This attraction introduction is compiled from historical materials in the "Zhangjiajie Tour Guide Network" (33519.com · Scenic Spots section). Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated. Please refer to the latest official announcements from the scenic area before traveling; some content consists of historical background/cultural introductions and is for reference only.
Tiantang Mountain Forest Park is located within the territory of Changning County, Hengyang City, with a total area of 285 square kilometers, of which mountainous area accounts for about 95%. The terrain within is unique, with green mountains and clear waters. The Nanling Mountain Range winds through the entire area, with 12 peaks exceeding 1,000 meters in elevation.
Tiantang Mountain Forest Park has uniquely favorable natural conditions. The area features towering mountains and steep terrain, with extremely rich forest resources. According to surveys by relevant experts, there are 589 species of wild plants in 168 families within the area. Among them, nationally rare tree species include Cephalotaxus, white magnolia, dawn redwood, flower pear, ginkgo, wild Michelia, and half-maple. Common wild animals number about 500 species in 18 families, including national first- and second-class protected animals such as the leopard, tiger, deer, fox, yellow fish, golden fish, giant water fish, giant salamander, black sand ancient, five-step snake, and two-headed snake. The abundant plant communities and rare birds and animals bring infinite beauty to Tiantang Mountain, making people feel relaxed and happy, lingering without wanting to leave. Throughout history, many literati and scholars were inspired with poetic enthusiasm and marveled at it. Liu Wenzao, a provincial examination graduate of the Qing dynasty, was deeply moved when touring Xijiang Mountain and wrote a poem summarizing its full appearance: 'Twin peaks face each other locking the murmuring stream, not believing the mortal world has another heaven. In giant ravines and bamboo forests, nine-headed snakes; on sunny cliffs and in secluded caves, snow for a thousand li. The cave people warn the world, stretching out to guests; ancient trees seem to lift the crane-riding immortal. I wish to search every cloud-and-mist cave, my straw sandals stepping with a drum-like boom.'
Tiantang Mountain has a forest coverage rate of 87.8%. Large-diameter artificial Chinese fir forests with a diameter of 40 centimeters and tree height of over 20 meters compete in beauty with ancient and primitive rare trees over 200 years old, with an alluring atmosphere.
Tiantang Mountain has long been known as the source of the Xiang (Yi) River, with an elevation of 1,264 meters, majestic and imposing, perpetually shrouded in clouds and mist. Within the area is 'Tiantang Lake,' with a capacity of 53 million cubic meters, a water surface width of 3,700 mu, and an average water depth of over 20 meters. The lake surface has a pleasant temperature and fresh air. Boating on the lake, with the lake scenery and mountain colors all entering one's eyes, gives a feeling of green mountains entering the water and blue waters embracing the mountains.
Within the area, stone forests stretch for dozens of li, with layered green peaks and grotesque rocks in a thousand postures. Stone peaks and stone pillars rise straight from the ground, reaching toward the blue sky. There are over 100 rare karst caves. Inside the caves, stalagmites, stone pillars, and stalactites are remarkably lifelike; when struck, they produce sounds with echoing reverberations, forming vivid scenes such as 'Immortal Removing Boots,' 'Wukong Stealing Peaches,' 'Pagoda Soaring into the Air,' and 'Beauty Observing Shyness.' One can also go boating inside the caves.
Within the area, there are many famous mountains, and scenic spots and historical sites each have their own characteristics. The most representative include Tiantang Mountain, Ta Mountain, Tongzhong Ridge, Heshang Nao, Guanyin Seated on Lotus Platform, Fenzhu Temple, Nengren Temple, Guangxian Temple, Tianxiang Temple, and Beauty Rock.
A hundred meters below the main peak is a flat grassland covering over 2,000 mu, the best place for grazing and developing animal husbandry.
The vast and verdant sea of forests, the mountain-roaring and sea-surging forest waves, and the tinkling and murmuring springs—whether hidden deep within cloud-and-mist shrouds or reflected on the rippling blue lake surface—adorn Tiantang Mountain with brilliant splendor, evoking distant thoughts and making one feel relaxed and happy.
