With the lake freezing over, the trees enveloped in snow, and the woods taking on a serene and peaceful silence, escaping to Wawushan Mountain, China's very own "Table Mountain," for an unforgettable experience filled with winter activities is a no-brainer for outdoor adventure lovers.
Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa, is perhaps the first answer that springs to mind when asked to suggest a famous flat-topped mountain. But Wawushan Mountain in Hongya County, southwest China's Sichuan Province, is actually another one that resembles a table-top, and is the biggest of its kind in Asia.
A bird's-eye view of a plank road at Wawushan National Forest Park in southwest China's Sichuan Province on December 24, 2023. /CFP
Visitors enjoy the panoramic scenery from a sightseeing platform at Wawushan National Forest Park in southwest China's Sichuan Province on December 24, 2023. /CFP
In Chinese, "wawu" means "tile-roofed house," while "shan" means mountain. Range upon range of peaks resembling tile-roofed houses have earned the area the nickname of Wawushan Mountain. Its highest peak boasts an altitude of over 3,000 meters. Its table-like top covers an area of 11 square kilometers. Early in 2017, the China National Geographic magazine named Wawushan Mountain as "the most beautiful table mountain" in the country.
Wawushan's beauty is enjoyed by visitors all year round. In early December, the scenic spot kicked off its ice and snow carnival, where a variety of recreational activities were on offer, from enjoying the breathtaking views to getting an adrenaline kick on one of the many snow-themed activities like snowmobile riding or sledging.
Visitors sledge along a snow-covered plank road at Wawushan National Forest Park in southwest China's Sichuan Province on December 24, 2023. /CFP
Visitors enjoy coffee at a cafe at Wawushan National Forest Park in southwest China's Sichuan Province on December 24, 2023. /CFP
Beyond the snow adventures, visitors can also enjoy bonfires, dance parades, boutique markets and festive lantern shows at the forest park. During the Spring Festival, which falls in early February next year, outdoor concerts and traditional New Year celebrations will also be held. The ice and snow carnival will run until March of 2024.
