A newly reconstituted snaking path through a valley and into the mountain amid clear streams will open this June in the Zhuhai Hi-Tech National Industrial Development Zone of Tangjiawan.

The striking scenery, flourishing vegetation, rugged terrain, and central valley of Honghua (Safflower) Mt Forest Park is threaded by the 1.2-km (.7-mile) sightseeing route. Teeming with woods, hills, and vales, it is nicknamed Small Jiuzhai after the Jiuzhaigou Valley Scenic & Historic Interest Area in Sichuan on the edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The park and trail encompass long-used mountain routes off Yinkeng Bay (银坑湾) and Gangwan Avenue (港湾大道) south of Jishan Village (鸡山村). The trail opens at the same time as Phase 1 of the park to ensure maximum safety and a great viewing experience.

The forest park site has been famous for many years for mountain scenery, leisure, and adventure. 

Honghua Mt Forest Park entryway

The park is close to upmarket residential communities Phoenix Mt One Village (凤凰山一号) and Yinquan Shanzhuang Villa (银泉山庄别墅). Local terrain is high in the west and low in the east with ridges north and south, forming a natural valley. Vegetation flourishes along a 1,200-m (3,937-ft) scenery belt and the new route give full access to 65 hectares (160 acres) of natural beauty.

Sylvan serenity

A wide path through lush plants has already been walked as a precursor to the new route. The park is upgraded with stone hiking trails, boardwalks, safety facilities, two squares, six multi-functional areas, two upgraded waterscapes, entrance stone, sculptures, public toilets, tea room, book bar, extended entrance road, garbage bins, benches, and parking lot.

Phase I of the park project is estimated to cost 16 million yuan ($2.4 million). Work on it commenced last June. The park will eventually cover 40 hectares (98.8 acres) and be shaped over 4.6 hectares (11.4 acres) in its second phase.

Along the mountain track

Reminiscent of Jiuzhaigou

Arboreal pavilion [Photos courtesy Zhuhai Daily]