Dafengbao Scenic Area, nestled in Huangshui Town, Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, is a gem in the heart of the Three Gorges Reservoir in eastern Chongqing. This pristine wilderness is one of the larger and well-preserved primeval forests in the region. The main peak, part of the Wu Mountain range, soars to an impressive 1,934 meters, making it not only the highest peak in Shizhu County but also one of the tallest in eastern Chongqing. This elevation has earned it the accolades of ‘Pearl of Eastern Chongqing’ and ‘First Peak of Eastern Chongqing’.
The name ‘Dafengbao’ is derived from the constant howling winds that are a result of its high altitude and dense forest cover. Visitors embarking on a journey from Huangshui Town to Dafengbao can follow a scenic road that leads to the Twelve Sisters Peak viewing platform. Here, one can marvel at twelve distinct peaks, each with its own unique posture, likened to twelve graceful fairy maidens, collectively known as the ‘Twelve Sisters Peaks’.
The Dafengbao primeval forest is a treasure trove of biodiversity, housing over a hundred rare animal species and thousands of rare plant species, making it a natural museum. The forest blooms with flowers year-round, and the valleys are adorned with a network of springs and streams, all contributing to the area’s stunning beauty. During the summer, the highest temperature rarely exceeds the 20s, making it an ideal retreat from the heat.
Beyond its natural splendor, Dafengbao also boasts a rich cultural tapestry. The Scenic Area features the world’s longest ‘suspended glass corridor bridge’, ancient Shu roads, and the Tujia residential buildings of Wanshengba. These cultural landmarks offer visitors a deep immersion into the vibrant Tujia customs and traditions.
Notably, the world’s longest ‘suspended glass corridor bridge’ is a must-see attraction located at the Dafengbao viewing platform. The glass bridge hangs in mid-air, 31 meters away from the valley wall, which is 10 meters longer than the glass bridge at the Grand Canyon in the United States. Walking on the bridge, with an abyss beneath your feet, offers a thrilling excitement for those with enough courage. The Dafengbao Scenic Area can be toured in about 3 hours, and if you cannot return to Chongqing in time, you can stay overnight in Huangshui Town.
The town is mainly characterized by Tujia-style stilted buildings, where you can taste Tujia-style ferns, mushrooms, and bacon, and enjoy some unique wine. If interested, you can also purchase hand-made Tujia embroidered shoe pads and waistbands, and other handicrafts, which make great gifts for friends or souvenirs for yourself.
The opening hours are from 08:00 to 18:00 all year round. The preferential policies are as follows:
– Free admission for children under 1.2 meters tall or under 6 years old.
– Half-price for children between 6 and 18 years old, and Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan youth with valid documents and student cards.
– Free admission for the elderly over 65 years old with a senior citizen card or ID card.
– Discounted admission for those between 60 and 65 years old with a senior citizen card or ID card.
– Half-price for full-time university undergraduate and below students with valid documents.
– Free admission for active-duty soldiers, veterans, and retired military personnel with relevant documents.
– Free admission for the disabled and disabled soldiers with a disability card, and one accompanying person with a free ticket for those with visual or intellectual disabilities and grades 1 to 2 disabilities.
– Free admission for guides, travel agency managers with a qualification certificate, journalists with a press card issued by the state, photographers with a photography association card, and personnel with valid documents.Residents of Shizhu County can enjoy a 50% discount on their own valid identification documents. The service facilities include a parking lot at the Dafengbao Scenic Area. The parking lot is priced at ¥5 per hour and has a capacity of 280 spaces. The address for the parking lot is as follows: Dafengbao Scenic Area Parking Lot.
