Qixingshan Forest Park in Yibin

Qixing Mountain Forest Park (七星山森林公园) is located in Nanguang Town (南广镇), Xuzhou District (叙州区), Yibin City. It is a provincial-level forest park named after its seven mountain peaks, which are arranged like the Big Dipper constellation. The main peak reaches an elevation of 805.5 meters. With rich forest vegetation and a high forest coverage rate, it is one of the most popular nearby mountain retreats for Yibin residents. The park combines natural landscapes, forest leisure, and historical heritage, including the Ming Dynasty Heita Ancient Pagoda (黑塔). The entire park area is free to enter and open all day; accommodation, camping areas, and cold spring experiences inside the park require additional fees.

Best Time to Visit Qixing Mountain Forest Park

Seasonal Recommendations

From March to April, the mountain forests become fresh green, with blooming wildflowers creating a pleasant spring hiking environment. From May to August, the shaded forests provide a cool summer escape from the heat of the city. From September to November, the clear autumn weather offers excellent visibility, making it the best season for hiking and photography. From December to February of the following year, visitor numbers are lower, and the mountain viewpoints become ideal places to enjoy peaceful winter views of the city.

Best Visiting Hours

Late afternoon is the best time to climb the mountain and enjoy the sunset, the view of the Three Rivers meeting, and the evening city lights. A complete visit usually takes around 2–3 hours.

Transportation to Qixing Mountain Forest Park

By car, visitors can navigate to Qixing Mountain Forest Park (七星山森林公园, Heita 黑塔). From Yibin’s Nanan urban area, the drive up the mountain takes about 20 minutes. A simple parking area is available near the mountaintop.

By public transportation, there is no direct bus service to the mountain top. Visitors can take a city bus to the foothill area and then take a taxi uphill.

Qixing Mountain can also be combined with Liubeichi Park (流杯池公园) and Lizhuang Ancient Town (李庄古镇) to create a one-day cultural and natural sightseeing route in Yibin.

Highlights of Qixing Mountain Forest Park

🏯 Qixing Mountain Heita Pagoda (Xiyan Pagoda)

Heita Pagoda (黑塔, also known as Xiyan Pagoda 西雁塔) is a provincial-level cultural heritage site. Built during the Jiajing period of the Ming Dynasty, this octagonal seven-story brick-and-stone pagoda is an important historical landmark of Yibin. Together with Dongshan White Pagoda (东山白塔), it forms a pair of ancient pagodas representing the city’s traditional landscape. The platform around the pagoda provides a 360-degree panoramic view of Yibin, including the old city, the Jinsha River (金沙江), the Yangtze River (长江), and the famous Three Rivers Confluence area. The interior of the pagoda is not open to visitors.

🌲 Tongshi Forest

Tongshi Forest (通识森林) is a fairy-tale-style forest area featuring wooden cabins, hammocks, and woodland paths. With its natural forest atmosphere and relaxing environment, it has become a popular location for forest-style photography and leisure activities.

🌄 Mountain Summit Viewing Platform

The summit viewing platform is located at one of the highest points in the park. From here, visitors can overlook Yibin’s old city, the meeting point of the two major rivers, and the surrounding mountain scenery. After rainfall, mist drifting through the forest creates a particularly atmospheric landscape.

🪨 Jinguang Cave Heritage Site

Jinguang Cave (金光洞) is a natural rock cave associated with local legends that describe it as the cultivation site of Taiyi Zhenren (太乙真人). The cave represents a combination of natural geology, folk mythology, and local cultural heritage.

⛺ Mountain Homestays, Camping Areas, and Leisure Spaces

The park offers mountain homestays, camping areas, hydrangea flower viewing spots, and forest cafés. Visitors can enjoy tea, relax among the trees, or experience forest camping activities. These experiences are available as paid services.

Accommodation and Local Food

Most visitors choose accommodation in the old urban area of Xuzhou District (叙州区) or central Yibin. There are only a small number of homestays and rural guesthouses available on the mountain.

Recommended local specialties include Yibin Burning Noodles (宜宾燃面) and Fushun Tofu Pudding (富顺豆花). Mountain farmhouses also offer simple local dishes featuring fresh rural ingredients.

Travel Tips for Qixing Mountain Forest Park

1. The mountain road has many winding sections, so driving uphill at night is not recommended. The forest paths contain many stone steps, and surfaces can become slippery with moss after rain. Wear comfortable non-slip shoes.
2. Heita Pagoda is a protected cultural heritage site. Visitors must not climb the pagoda structure or carve, damage, or remove any bricks or stones.
3. The forest area follows strict fire prevention regulations. Open flames are strictly prohibited.
4. The park covers a large area, and some smaller paths have limited signs. Stay on established sightseeing routes and avoid entering undeveloped forest areas without permission.
5. Flower viewing areas, camping facilities, cold spring experiences, and other recreational projects require separate payment. Visitors should distinguish between free public areas and commercial service areas.