Wulaoshan National Forest Park

Updated June 4, 2026

Wulaoshan National Forest Park is a 5 located in Lincang.

Visiting Wulaoshan National Forest Park

Located in Lincang, Wulaoshan National Forest Park is a 5 that visitors to the area may find worth exploring.

Planning Your Visit

GPS coordinates: 23.907417, 100.185520. Check locally for current opening hours and any admission fees before visiting.

Location

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Wulaoshan National Forest Park sits about 15 to 18 kilometers east of Lincang City in Yunnan Province. It’s famous for its five distinct peaks, which locals say look like elderly folks deep in conversation.

The park is packed with plant and animal life. If you love mountain hikes, spotting wildlife, or getting lost in subtropical forests, this place is a solid pick.

The park covers 54,000 acres, with elevations from 1,900 up to 2,700 meters. That altitude shift creates a bunch of different microclimates—supporting nearly 500 plant species and 200 types of animals. You might even catch a glimpse of rare creatures like the forest musk deer or the black-necked long-tailed pheasant.

The landscape is dramatic: deep valleys, steep peaks, and thick evergreen broadleaf forests mixed with pine. Trails wind through “Lover’s Valley,” a three-kilometer stretch of dense woods, and lead to Dieyan Waterfall, which tumbles down 150 meters over five tiers.

At the peak, you’ll come across Lvlin Lake reservoir. There’s also a 13.6-meter observation tower—on a clear day, the view stretches across Lincang City and the surrounding mountains.

The park’s been a national forest park since 1999 and is rated a 2A-level scenic area. Forest colors really pop in spring and summer, and that’s when wildlife is most active.

Key Takeaways

• Wulaoshan lies 15–18 kilometers east of Lincang City, with five peaks, forest trails, waterfalls, and a summit lake with an observation tower.
• The park is home to 498 plant species and 200 animal species across elevations from 1,900 to 2,700 meters.
• Highlights include the three-kilometer Lover’s Valley trail and the five-tier Dieyan Waterfall with a 150-meter drop.

Key Details and Quick Facts

Wulaoshan National Forest Park is about 15 kilometers east of Lincang City, in the Linxiang District of Yunnan. It covers 50 square kilometers within the buffer zone of Daxue Mountain Nature Reserve.

The park got its National Forest Park status in May 1999 and is rated as a National AAAA-level Tourist Attraction.

Essential Information

• Main Peak Elevation: 2,583 meters
• Average Annual Temperature: 17.2°C
• Annual Rainfall: 1,164 mm
• Park Size: 50 square kilometers
• Recommended Visit Duration: Around 2 hours

Notable Features

The name “Wulaoshan” comes from five peaks that, seen from afar, look like old friends chatting. Evergreen broadleaf trees and Yunnan pine dominate the landscape.

There are over 100 tree species here, spanning more than 30 plant families.

Protected Species

Wulaoshan is a haven for rare plants like Cyathea spinulosa (tree ferns) and Tetracentron sinense. Wildlife includes Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, macaques, wild boars, and several owl species.

Over 100 medicinal plants grow here too—think Eucommia ulmoides and Magnolia officinalis.

Main Attractions

• Wulao Flying Waterfall
• Jinzhu Grand Cascade (over 30 meters tall, more than 3 meters wide)
• Lover’s Valley
• Lulian Lake (also called Green Forest Lake or Deer Lake)
• Five Peaks Pavilion
• Watchtower (13.6 meters high)

You’ll find oak walkways stretching over 200 meters, plus facilities for geology buffs and eco-tourists.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Visiting Wulaoshan National Forest Park, you’ll be wandering a mountain area that’s about 90% forested, just 15 kilometers east of Lincang City. Elevations climb up to 2,538 meters, and temperatures usually hover around 17.2°C.

Park hours run from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The five iconic peaks inspired the park’s name.

The trails cut through dense forests filled with Burma pines and more than 100 plant species from 30 families. You’ll pass Wulao Waterfall, Lovers’ Valley (Qingrengu), Deer Lake (Lunianhu), and the Golden Bamboo Grove Waterfall.

Wildlife you might spot:

• Lady Amherst’s pheasant, jungle fowl
• Red-billed leiothrix (“lover birds”)
• Macaques, wild boar
• Owls, woodpeckers

The mountain’s terrain is steep, with vertical valleys and thick vegetation—tree ferns, wild tea, camellias, rhododendrons, orchids. Wildflowers peak in spring and summer, but the forest stays green all year.

Humidity is usually around 72%, and annual rainfall is about 1,160 millimeters, so expect things to be pretty lush.

If you show up during off-peak hours, it’s likely to be quieter. Keep in mind, the elevation changes can be pretty intense between viewpoints and waterfalls.

How to Plan Your Trip

Wulaoshan sits 15 kilometers east of Lincang City, with its tallest peak at 2,583 meters. The park’s open daily from 8:00 to 17:00.

Factor in travel time and the weather when planning your visit.

Best Times to Visit

March to May and September to November are the sweet spots—temperatures are comfortable and skies tend to be clearer. The yearly average is a pleasant 17.2°C, but those shoulder seasons are best for photos and for catching the five peaks in all their glory.

Rain picks up in summer, making trails muddy and sometimes hiding the mountain. Winter’s an option, but you’ll want to bring warm layers for the higher areas.

If you’re after solitude or good light for photos, aim to arrive by 7:00 AM.

Getting There

You can fly into Lincang Bosang Airport, then take a shuttle to the city center. From there, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the “Wulaoshan Forest Park East Gate.”

The park is in Mangpan Street, Linxiang District. If you’re staying near Yulong Lake, your hotel might be able to help with transport, or you could hire a local driver.

Public transportation isn’t really an option here—renting a car or booking a driver gives you more freedom, and you can check out other spots in the Daxue Mountain Nature Reserve buffer zone.

Insider Tips

Definitely bring insect repellent and wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. The forest is alive with bugs, and the trails aren’t always smooth.

If you’re staying overnight in one of the Wa-style bamboo house inns, consider packing earplugs—nighttime insect sounds can be intense. The trade-off is a pretty authentic experience.

Food options inside the park are slim, so pack water and snacks. If you’re planning to birdwatch or photograph wildlife, especially in the more remote corners, come prepared.

Nearby Must-See Spots in Lincang

There’s more to see around Wulaoshan if you’ve got time. Wengding Wa Village offers a deep dive into local culture, Big Snow Mountain shows off high-altitude views, and Lincang Forest Park has even more trails.

Wengding Wa Village is all about traditional Wa culture—wooden homes, tribal customs, and local crafts. It’s one of the last authentic Wa settlements in Yunnan.

Big Snow Mountain is a very different vibe—higher elevations, sweeping views, tea plantations below, forested trails above.

Other places worth a look:

• Lincang Forest Park – More trails and green space near the city
• Shidong Temple – Buddhist architecture and a peaceful atmosphere
• Guangyun Buddhist Temple – Another historic religious site
• Wulong Mountain – Different terrain and hiking options

Most of these are reachable by car or local bus from Lincang. The airport in Boshang Town is about 14 miles from downtown, so it’s easy to base yourself in the city and explore from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

People tend to ask about the best time to visit, how to get there, which trails to hike, and what to bring for the park’s ever-changing conditions.

What’s the best time of year to visit for clear views and comfortable hiking weather, and when do clouds or rain typically roll in?

For the clearest views and best hiking weather, aim for October through April. Mornings are usually clearer; by afternoon, clouds often drift in around the peaks.

The park ranges from 1,900 to 2,700 meters in elevation, so even on warm days, higher spots can feel cool. Summer and autumn often bring mist and the “sea of clouds” effect—pretty, but not great for distant views.

Rain is most common from May to September. If you hike in the wet season, expect muddy trails and foggy conditions above 2,400 meters, especially by midday.

How do you actually get to the park from Lincang (and which route is easiest if you’re relying on public transport or a hired car)?

The main entrance is about 18 kilometers east of Lincang city center—a 30-40 minute drive on the main eastern road. No public buses run directly to the park, so you’ll need a hired car, taxi, or to join a local tour from Linxiang District.

Most drivers know it as “Wulaoshan Senlin Gongyuan” (五老山森林公园). The road is paved and open all year. You can usually negotiate round-trip fares or set a pickup time for your return.

Which trails are the most scenic for a half-day visit versus a full day, and what are the signature viewpoints people usually miss?

If you’ve only got a half day, the 3-kilometer Lover’s Valley (Qingren Gu) trail is a nice, easy loop through broadleaf forest, with streams and stone paths.

For a full day, head to the five-tier Dieyan Waterfall (150-meter drop), then push on to the summit observation tower at 2,583 meters. From there, you can see the watershed divide for the Lancang and Nujiang rivers.

The red octagonal pavilion near the summit and Lülin Lake reservoir are popular stops, but not many folks walk the wooden boardwalk—over 200 meters through dense oak forest. If you’ve got four to six hours, the summit route is doable.

The waterfall is loud enough to hear from a kilometer away, so even if trail markers fade, you’ll know you’re close.

Are there any permits, entrance fees, or checkpoint procedures travelers should know about before arriving?

There’s a standard entrance fee at the main gate—prices change now and then and aren’t always easy to find online in English. No advance permits are needed for day hikes, but bring your ID, since the park borders the Daxue Mountain Nature Reserve buffer zone.

The park is a 2A-rated scenic area in China’s tourism system, so expect basic facilities. Camping permits usually aren’t issued for overnight stays inside the park. If you’re planning extended photography or birdwatching, check locally for the latest rules.

What wildlife, birdlife, or distinctive forest ecosystems can you realistically spot here, and what time of day gives you the best chance?

The park officially protects about 200 animal species across 70 families. In reality, though, most visitors wind up spotting smaller forest birds and the occasional macaque group.

If you’re hoping for a glimpse of rare mammals like forest musk deer, well, odds aren’t great. Black-necked long-tailed pheasants are around, but they’re elusive.

Early mornings—think 6:00 to 9:00 a.m.—are your best shot for catching sight of silver pheasants, koklass pheasants, or golden pheasants. These birds hang out in the lower elevation mixed forests, and they’re most active before the crowds arrive.

The park’s plant life is surprisingly diverse, with 137 plant families represented. You’ll find Yunnan yew (that’s first-class protected) and water tupelo trees (second-class protected) scattered through the subtropical evergreen broadleaf forest.

As you walk, you’ll move through distinct zones. There are stretches of Yunnan pine and Chinese white pine at mid-elevations.

Get closer to the ridgeline, and you hit mixed conifer-broadleaf forest. Rhododendron displays really go wild in the spring, especially across the higher slopes.

What practical items should you pack for the park’s conditions—like leech protection, footwear for muddy sections, and temperature swings?

You’ll want waterproof hiking boots with solid ankle support. The stone trails get slick when it rains, so aggressive tread really matters.

If you’re heading there between May and October, leech socks or gaiters are a lifesaver in the lower forest. Trust me, those leeches don’t mess around.

Expect the temperature to drop 10–15°C from the trailhead up to the summit. Even if it’s warm at the bottom, pack layers.

A rain jacket is always a good call—it’ll double as wind protection on the exposed ridges. Don’t get caught shivering up there.

Bring insect repellent and a basic first-aid kit. You’ll also need more water than you might think, since refill points are pretty much nonexistent once you leave the entrance area.

Trekking poles aren’t mandatory, but they make the steeper, mossy waterfall sections way less sketchy.