Exploring Dayuandong National Forest Park in Jiangjin, Chongqing

This is definitely the most comfortable hiking route I've taken this year! Mountain waterfalls, ancient hanging coffin trails, dense pine forests, and Danxia landform lakes... The whole journey is a breath of fresh air, and it's free with few crowds. It's a perfect choice for gatherings with friends, family outings, or simply taking the kids out for some fun. **📍Address:** Dayuandong National Forest Park, Jiangjin District, Chongqing. It's about a 2-hour drive from downtown Chongqing. The road conditions are excellent, mostly highways. **🌳Unspoiled Hiking Experience:** The park retains a strong sense of natural beauty. The stone-paved roads and plank walkways make hiking easy even for beginners. The Danxia landforms and forest waterfalls complement each other perfectly. As soon as you enter the mountains, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery. Towering ancient trees block out the sun, and the sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a scene straight out of the movie *Twilight*! You might even encounter small squirrels and golden pheasants along the way. The ecosystem is excellent, and the area is rarely visited. **🌲Recommended Hiking Route:** Parking lot → Dayuandong Waterfall → Swan Lake → Tianma Temple → Xiaohuashan → Dagangjiao → Dayuandong Waterfall → Return. The entire route is about 10 km and takes 4-5 hours to complete at a leisurely pace. If you choose to return from Swan Lake, the round trip is about 2-3 hours. The first section has more scenic spots and is suitable for a relaxing hike. **🔹Highlights:** - **Swan Lake:** This emerald-green lake halfway up the mountain has the charm of Jiuzhaigou. In the early morning mist, the lake is shrouded in a mystical atmosphere, making you feel like you're in a fairy tale. - **Dayuandong Waterfall:** Stand under the 30-meter-high waterfall and feel the refreshing spray of cool water! - **Cliffside Ancient Temple:** A partially suspended, dilapidated temple along the way. The mottled stone walls bear inscriptions from ancient times, adding a touch of mystery! **📌Hiking Tips:** 1. **Parking Suggestion:** After arriving at the scenic area parking lot, continue driving for about 1 km to a free small parking lot, which is closer to the trailhead. 2. **Lunch Arrangements:** You can have lunch in Yongxing Town before starting your hike. The lighting after 3 pm is better for taking photos. 3. **Equipment Reminder:** Wear non-slip shoes, as some of the mossy stone-paved roads can be slippery. 4. **Supplies:** There are few supply points along the way, so bring enough snacks and water. 5. **Seasonal Tips:** Take mosquito repellent and sunscreen if visiting in summer. **🏞Bonus on the Way Back:** On your way back, take a detour to Zhongshan Ancient Town to admire the centuries-old stilt houses and taste the local smoked tofu and stone-slab *ciba* (glutinous rice cake). You won't be disappointed!