Located in the southeast of Simao District, Pu'er City, Yunnan Province, Sun River National Forest Park is a national 4A-level tourist attraction, known as "The Largest Oasis on the Tropic of Cancer" and "China's Last Paradise for Flora and Fauna".
Overview
Geographical Features
Covers an area of 216 square kilometers with forest coverage up to 97.8%, and an annual average temperature of 18-20℃.
Preserves China's largest and most complete South Asian tropical monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forest ecosystem.
Name Origin
Named after the Sun River that runs through the park, an important tributary of the Lancang River.
Approved as a national forest park by the State Forestry Administration in 2013.
Ecological Resources
Plant Resources
- Plant species: Over 2,100 species of higher plants
- Rare plants: National protected plants like tree ferns, yews, and Magnolia cylindrica
- Ancient tea tree communities: Areas with thousand-year-old wild tea trees
Animal Resources
- Animal species: Over 800 species of wild animals
- Rare animals: National first-class protected animals like Asian elephants, gaur, and slow lorises
- Featured animals: Red pandas, gibbons, and green peafowls
Main Attractions
Core Scenic Areas
- Rhinoceros Meadow: Close encounters with red pandas and rhinos
- Sun River Canyon: Primitive tropical rainforest canyon landscape
- Ancient Tea-Horse Road Site: Remains of ancient trade routes
- Ten-Thousand-Mu Tea Plantation: Experience Pu'er tea picking and making
Special Experiences
- Forest Hiking: Multiple eco-trails through virgin forest
- Wildlife Observation: Guided tours to observe wild animals
- Pu'er Tea Making: Participate in tea picking and processing
- Stargazing Camping: Night sky observation and forest night exploration
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Open year-round. Best visiting season: November to April
Daily opening hours: 08:30-17:30 (last entry at 16:00)
Ticket Prices
- Adult: 100 CNY/person
- Child: 50 CNY/person (1.2-1.4m tall)
- Sightseeing bus: 50 CNY/person (optional)
Transportation
- Self-driving: About 1 hour from Pu'er city center
- Public transport: Direct buses from Pu'er Bus Station
- Airplane: About 40 minutes by taxi from Pu'er Simao Airport
Notes
Smoking and littering are prohibited in the park.
Maintain safe distance from wild animals and do not feed them.
Prepare rain gear and anti-slip shoes during rainy season (May-October).