. These include:
① Zijiang River: Originating from Mount Ma'er at an elevation of 2141.5 meters, the Zijiang River flows through the forest park and enters Dongting Lake via Xinning County in Hunan Province. Belonging to the Yangtze River system, the river runs for 83.1 kilometers within the park, with a natural drop of 1432 meters. The Zijiang River basin is lush with vegetation and has a good ecological environment, meeting all conditions for aquatic tourism and rafting sections. Along the riverbank, various types of Danxia landforms formed by different causes reflect interestingly off the Zijiang River. The winding Zijiang River is densely dotted with scenic spots, with deep pools and rapid waters. Verdant cliffs contrast beautifully with the clear water, while hanging vines add charm, resembling a jade belt weaving through the mountains. Whether cruising or drifting, the stunning natural scenery along both banks leaves visitors captivated.
② Waterfalls: Surrounded by towering green mountains, the park features numerous waterfalls. Among them, the Baoding Waterfall is famous for its "nine turns in one waterfall" and "flowing evenly like curtains." The Baoding Waterfall is grand and spectacular, with colorful waterfalls creating magnificent views.
③ Springs: Groundwater in the park mainly consists of three types: loose accumulation layer pore phreatic water, various bedrock fissure water, and karst water in carbonate rocks. Under suitable conditions, groundwater emerges on the surface, forming springs. Clear springs can be found throughout the park. Along the Zijiang-Xinning fault zone, the Chetianwan hot spring emerges through fissures with large flow and moderate temperature. It is currently being developed into the Fuman Garden Hot Spring Resort, integrating accommodation, catering, and entertainment.