National Parks of ChinaOverview
| Designation | National Park of China (fifth batch) |
| Province | Sichuan |
| Location | Northern Nanjiang County, Bazhong, Sichuan |
| Latitude, longitude | 32.5, 106.9 Google Maps |
| Highlights | Karst; autumn colours |
| Top sights | Zhongfeng Cave |
| Highest point | 2,507 m |
| Nearby cities | Sichuan, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi’an |
| Nearby sites | Jianmen Pass and the Shu Road, Micang Mountain Grand Canyon, Silk Roads, White Dragon Lake, Mount Tiantai, Baoji |
| Themes | Mountains, Caves, Karst, Rivers, Plants, Forests |
About
The Guangwu–Nuoshui scenic area lies in the north of Nanjiang and Tongjiang counties, Bazhong, Sichuan, near Shaanxi.
The Nuoshui River area, about 170 km², is karst with large cave systems: Zhongfeng, Shizi, Loufang, Longhu and Songjia caves.
Mount Guangwu, 2,507 m, is named for the mist that always wraps it. Its area of over 400 km² has five parts, Taoyuan, Shenmen, the Little Wu Gorge, Daba and Shibayuetan, with Taoyuan as the core; it has peak forests, caves, springs and woods, and its glory is the autumn foliage that covers the mountain.
The area also has historic sites of the Three Kingdoms period.
It is in the fifth batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 2004.
Travel tips
Getting there: the park is in the north of Nanjiang county, Bazhong, near Shaanxi. Bazhong has a railway station and an airport. Coaches run to Nanjiang from Chengdu, Guangyuan, Xi'an and Baoji, and then another vehicle goes to Taoyuan town at Mount Guangwu. Driving is also possible.
Layout: Mount Guangwu has five areas, Taoyuan, Shenmen, Xiaowu Gorge, Daba and Shibayuetan, with Taoyuan at the core. The Nuoshui River, in Tongjiang county, is mostly about caves.
Mount Guangwu: the main attraction is the autumn red leaves, with peak forests, springs and woods as well. Paths and park buses are convenient around Taoyuan.
Nuoshui River: it is for caves. Zhongfeng Cave and others have underground rivers and many formations, and some sections can be toured by boat.
Time: two days suits Guangwu and one day Nuoshui River. The two are far apart, so allow three days for both.
Season: the red leaves usually peak from late October to early November, when visitor numbers are highest and lodging is tight. Summer is cool but wet.
Where to stay: Taoyuan town, Nanjiang and Tongjiang all have lodgings, and in the red leaf season you should book ahead.
Caution: the mountains are cool and mornings and evenings in autumn are cold, so bring a jacket. Roads to the park can be congested in the red leaf season.
Travel information
Buses run to Nanjiang or Taoyuan town from Xi’an and Baoji in Shaanxi and Chengdu and Guangyuan in Sichuan. Food and lodging are cheap but basic.