maofeng mountain forest park

maofeng mountain forest park lies in the northeast of guangzhou. it ranges from huangken in the north and ends in luobu cave in the south; it begins from shatian in the east and reaches toubi in the west, covering an area of 30 m2. 28 km from guangzhou, the ecological environmental is superior in the park with dense forest and fresh air, which is called “oxygen bar” and “green lung lobe” for guangzhou. the peak—louts mountain is the highest mountain in guangzhou with an elevation of 534 m. tourists can drive to the mountaintop, where more than 20 mountains with elevation of more than 200 m are gathered around. the slope in maofeng mountain is steep with deep valley, flourishing forests and flowing streams. especially after raining in the morning or dusk, the moutain is blurred among the mists as wearing a big white hat. that is why the mountain is named “maofeng”(hat mountain). 

jiulong gully lies in the north foot of maofeng mountain, covering 200 mu. the temperature difference is great in day and night—typical mountain climate. it is said “fairy is essential to the famous mountain, as is dragon to the spiritual water”. here, the nine branches of fountains wind their ways across the mountain and merge into a lake, which is as clear as a mirror—the origin of the name “jiulong gully” (nine dragons gully). the ancient temple in the mountain was built in 960, which is famous pilgrimage site though it is a small temple. tourists can burn joss sticks in the temple and walk down the mountain in lanes paved with gray slates, which can arouse the meditation about the past times. there is also an ancient lane—thousand step ladder, which connects the north foot to the peak, paved with pocked stones. altogether there are 637 steps that are steep and zigzag, which are really unusual. there are also scenic sites like longkou fountain, fairy bed and waterfalls.

there is also a flower world in jiulong gully, with colorful and various sun flowers and other flowers, including 41 kinds of blooming african chrysanthemums and 16 kinds of roses in the outdoor garden covering 21 mu. there is also a fruit garden covering an area of 67 mu. it is a great pleasure to have a taste of fruits after enjoying the flowers. fishing is a best choice to relax. tourists can enjoy the uncommon quietness fishing in the tongluo inlet reservoir, without any disturbance or noise in the city.