Lush, verdant and pristine landscape is to be found in Yuanshan Forest Park. [Photo/WeChat account: zibowenhualvyou]
Located to the southwest of the Boshan district of Zibo city – located in East China's Shandong province – the Yuanshan National Forest Park is a stunning resort where visitors can renew their spirits and have refreshing leisure vacations.
In such a place they can take strength and be inspired by the soaring mountains, special features, untouched forests, rich cultural relics and natural landscape – with many areas ideal for having fun and getting fit. The park is a national 4A-level tourist area and a key scenic spot, as well as being one of the top 10 new attractions and forest parks in Shandong.
There is a wonderful natural feature to been seen called Shihai, or the Stone Sea, which is an extraordinary karst landform made up of thousands of stones.
A view of the magnificent natural feature called the Stone Sea, in Yuanshan Forest Park. [Photo/WeChat account: zibowenhualvyou]
About 250 million years ago, this area was a vast ocean and after countless millennia the thick limestone rocks deposited on the bottom of the sea were exposed to the elements to create the unforgettable natural phenomenon. It is said that about two million years ago, the Stone Sea was formed due to the dissolution of limestone and the erosion caused by wind and rain.
Each stone in the natural Stone Sea formation is hundreds of millions of years old and over the eons they have melded with the landscape, to create a spectacular sight that never fails to capture the imagination of visitors. [Photo/WeChat account: zibowenhualvyou]
Here you can climb the world's oldest Great Wall – the Great Wall of Qi – built during the time of the Qi State in the Warring States Period (475-221 BC). You can also visit the largest alpine building in Zibo, the Taishan Palace, to breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the grandeur of nature and absorb the tranquility.
A section of the Great Wall of Qi stretches out. [Photo/WeChat account: zibowenhualvyou]
Also there, is the giant panda Tongtong – a big star of the Ruyue Lake Wetland Park. Tongtong lives in the Yuanshan panda base, where you can see these amiable creatures and learn all about them from the obliging staff.
The giant panda, Tongtong, a resident of the Yuanshan panda base, tucks into some bamboo. [Photo/WeChat account: zibowenhualvyou]
To top it off, you can also see the swans, ring-tailed lemurs, macaques and other animals.
Of course, there are also many recreational facilities here – such as the Green Water Green Mountain train – and the energetic can go tube-rail slide rafting and grass sliding.
If one day is not enough, you can stay in the Yuanshan hotel, to take in the beautiful scenery while tasting the authentic Boshan dishes.
Visitor Center Tel: 0533-4163315
