Lying at the north foot of Taibai Mountain (the peak of Qinling
Mountain), Taibai Mountain National Forest Park, is located in Meixian
County, in Baoji City of Shaanxi Province. Covering an area of 7,287
acres, 94.3% of which is covered with forest, it contains 10 scenic
districts and over 180 attractions. Since its height above the sea
level varies from 0.39 miles to 2.18 miles, Taibai Mountain National
Forest Park is the highest national forest park of China. It was
officially established in 1991 and has been formally open to the
public since July, 1992.
Taibai
means 'too white' in Chinese, used here to describe the color
of the mountain. Because of the cold climate in the mountain,
thick layers of ice have always been covering its summits all
the year round. Endowed with prosperous forest resources, rich
animal species, odd mountainous physiognomy together with its
profound historical scenes, Taibai Mountain National Forest Park
has attracted countless tourists from home and abroad.
Various Creatures
Titled as the 'Asian Natural Botanical Garden' and the 'Natural
Zoo of China', the forest park has more than 1,850 kinds of seed
plants and over 1,690 kinds of insects and animals, including more
than 230 kinds of birds and over 40 kinds of beasts. Among them
are some rare animal species, such as pandas and golden monkeys.
Thanks to this natural advantage, the park is also considered to
be an inartificial gene warehouse of natural species.
Lively Mountainous Scenery and Wonderful Hot Spring
Traveling
in the mountain, visitors cannot help but admire the unique appearance
of the rocks and the streams joyfully tottering along the winding
mountain road. Your eyes will be stricken by the continuous chains
of mountains, while your ears will be pleased by the melodious
song of the running water. Unconsciously, you will find yourself
absorbed in the beautiful natural scenery. Another wonder of the
park is its natural mineral water. There are abundant supplies
of terrestrial heat in the low mountainous area in the park. The
temperature of the hot spring can reach as high as 72 degrees
centigrade (162 F) and it contains scores of mineral substances
and microelements that are beneficial to people's health. There
are also three lakes and several pools on the mountain top called
Daye Hai, Erye Hai, Sanye Hai, Yuhuang Pool and Star Pool respectively.
Profound Historical Sights
Charm
is added to Taibai Mountain National Forest Park by its profound
historical sights. Historically, Taibai Mountain has received
recognition from many emperors in past dynasties. Plentiful cultural
relics, poetries and folklores have been left through generations.
Many Chinese ancient poets, such as Li Bai, Du Fu (the two most
prominent poets in Tang Dynasty (618 - 907)) and Su Shi (a famous
poet of Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127)), traveled here and
wrote some of their notable poems. There is also plenty of ancient
architecture in this park, including 14 sites of temples, 32 ancient
houses, 5 stone steles, 10 iron tablets, over 110 iron Buddha
statues, 64 woodcarvings and several iron bells and furnaces.
Taibai Mountain National Forest Park is a fantastic place for visitors
to find relaxation and refreshment. With respect to its climate,
it is better to travel here in July and August, but do not forget
to bring a cotton coat and rain gear. Traveling by ropeway (with
a length of 0.68 mile) gives visitors the chance to appreciate the
marvelous spectacle of glacier relics and sea of clouds.