Mukeng Bamboo Forest

Mukeng Bamboo Forest, Mukeng Zhuhai in Chinese, is only 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Hongcun Ancient Village. As its name indicates, the thick bamboo forest is the major scenic attraction of this place. The bamboo forest occupies an area of six square kilometers (two square miles) and the whole mountain is covered by lush trees. Thus, it picked up another nickname, Verdant Valley.
 

The Mukeng Bamboo Forest exemplifies the beauty of quietness and is regarded as a great place for leisure and for enjoying the fresh air. Walking for a few minutes along the steps, you can find several Hui-style dwellings shaded by leafy bamboos, which looks exactly like the scenery in a traditional Chinese landscape painting. The bamboo forest has a different aspect at different times. After rain, the whole forest is enveloped in mist while the air is cool and fresh. Bright dew glimmers on the leaves making them shine like the finest emeralds. On sunny days, the forest is a natural summer resort with specks of sunlight glistening through the leaves. At night, a sea of bamboo rustles its leaves in the wind and the swaying branches resemble ocean waves.

The Mukeng Bamboo Forest contains six valleys and ten landscapes. Visitors can reach these spots by strolling along the flagstone path. The walking route there is almost circular and leads visitors to three main regions – the Western Sea, Mukeng Village, and the Southern Sea. Visitors usually start their tour at the Western Sea. After a few minutes’ climbing, they reach the Duiqing Pavilion overlooking a sea of bamboo and Mukeng Village. Then head southward down the mountain to the Southern Sea. Visitors can enjoy a great natural view exploring the Southern Sea Valley. There is also the Bamboo Evil City with thrilling ‘monsters’ made of bamboo sticks and leaves scattered about. This spot costs an extra fee. At the end of the sightseeing route, visitors can see Xiu Nu Lake with the bamboo forest reflected on is emerald waters.

Nowadays, the Mukeng Bamboo Forest has developed into a distinctive tourist attraction combining sightseeing, mountain bike touring, photography, entertainment and food. Numerous painters, photographers and directors are attracted there and have created many excellent works to show the beauty of this place to more people. For example, the movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by the famous Chinese director Ang Lee was shot in a grove in the Western Sea. The photography works “Green Bamboo Pile” Chen Fuli took here was awarded the International Gold Medal and was collected by the Royal Photographic Society.
 

 From Huangshan City:
Take a 1.5-hour bus ride from Huangshan Tunxi Bus Station to Hongcun, and then charter a car to the bamboo forest.

 From Huangshan Mountain:
Take a bus from the southern gate of the Huangshan Mountain to Hongcun first. There are two buses a day leaving at 8:00 and 13:40. The bus ride takes about one hour and costs CNY13. Then, charter a car to the scenic area.
 

Admission Fee	Adult Ticket: CNY 30; Free for children below 1.2 meters (3.9 feet); Half-price ticket for children of 1.2 - 1.4 meters (3.9-4.6 feet).  From November 1, 2017 to February 28, 2018, all foreigners and Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau residents can enjoy half-price tickets.
Cable Car Ticket	CNY 40
Opening Hours	7:30 am-5:30 pm