Shilin Scenic Area, situated in Shilin Town, is a tranquil escape located southeast of Qiandao Lake Scenic Area, approximately 46 kilometers away from Qiandao Lake Town. Its seclusion from bustling tourist hubs and the less-than-ideal road conditions leading to the site make it a less frequented gem. For those seeking to avoid the noise and crowds while visiting Qiandao Lake, Shilin Scenic Area offers an ideal retreat.
Travel Overview:
The journey from Qiandao Lake to Shilin Scenic Area by car takes approximately one hour. Given the inconvenience of public transportation, most visitors opt for a car. Shilin, spanning a vast expanse, is acclaimed as ‘The First Forest in East China’. The area is adorned with a variety of karst peaks, which, with a vivid imagination, can be envisioned as human or animal figures. The scenic area is split into two sections: Xiangbei Mountain and Lion Head, with Xiangbei Mountain being roughly 2 kilometers from the entrance. Visitors can choose to walk the entire route or take an electric cart at the entrance for a fee (approximately 10 yuan for a one-way trip and 20 yuan for a round trip) before embarking on foot to explore.
Lion Head Area:
Nestled near the entrance of the scenic area, Lion Head is a stone forest with a modest size but intricate paths. The trails are flanked by mountains covered in large, peculiar rocks, creating an aura of a maze. It’s easy to lose one’s way if not attentive to the signs along the path. From Lion Head, the intertwined stone forests of Xiangbei Mountain are visible in the distance, but to truly appreciate their grandeur, a walk through them is a must.Xiangbei Mountain Area:
The “Lion and Elephant Guarding the Gate” on the way to Xiangbei Mountain is the sign of entering this area. The tour route here is relatively simple. Just follow the path after getting off the car, and there are not many branches. The pictographic stones here are more impressive. Climbing down along the wall path leads to “Shanshui Qinyin (Qinyin Cave)”. A small waterfall flows out, and peach blossoms bloom at the cave mouth in spring. Continuing forward, “Zhang Liang’s Reclusion (Zhang Liang Cave)” is a shallow cave with a stone table inside. It is said to be where Zhang Liang played chess with Huang Shi Gong during his reclusion and is also one of the highlights of the scenic area. In addition, a little further south, the pictographic stones of the “Journey to the West” characters are vividly shaped. Some are like Tang Seng worshiping Guanyin, some like Bajie exploring the road, and some like the Monkey King chanting scriptures. It is very interesting to savor them carefully. At the end of Xiangbei Mountain’s tour trail, there is a Baiyun Mountain Villa for accommodation. There are also paid entertainment projects similar to grass sliding in the scenic area, which can be participated in according to preference.
The entire text is open from January 1st to December 31st, from 08:30 to 16:00.
Preferential Policies: Children: Children under 1.2 meters (not including) are free; children between 1.2 meters (including) and 1.5 meters (not including) are half price.**Admission Details:**
– **Elderly Discounts:**
– Those aged 70 and above enter for free.
– Individuals aged 60 to 69 enjoy half-price admission.
– **Free Admission for Professionals:**
– Journalists with valid identification enter for free.
– Military personnel with valid identification enter for free.
– **Free Admission for Disabled Persons:**
– Disabled individuals with valid identification enter for free.
**Visiting Tips:**
– **Footwear:**
– Due to the possibility of rugged paths within the scenic area, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes.
– **Road Conditions:**
– The route to the scenic area includes approximately 20 kilometers of mountain roads.
– **Driving Considerations:**
– Novice drivers should exercise caution when driving to the scenic area.
