Longbeishan Forest Park

Longbeishan Forest Park occupies a wooded hill in the Xinjie Subdistrict of Yixing, Jiangsu Province, China, close enough to the city centre to reach by a short taxi ride of about 12 minutes. The name means Dragon Back Mountain, a nod to the long ridge that rises above the surrounding plain. The park is a popular place for local residents to exercise, and visitors will see walkers, joggers and hikers climbing the stone stairways from early morning. Trails wind through mixed forest, bamboo and tea-garden terraces, with small pavilions and rest points where the trees open up to views over the city and the nearby lakes. Entrance is free or low cost, and the park is open from early morning until dusk. A typical visit takes between one and a half and two and a half hours, depending on how far visitors climb toward the ridge. Photographers will find the best views from the upper pavilions in clear weather, when the city and the jiu lakes stretch out below; spring blossom and autumn colour add variety. The hill is busiest at weekends and on holiday mornings, but the trails are broad enough that the crowding is mild. Weekday mornings are very quiet. Spring and autumn mornings are the most pleasant, with mild temperatures and clear air. In summer, the shade of the forest helps, though humidity can be high. The park suits visitors who want a short nature escape without leaving the city, and it combines easily with a lakeside walk in Yicheng. Sturdy footwear is advisable on steep or damp stone steps.