The Green Sea on the Yangtze: Zhangba Longan Forest and the Sweetness of the Dragon Eye

The "Green Pearl" of the Upper Yangtze

1.Located in Zhangba: Street, Jiangyang District, Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, the Zhangba Longan Forest (Zhangba Guiyuan Lin) is a verdant miracle resting on the southern bank of the Yangtze River. Situated approximately 15 kilometers from the city center, this National 4A Tourist Attraction covers a core area of about 20,000 mu (approx. 1,333 hectares) along a "ten-mile corridor" of the river. It is recognized as the largest and oldest artificial forest of longan trees (Dragon Eye fruit) in northern China's inland region, earning titles such as the "Kingdom of Longans," the "Green Pearl of the Yangtze," and a "National Important Agricultural Cultural Heritage." Unlike typical orchards, Zhangba is a dense, century-old forest that functions as a "natural oxygen bar" and a "city lung" for Luzhou, offering a unique blend of agricultural history, ecological beauty, and riverside leisure,.

A Living Museum of Ancient Trees

2.The soul of: Zhangba lies in its incredible collection of ancient trees. The history of longan cultivation here dates back over a millennium to the Tang and Song dynasties, with large-scale planting occurring during the Qing Dynasty (Kangxi and Qianlong reigns). Today, the forest is home to more than 15,000 authentic longan trees, with over 2,000 of them being century-old "Gush" (Ancient Trees). Some venerable trees are over 300 years old, their trunks so thick they require several people to encircle them, and their branches twisting like dragons against the sky. Walking through the forest is like entering a "green tunnel" where time stands still. These trees are not just plants; they are living witnesses to the migration history of "Huguang Filling Sichuan," as early immigrants brought the advanced planting techniques that turned this fertile river valley into a productive forest. The forest creates a unique microclimate that is cool in summer and warm in winter, making it a perfect sanctuary for biodiversity and human relaxation,.

The Sweetness of the "Dragon Eye"

Zhangba is famous for producing high-quality longans, a fruit known in China as the "King of Fruits in Southern Sichuan." The longans here—including varieties like Shixia, Chuliang, and Dawuyuan—are celebrated for their thin skin, thick flesh, and intensely sweet, crystal-clear juice. During the harvest season from July to September, the forest transforms into a carnival of sweetness. Visitors can walk into the orchards to experience the joy of picking fresh fruit straight from the branches. The local longan is not only a delicious treat but also a cultural symbol of "reunion" (tuanyuan) in Chinese culture. The forest is deeply integrated with local culinary traditions; visitors can taste unique "Longan Banquets" featuring dishes like Longan Chicken and Longan Soup, or sip on mellow Longan Wine brewed by local farmers using ancient methods,.

A Fusion of Ecology and River Views

Beyond the fruit, Zhangba Longan Forest is a prime destination for ecological sightseeing. The scenic area features a Yangtze River Viewing Platform, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the mighty river rolling eastwards, framed by the lush green carpet of the longan forest. The contrast between the golden river and the emerald woods is a photographer's dream. The park also includes the Longan Culture Museum, where visitors can delve into the history of the fruit's introduction to the region and its medicinal values described in traditional legends, such as the story of the "Longan Fairy" healing Tang Seng on his journey to the West. Whether you are cycling along the riverside greenway, camping under the shade of ancient trees, or enjoying a picnic with family, Zhangba offers a serene escape into the heart of Sichuan's "Sweet City" culture,.