This reservoir is located next to the Changle Forest Farm—or perhaps even within it? The place is quite remarkable in a way: it’s not an official tourist attraction, yet it has become a well-known wild scenic spot. This situation is very characteristic of China—you’re told at the main gate that entry is prohibited, so the only option is to climb over the wall. Meanwhile, the park management turns a blind eye, which serves as their unofficial disclaimer. Naturally, there are no admission fees here, but neither are there any facilities or services typically provided by scenic areas, such as public restrooms, trash bins, dining options, boardwalks, or medical assistance. You’ll need to bring your own food and water. Since trash cans are scarce, please try to pack out your garbage. Restroom facilities are also limited and essentially occupied by women; male visitors will have to relieve themselves in the woods. Additionally, the forest farm occasionally carries out logging operations right along the roadside hillsides, and you might encounter snakes or other wildlife, so be sure to stay safe.
Although logically such a remote location shouldn’t attract many people, as word spreads, more and more visitors are driving here, some even arriving in organized tour buses. If you’re driving yourself, simply set your navigation to Ganling Reservoir. You can park your car in the nearby village at the entrance—either in locals’ yards, where parking may be free if you dine at their homes, or for a small fee of around 10 to 20 yuan, depending on how close the spot is to the entrance.
I visited on a weekend this time. The air quality was rather mediocre, with noticeable haze—far from the clear blue skies and white clouds one hopes for—but the water remained remarkably clear. This season is especially beautiful, as different tree species display a variety of colors. However, since there are hardly any proper paths inside—mostly just dirt trails and a few log bridges—it posed a bit of a challenge for me.
Beyond the reservoir lies the forest farm, bordered by bamboo groves.
Captured a few aerial photos of the forest farm with my drone, along with two short video clips:
Photos in this post taken with SONY A5100 + 16-50 f3.5-5.6 + DJI Mavic Pro; post-processed in Lightroom.
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