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 Ticket prices, opening hours, transportation, and contact information mentioned in the text may be outdated.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.
Mufu Mountain Forest Park: Mufu Mountain, known in ancient times as Tianyue Mountain, received its current name during the Three Kingdoms period when Taishi Ci of Wu, serving as Commandant of Jianchang, resisted Liu Biao's nephew Pan and pitched his headquarters tent on the summit, hence the name Mufu ("tent" mountain). Yueyang got its name because the seat of the ancient Baling Commandery was once located south of Tianyue Mountain. The park sits on the main peak of the Mufu range at an elevation of 1,604 meters, the highest peak at the border of Hunan, Hubei, and Jiangxi provinces. Mufu Mountain has long been renowned for its majestic mountains, perilous cliffs, extraordinary forests, secluded valleys, and beautiful waters. Within the park, rolling mountains and graceful peaks rise; birds sing and apes cry, ancient temples nestle in seclusion; alpine meadows create delightful contrasts; clouds and mist shift unpredictably; rare pines and grotesque rocks abound with charm; and inscriptions by notable figures remain clearly visible... Together they form a landscape of natural beauty imbued with spiritual vitality and a distinctive cultural character. Famous scenic spots include: Red Cliffs in the Evening Glow, Immortals Playing Chess, Green Bamboo Sweeping the Terrace, Three Mu of Stone Fields, Dominating the Southern Sky, Dragon Pool Flying Waterfall, Divine Turtle Gazing at the Sun, Eagle Spreading Its Wings, Boiling Sand Ancient Well, Tianyue Ancient Battlefield, and forty-eight sites in all. The park is 160 kilometers from Changsha, 90 kilometers from Yueyang, and 240 kilometers from Wuhan; even from Guangdong or Shanghai, one can arrive within a day. Mufu Mountain is rich in cultural heritage and has drawn immortals and Daoists; in ancient times it was the twenty-fifth cave-heaven blessed land of the East, known as "the Heaven of Yuanzhen Taiyuan." Existing ancient temples such as Tianmen Temple, Yuhuang Hall, Chongzhen Temple, and Qingyang Palace are renowned throughout the three provinces, and together with the Boiling Sand Divine Spring that answers every prayer, they fill this famous mountain with spiritual power and make it a place of extraordinary fascination.
Mufu Mountain is high and densely forested with deep ravines, and the area is extremely rich in plant and animal resources. It has been confirmed to contain 32 nationally protected tree species, including Emmenopterys henryi, Bretschneidera sinensis, Semiliquidambar cathayensis, Liriodendron chinense, and ginkgo; 57 species of precious wild medicinal herbs, including Yunlian, Yaozhuxiao, eucommia, and magnolia bark; and 52 nationally protected animal species, including clouded leopards, tiger-striped frogs, big-headed turtles, pangolins, and macaques. These abundant plant and animal resources add a touch of mystery and wild charm to the forest park.
The average annual temperature of Mufu Mountain ranges from 12.1°C to 8.6°C. In summer the park is cool, with luxuriant vegetation, few mosquitoes, fresh air, and high negative ion concentrations. In particular, the alpine spring water is rich in alkaline components and various free elements; regular consumption has special effects for weight loss and beauty. It is an ideal sanctuary for leisure, summer retreats, and convalescence. The cloud seas and mist of spring, the pleasant coolness of summer, the sunrises and sunsets of autumn, and the solemn blanket of white snow in winter leave visitors relaxed and happy, reluctant to leave. This has formed the park's forest tourism pattern of flower-viewing in spring, summer retreats, autumn hiking, and snow appreciation in winter. Former Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Zhen inscribed the park's name.
In recent years, the park has made full use of its natural advantages to build the Yifengjian Summit Scenic Area, the Laolonggou Waterfall Exploration Area, and the Liushui'an Alpine Meadow Sightseeing Belt, among other scenic zones, and has developed and established a well-known high-quality alpine off-season pollution-free vegetable base in central-south China. At the same time, the park's tourism service facilities have been continuously improved, with hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and comprehensive recreation and health care facilities becoming increasingly complete. In 2002, it received over 60,000 visitors. With its beautiful environment, warm service, and favorable terms, the park welcomes people from all walks of life to visit or invest.
