Gupo Mountain Tourist Area
A Visitor's Guide to Gupo Mountain National Forest Park
Nestled at the southern tip of the Mengzhu Ridge, where the borders of Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hunan provinces converge, lies Gupo Mountain National Forest Park. A crown jewel along the Hong Kong-Guangzhou-Guilin golden tourism route and a nationally recognized AAAA-level scenic area, this park is a mere 16 kilometers from downtown Hezhou City. Encompassing approximately 65 square kilometers, it is a vast, ecologically pristine sanctuary often hailed as the "Fairy Mountain of the South" and a "Longevity Fairyland," offering a profound escape into nature.
A Tapestry of Natural and Cultural Wonders
The park is systematically developed into eight major themed areas, each offering a distinct experience: Xian Gu Zhai (Immortal Maiden Village), Xian Gu Lawn, Xian Gu Waterfall, Paradise Peak (Tiantang Ding), Jiutian Canyon, Lovers' Forest, Ancient Kiln Gully (Guyao Chong), and the Fang Family Tea Garden. Scattered across these areas are 88 captivating natural and cultural sights, including the Tea Longevity Stone, Treasure Basin (Jubaopen), Immortal Pointing the Way, and the Babu Immortal Traces.
The cultural soul of the mountain is deeply intertwined with the legend of He Xian Gu (Immortal Maiden He), one of the famed Eight Immortals. Local Hakka folklore tells that after attaining immortality, she often appeared in the guise of a Hakka "Gupo" (auntie) to aid the suffering and spread blessings. This enduring legend has made the mountain a cultural and spiritual sacred site, with over 80 spots considered traces of immortal presence, deeply infusing the landscape with a sense of myth and reverence.
The "Giant Oxygen Bar": An Ecological Sanctuary
Gupo Mountain is a masterpiece of ecological preservation. With a staggering forest coverage rate of approximately 99.55%, it is a realm of towering peaks, deep valleys, lush canopies, and thriving biodiversity. The park is home to over 1,200 species of plants (including 9 under state protection) and more than 200 species of wildlife (21 of which are state-protected).
One of its most celebrated features is the exceptionally pure air. The concentration of negative oxygen ions here reaches about 50,000 per cubic centimeter, an abundance known for its therapeutic effects on the human body. Combined with a pleasant annual average temperature of 18.2°C, the park truly lives up to its reputation as a "giant natural oxygen bar," offering a perfect environment for "lung cleansing," relaxation, and contributing to Hezhou's status as a "World Longevity City."
A Symphony of Water: The Forest Waterfall Grand Garden
Where dense forests meet abundant rainfall, magic happens. Gupo Mountain's central area is adorned with nearly one hundred waterfalls of various sizes, creating a dynamic and mesmerizing aquatic landscape rarely seen elsewhere. The constant play of light and water, the sound of cascading streams, and the serene pools have earned the park poetic names like "Hundred Overlapping Waterfalls" and the more formal title "China's Forest Waterfall Grand Garden." The Xian Gu Waterfall is among the most famous of these captivating features.
A Destination for All Pursuits
Beyond its core natural beauty, Gupo Mountain is a versatile destination catering to diverse interests: * For Adventurers: Paradise Peak, the highest point at 1,844 meters, offers challenging hikes and panoramic views across three provinces. The Jiutian Canyon provides thrilling exploration opportunities. * For Leisure & Culture: The serene Fang Family Tea Garden showcases local tea culture. The picturesque settings, including the Lovers' Forest and ancient kiln sites, have served as iconic backdrops for numerous television dramas, such as CCTV's "Women in the Tulou" and TVB's classics "Plain Love II" and "Virtues of Harmony," bringing the park international fame. * For Recreation: Facilities include a self-driving campsite, outdoor adventure bases, and various wilderness recreation spots. * For Comfort: Visitors can extend their stay at the park's leisure resort hotels, making it an ideal base for a multi-day retreat. The park also supports functions like conferences and scientific research.
Practical Information for Your Visit
Getting There: The most convenient public transport option is to take Hezhou Bus Route 16, which terminates at the Gupo Mountain bus stop, providing direct access to the park entrance.
Admission Fees (For reference only, subject to change): * Standard Ticket: 66 RMB per adult. * Discounted Ticket (33 RMB): Applies to: minors between 1.2m-1.4m tall or aged 6-18; seniors aged 60-64 with valid ID; full-time undergraduate students and below with valid student ID. * Free Admission: Applies to: children under 1.2m or below 6 years old; seniors aged 65+ with valid ID; active/retired military personnel, disabled persons, martyrs' families, tour guides, journalists with valid credentials. * Sightseeing Bus Ticket: 15 RMB (highly recommended due to the park's size).
Operating Hours: * June 1 - August 31: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:20 PM). * December 1 - February 28/29: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM (last entry at 5:20 PM). * Hours for other periods are typically similar; it is advisable to confirm in advance.
Suggested Duration: A full day is recommended to experience the park's major highlights comfortably.
Contact: For the latest information, you may contact the park at 0774-5236888 or 0774-5236813.
Gupo Mountain National Forest Park is more than just a scenic area; it is an immersive journey into a world where profound natural beauty, rare ecological purity, and enchanting cultural legends coexist, offering every visitor a chance for rejuvenation, adventure, and discovery.