Yubei, Chongqing

A Green Sanctuary of Filial Piety: Exploring Zhaomushan Forest Park

📸Photography 🏕️Camping

Altitude

300m

Best Time

🌸 🍂

Ticket

Free

ℹ️

About This Attraction

1.Zhaomushan Forest: Park, located in the northern part of Chongqing's main urban area within the Yubei District and Liangjiang New Area, stands as a vital "green lung" amidst the bustling metropolis. Covering an area of 4,300 mu (approximately 287 hectares) with an altitude of 460 meters, the park is characterized by a distinct ridge-like topography that forms a beautiful skyline against the backdrop of the Jialing River. As one of the "Four Famous Mountains in the Main City," it serves as a premier destination for citizens and travelers alike to escape the concrete jungle and immerse themselves in nature without leaving the city limits.

The park is not merely a natural retreat but a site deeply imbued with cultural significance, specifically the virtue of filial piety. The name "Zhaomu" translates to "caring for mother." The legend dates back to the Southern Song Dynasty, involving Feng Shixing, a renowned scholar and official. After being demoted and removed from office, Feng secluded himself in these mountains. When his mother fell ill, he built a hut here to care for her day and night. This touching story of devotion has been passed down through generations, transforming the mountain into a symbol of familial love. To honor this tradition, the park features the Zhaomu Mountain Villa, built in the Song architectural style, and a Filial Piety Culture Corridor, which allows visitors to engage with this profound cultural heritage while hiking.

A crowning jewel of the park is the Star Tower (Xingchen Ge), located at the highest point. This ancient-style pavilion offers an unparalleled 360-degree panoramic view. From here, visitors can gaze upon the futuristic skyline of the Liangjiang New Area, the winding Jialing River, and the distant high-rises of the Yuzhong Peninsula. It is a prime spot for photography, especially at dusk when the city lights begin to twinkle, creating a mesmerizing contrast between the serene forest and the vibrant urban landscape.

Botanically, Zhaomushan is a treasure trove. It houses a vast Botanic Garden with diverse plant species, including sweet-scented osmanthus, yellow trumpetbush, and large areas of plum and peach blossoms. The changing seasons paint the park in different hues, from the vibrant flowers of spring to the golden ginkgo leaves of autumn. The park also preserves historical relics such as the Chastity Archway (Jiexiao Paifang), a Qing Dynasty stone structure known for its exquisite carvings, adding a touch of historical gravity to the scenic walks. For those seeking tranquility, Yue Lake (Yue Hu) at the foot of the mountain offers a peaceful setting with water trails and reflections of the surrounding greenery, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

✨ Why Visit Zhaomushan Forest Park

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Star Tower (Xingchen Ge)

Ascend to the park's highest point for a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Chongqing's skyline, the Liangjiang New Area, and the Jialing River, perfect for sunset photography.

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Filial Piety Legend

Explore the cultural roots of the park at the Zhaomu Mountain Villa and Culture Corridor, dedicated to the Song Dynasty scholar Feng Shixing and his devotion to his mother.

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Chastity Archway (Jiexiao Paifang)

Admire this well-preserved Qing Dynasty stone archway, a unique historical relic featuring intricate carvings that represent traditional virtues and artistic craftsmanship.

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Seasonal Botanic Garden

Wander through diverse plant collections that offer year-round beauty, from seas of plum and peach blossoms in spring to golden ginkgo and red maple leaves in autumn.

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Yue Lake (Yue Hu)

Enjoy a moment of peace at this crescent-shaped lake, where wooden boardwalks allow you to walk over the water and take in the reflection of the mountain and sky.

Location & Nearby

📍 Yubei, Chongqing • 🏔️ 300m elevation

Frequently Asked Questions - Zhaomushan Forest Park Travel Guide

Where is Zhaomushan Forest Park located?

It is located at No. 88 Jinkai Avenue West, Yubei District, Chongqing, right in the heart of the Liangjiang New Area.

Is there an entrance fee? No, Zhaomushan Forest Park is generally open to the public for free.

What is the best time to visit? The best seasons are Spring (March-May) for blooming flowers and Autumn (September-November) for colorful foliage and comfortable weather. Early morning is great for fresh air, while late afternoon is ideal for sunset views from the Star Tower.

How do I get there? You can take Chongqing Rail Transit Line 5 to Chongguang Station or Renhe Station, which are close to the park entrances.

Is the hike difficult? The park has well-maintained trails and roads. While there are uphill sections to reach the Star Tower, the overall intensity is moderate. Visitors can also take a shuttle bus (often available for a fee) to the top if they prefer not to hike the whole way.

Why do you include Chinese characters and Pinyin in the descriptions for Zhaomushan 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.