Liupanshui, Guizhou Province

The Jade Cottage in the Clouds: A Four-Season Wonderland at Yushe National Forest Park

📸Photography 🧗Adventure 🏕️Camping

Altitude

2,300m

Best Time

☀️ 🍂

Ticket

Paid

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Yushe National Forest: Park, located in the southern part of Shuicheng District, Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province, is a dazzling emerald embedded in the Wumeng Mountains. Situated approximately 30 kilometers from the city center of Liupanshui, the park covers a total area of 924.47 hectares. With an altitude ranging from 1,700 to 2,500 meters, it is known for its dramatic vertical climate zones, often described as "one mountain encompassing four seasons, and different weathers within ten miles." As the only national forest park in Liupanshui, it serves as a pristine "Backyard Garden" for the city, offering a sanctuary of lush vegetation, cool air, and stunning natural beauty.

The park's name, "Yushe" (Jade Cottage), is steeped in local legend. It is said that in ancient times, a celestial being passed by and, captivated by the jade-like beauty of the mountains and trees, built a simple cottage here to guard the forest, hence the name "Yushe". Historically, this area has undergone a transformation from a state-owned forest farm established in the 1950s to a protected national park in 2004. Today, it stands as a testament to the ecological philosophy that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," preserving over 80% forest coverage and acting as a vital ecological barrier for the region.

2.Yushe National Forest: Park is a destination for all seasons. In spring, the mountains are ablaze with the colors of wild rhododendrons. Varieties like the red Rhododendron delavayi and the pink Rhododendron fortunei bloom in profusion along the trails, turning the forest into a sea of flowers. Summer brings the park's reputation as a "cool capital" retreat to the forefront. With an average summer temperature of just 19.7°C, the park offers a refreshing escape from the heat, filled with the scent of pine and the sound of cicadas. The high concentration of negative oxygen ions makes it a natural "oxygen bar" perfect for forest bathing. Autumn paints the landscape in layers of gold and red as the leaves turn, creating a poetic atmosphere.

However, winter is perhaps when Yushe truly shines as a unique destination in southern China. It is home to the Yushe Snow Mountain Ski Resort, known as the "lowest latitude ski resort in China." When winter chills arrive, the pine forests are draped in icicles and snow, transforming the area into a "Northern Land in the South." Visitors can enjoy the thrill of skiing surrounded by a pristine forest snowscape, a rare experience in this latitude.

Beyond its natural scenery, the park features the Ancient Post Road, a stone path hidden deep within the forest that bears the shadows of the "Tea Horse Road" era. Walking this path allows visitors to trace the footsteps of ancient travelers and caravans. Another highlight is the Sea of Clouds. From the high-altitude observation decks, visitors can witness the majestic phenomenon where vast clouds surge through the valleys, submerging the peaks like islands in a white ocean, creating a dreamlike "Jade Cottage in the Clouds" effect.

✨ Why Visit Yushe National Forest Park

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Yushe Snow Mountain Ski Resort

Experience the thrill of winter sports at the lowest latitude ski resort in China.

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Sea of Clouds

Stand on the mountain peak observation decks to witness the spectacular rolling sea of clouds that often engulfs the valleys, creating a celestial "island" effect above the mist.

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Spring Rhododendrons

Marvel at the vibrant "Sea of Flowers" in spring when wild rhododendrons bloom across the mountains, painting the green forest with shades of red, pink, and white.

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Ancient Post Road

Hike along the preserved stone paths of the ancient post road, a historical trail hidden in the primitive forest that echoes the legacy of the Tea Horse Road era.

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Forest Mini Train

Take a scenic ride on the sightseeing mini-train that winds through the forest and valleys, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the lush landscape and fresh mountain air.

Location & Nearby

📍 Liupanshui, Guizhou Province • 🏔️ 2300m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Yushe National Forest Park Travel Guide

Where is Yushe National Forest Park located?

It is located in the southern part of Shuicheng District, Liupanshui City, Guizhou Province, about 30km from the city center.

What is the best time to visit? May to October is great for flowers and escaping the summer heat. December to February is the best time for skiing and seeing snow scenery.

Is there skiing available? Yes, the park hosts the Yushe Snow Mountain Ski Resort, which is one of the few ski resorts in southern China and offers distinct tracks for different skill levels.

What is the climate like in summer? It is very cool and comfortable, with an average summer temperature of around 19.7°C, making it an ideal summer resort.

Are there hiking trails? Yes, there are forest trails and the Ancient Post Road suitable for hiking. The paths take you through primitive forests and past streams.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Yushe National Forest Park?

We provide the original Chinese names and Pinyin to make your travel smoother. Since English is rarely spoken in remote parts of Western China, you can easily show these Chinese names to local taxi drivers, hotel staff, or police when asking for help, or copy-paste them directly into Chinese navigation apps like Amap (高德地图) or Baidu Maps.