National Parks of China
Overview
| Designation | National Park of China (first batch) |
| Province | Henan |
| Location | Southern Henan on the border with Hubei, a spur of the Dabie Mountains |
| Latitude, longitude | 31.8, 114.1 Google Maps |
| Highlights | Summer resort; rich wildlife |
| Wildlife | Giant salamander, long-tailed pheasant, Emmenopterys |
| Highest point | 814 m |
| Nearby cities | Wuhan, Xi’an, Nanjing, Jinan |
| Nearby sites | Mount Dahong, East Lake, Wuhan, Mount Tongbai and the Source of the Huai, Longzhong, Lushui and the Red Cliff, Huating Lake |
| Themes | Mountains, Plants, Architecture, Stamps |
About
Mount Jigong lies in southern Henan on the border with Hubei, about 40 km south-east of Xinyang, a spur of the Dabie Mountains. With Beidaihe, Mount Lu and Mount Mogan it is one of the four great summer resorts. Its summit, Baoxiao (“Crowing”) Peak, also called Cock’s Head, is 814 m and named for its shape. Rich in wildlife, it became a national nature reserve in 1988.
In the early 20th century foreign missionaries and merchants built more than 300 villas on the mountain, the finest being the Yilu, the General’s Villa, the Misty Rain Villa, the Huijing Villa, the American church and the Swedish mansion.
It is in the first batch of national parks of China (national scenic areas) named by the State Council in 1982.
Travel tips
Getting there: travel first to Xinyang (Xinyang East on the Beijing–Guangzhou high-speed line, or Xinyang station), then take a bus or taxi south to the mountain.
Visiting: Baoxiao Peak, the main summit, is shaped like a rooster's head. The old villas are clustered near the top of the mountain; Yilu, the American church and other early 20th-century buildings can be visited on foot.
Other sights: Moon Lake, the Cloud Park and waterfalls are spread around the mountain; choose as time allows.
Time: one day covers the main sights; staying a night is more relaxed.
Season: summer on the mountain is cooler than the plain below, and it has long been a summer retreat, so it is busy in July and August and on holidays; autumn is also good.
Where to stay: there is accommodation on the mountain, often full in summer; Xinyang city is the alternative.
Caution: the mountain is often foggy, and paths are slippery after rain.
Stamps
In 2005 China Post issued “Mount Jigong”, four stamps: the crowing cock, the park in the clouds, Moon Lake and the Blue Dragon waterfall.
Map
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