Zhoukou Forest Park nestles alongside the Huai River and is a rare ecological haven in the Central Plains. Built upon a framework of over 10,000 acres of secondary forest and wetlands stretching for hundreds of miles, it forms a dynamic, three-dimensional landscape where forests, water, and farmland blend seamlessly. In spring, wild cherry blossoms blanket the hills like clouds; in summer, egrets dance gracefully among swaying reeds; autumn paints the forests in vivid hues; and in winter, snow-laden pines and cypresses stand with even greater vigor—each season offering its own unique natural rhythm.
The core area, "Yunmeng Marsh," is a premier birdwatching destination, home to over 200 migratory bird species, including red-crowned cranes and egrets, which nest amid dense reed beds. Winding boardwalks allow visitors to overlook the lively spectacle of waterfowl taking flight or gathering on the water. The "Cuiwei Valley" preserves an ancient grove of thousand-year-old cypresses, their gnarled branches arching skyward and forming vast, umbrella-like canopies. Crystal-clear streams murmur through the valley, moss blankets the stones, and the tranquil atmosphere offers urban dwellers a rare sanctuary for peace and reflection. From the "Wanghuai Pavilion," one can gaze out at the flowing Huai River in the distance and the boundless sea of trees below; at dawn, when mist swirls around the pavilion, the scene becomes especially ethereal.
This land was once part of the ancient State of Shen during the Spring and Autumn period. Remnants of the Han-dynasty "Shenxiang Pavilion" still exist, and the renowned Northern Song dynasty writer Ouyang Xiu once sailed here and composed poetry. Within the park, the "Shen State Cultural Corridor" uses sculptures and stone inscriptions to narrate the millennia-long cultural heritage of this region. Strolling through the park, visitors can not only feel nature’s breath but also touch the warmth of history—a true spiritual retreat from the clamor of city life.
