Plan at a glance
The Wuxi Valley entrance
Sandaoguan National Forest Park is in Sandaoguan Town, Mudanjiang. Turn into the main gate after seeing the sign for “Sandaoguan National Forest Park Wuxi Valley.” The entrance has a ticket office, car park and LOVE mural. Wuxi Valley, Yixiantian and Little Huangshan form sections with different levels of exertion.
Tickets and opening hours
The reference ticket price is CNY 20 per person. There has previously been an arrangement to redeem or link a Sandaoguan ticket with a Little Huangshan ticket; confirm at the ticket purchase whether it still applies. Students and visitors aged 60–65 pay half price, while children under 1.2 metres and adults over 65 enter free. No reservation is required; tickets can be bought by scanning a code at the entrance. The park is open all day, with the main visiting areas generally planned around 07:00–17:00.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
The waterside section of Wuxi Valley
Wuxi Valley follows a stream. In summer, the clear, cool water is suitable for a short family stop, walking along the waterside boardwalk and photographing rounded stones and the water. Tents or barbecue shelters can be rented along the bank, but use them only in designated areas.
Yixiantian and Couple Rocks
Yixiantian was formed by volcanic rock. Narrow sections require turning sideways and climbing, and become more slippery after rain; Couple Rocks and other shaped rocks appear along the descent. The steep section is not suitable for everyone, so less mobile family members can skip it and stay on the easier route.
The Little Huangshan boardwalk
Little Huangshan focuses on unusual peaks, rocks and a cliffside boardwalk with mountain views. It is a neighbouring but independent visiting section from Wuxi Valley. If you want to visit both, confirm the ticket-link arrangement when buying the Sandaoguan ticket, then set the order according to the day's paths and your group's ability.
For a lighter near-city forest hike, see Mudan Peak National Forest Park.
Build your day
The 1.5-hour waterside route
After entering, follow the main road to Wuxi Valley. Walk, take photos and pause along the waterside boardwalk, then return to the foot of the mountain. If you have time and energy, view the entrance to Yixiantian; you can finish without entering the steep section. This suits visitors who mainly want to cool off or let children play by the water.
The 3–4-hour complete route
Start by the water in Wuxi Valley, then take on Yixiantian, climb higher and descend on the other side, passing Couple Rocks. If the Little Huangshan ticket link is confirmed at purchase, continue to the cliffside boardwalk, then return to the stream to rest or eat in a designated area. Confirm the access and descent time for each section according to the day's trail conditions.
Ticket stubs and rest stops
Keep the ticket stub or proof of purchase, and ask about the Little Huangshan connection entrance, redemption point and deadline. Tents, pavilions and barbecue shelters require on-site rental. When weekend crowds are heavy, complete Yixiantian or Little Huangshan first, then rest by the stream rather than stopping on narrow sections where vehicles and walkers mix.
Get there
From central Mudanjiang
Driving from the city takes about 40 minutes; navigate to Sandaoguan National Forest Park Wuxi Valley. A one-way taxi from the city is about CNY 50. There is no metro service. If travelling by train, first reach Mudanjiang Station and arrange a separate city transfer.
Parking and walking
There are several car parks inside the park, at about CNY 5 per car. Cars can reach some attractions, but Wuxi Valley, Yixiantian and Little Huangshan still require walking after arrival. Park only in designated spaces and do not drive beside the stream, onto narrow roads or into barbecue areas.
Know before you go
Slippery ground, insects and sun
Yixiantian and waterside sections may be steep and slippery. Wear trainers or hiking shoes and bring trekking poles if useful; in summer, carry mosquito repellent and sun protection. Snakes may be present in the forest, so watch the ground along the trails and avoid grass or unmanaged side paths.
Forest-fire safety
Barbecues are allowed only in designated areas clearly open for that purpose, and visitors must follow the day's fire-prevention rules. During a fire-ban period or whenever open flames are prohibited on site, do not light a fire yourself. The stream and stone banks are suitable for short stops; if water rises, thunderstorms arrive or an area is closed, leave the water's edge and follow staff directions.
Crowds and food
Weekends are busier. Weekdays or early mornings make it easier to arrange Yixiantian and parking. Food options nearby include farm restaurants in Sandaoguan Village and Shanhaitun iron-pot stew; confirm which businesses are open when you arrive.