A Green Monument on Daliang Mountain: The Ecological Miracle and Spirit of Shidian Shanzhou Forest Farm

A Living Monument of Green

1.Located in Shidian: County, Baoshan City, Yunnan Province, Shanzhou Forest Farm (formerly Daliang Mountain Forest Farm) stands as a breathtaking testament to the power of human perseverance and environmental stewardship. Situated approximately 80 kilometers from Baoshan city center, this vast expanse of green covers an area of about 56,000 mu (approx. 3,733 hectares) with an altitude ranging from 1,800 to 2,500 meters. What was once a desolate, barren mountain known as Daliang Mountain has been transformed into a lush ocean of Huashan pines and Yunnan pines, achieving a forest coverage rate of over 90%. It is not just a scenic spot for "forest bathing" and ecological tourism; it is a spiritual landmark known as the "Green Monument," dedicated to the memory of Yang Shanzhou, a role model who spent his retirement years reforesting this land for the benefit of future generations.

The Legacy of the "Grass Shoes Secretary"

The history of this forest farm is inseparable from the story of one man: Yang Shanzhou. In 1988, after retiring as the Party Secretary of the Baoshan Prefectural Committee, Yang gave up a comfortable life in the city to return to his hometown. He fulfilled a promise to "plant a patch of green for the people of my hometown." For 22 years, he led local people in a tireless effort to plant trees, living in a simple shelter and overcoming immense hardships. He was affectionately known as the "Grass Shoes Secretary" for his humble lifestyle. In a final act of selflessness, he donated the entire forest farm, valued at over 300 million yuan, to the state for free. Today, the forest farm serves as a profound Patriotic Education Base, where visitors can learn about his dedication through the preserved sites and the rustling of the pine trees he planted.

Immersive Ecological and Red Tourism

2.Visiting Shanzhou Forest: Farm offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical emotion. Visitors can walk along the "Shanzhou Trail," a winding path through the dense forest where Yang once patrolled daily. The air here is pristine, rich in negative oxygen ions, making it a natural oxygen bar. Key sites include Yang Shanzhou's Old Residence, a humble board house that restores his living conditions in his later years, complete with his oil lamp and simple furniture. The Shanzhou Memorial Hall displays precious photos, manuscripts, and planting tools, telling the moving story of "greening the barren hills and turning hair white." At the Mausoleum, visitors can pay their respects to the old secretary amidst the pine and cypress trees. The viewing platforms offer panoramic views of the forest sea and the distant Gaoligong Mountain snow peaks, creating a stunning visual contrast.

A Sanctuary for Spirit and Nature

The forest farm is beautiful year-round. In spring (March-May), the fresh green of new pine needles revitalizes the spirit; in autumn (September-November), the golden hues of the pine forests under the high altitude sun create a photographer's paradise. The area is also home to diverse wildlife and plants, part of the extended ecological corridor of the Gaoligong Mountain Nature Reserve. Whether you are looking to understand the "Shanzhou Spirit" through a study tour or simply seeking a quiet retreat to hike and breathe in the scent of pine, Shidian Shanzhou Forest Farm offers a deeply moving and purifying experience. It is a place where the greatness of a human soul is mirrored by the grandeur of the nature he nurtured.