On September 19, the reporter learned from officials from Hongjiang City that the upgrade and renovation of Xuefeng Mountain National Forest Park were completed. Built on a logging site, the park has been developed into a comprehensive scenic area integrating health care, ruins of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and study tours after years of ecological restoration and industrial transformation. The park plans to apply for the national 4A-rated tourist attraction status this year.
Since 2019, Hongjiang City has been advancing the upgrade and renovation project across multiple areas, including landscaping, road improvement, and study tour bases. Over 20 scenic spots have been developed, including the areas for health care and ruins of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression. Targeted measures have been implemented to improve the quality of 3,000 mu (200 hectares) of forests, raising the forest coverage rate from 91% to 96% and increasing growing stock to 300,000 cubic meters. In the early summer of 2025, when the project entered a challenging stage, over 500 construction workers collaborated to successfully complete key sub-projects including the visitor center and the cloud corridor, effectively addressing construction challenges in the mountainous area.
The renovated park celebrates a delicate alchemy between ecology and culture. The couplet at the park’s gate complements the park’s name inscribed by Yuan Longping, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering. The newly built visitor center incorporates elements of multiple ethnic groups and features smart guides and a 4D cinema. The former site of the farm office was transformed into the Yunwu Teahouse and Forest Farm Museum, carrying forward the legacy of the past. Scenic spots such as the Yanzhi Gully Teahouse, Pingshan Pond Wooden Houses, and Pingguo Bay RV Campsite not only preserve historical relics such as the Ancient Tea Horse Road and the Ancient Zhuge Well, but also offer modern cultural tourism experiences. The former site of the alpine meteorological station was transformed into a science education B&B, and the Tianchi Tennis Court has become a popular sports destination amidst the sea of clouds.
The transformation of the park has driven industrial revitalization. Former lumberjacks have turned to cultivating Chinese medicinal materials or their online sales. Currently, a 10,000-mu (666.67-hectare) Chinese medicinal material base has been built, including 1,500 mu (100 hectares) dedicated to rhizoma gastrodiae and sealwort. Agricultural products from the Xuefeng Mountain are sold nationwide through e-commerce platforms, B&Bs and the wellness industry have boosted employment, and the number of visitors has been significantly increased.
At present, the park is deepening its partnership with the Xuefeng Mountain TV FM Broadcasting Station to further expand development paths. With a brand new look, Xuefeng Mountain National Forest Park welcomes visitors from all over the world.
(Translated by Professor Yu Jie)