Exploring Nanshan Bamboo Forest: A Dog-Friendly Adventure
Nanshan Bamboo Forest is a popular tourist destination, especially known for its pandas. When we arrived, we weren’t sure what to expect, particularly regarding its pet-friendliness. I approached the ticket counter to inquire, and they confirmed that dogs were welcome, though they couldn’t go to the panda area. The park appeared large on the map, so we felt comfortable proceeding and purchased our tickets.
Tickets Options
Tickets are priced at 90 RMB, and sometimes you can get them cheaper here, but you need to buy at least one day in advance.
- Sightseeing Bus: 30 RMB (not necessary, as it’s only a 10-minute walk to the first attraction)
- Mini Train: 20 RMB one way (take it up with the dogs and walk back down the path)
- Cable Car: 80 RMB return (dogs can ride to the viewing platform and then decide whether to take the small hike to Wu Yue Peak)
- Ground Rail to the Pandas: Dogs are not allowed
- Parking: 15 RMB per day
- Bamboo Rafting: 300 RMB per raft (fits 6 people comfortably)
A rainy day Adventure
The park was quiet during our visit, likely due to the rain, but I’ve heard it can get busy on weekends and holidays when the weather is nice. Depending on your plans, you could easily spend half a day to a full day exploring.
Bamboo Rafting
The bamboo rafting was dog-friendly, so we rented a raft for two people and our six dogs. The raft driver found our group amusing, and our dogs had a great time. After rafting, we explored the bird area, where loose peacocks roamed freely, prompting us to move quickly through that section. Continuing on, we encountered a massive statue.
Exploring the Park
At this point, we had two choices: take the stairs to the right of the statue or ride the cable car. We learned that dogs could ride the cable car, but not the ground tram, which leads to the panda area. We decided on the cable car since we were wet and cold from the rain. We managed to fit all six dogs in the car and enjoyed the scenic views.
Views from the Top
At the top, there was a shop with indoor seating and additional hiking trails. The park was well-maintained, featuring nice paths and clean bathrooms. However, we skipped the hike due to the rain and fog obstructing the view.
However, from here you can continue hiking to the peak to see 3 provinces in a single view!
Overall, it was a fantastic park that was very dog-friendly! The staff were accommodating, and while it’s an on-leash park, the variety of activities—like bamboo rafting, the cable car, and hiking—made it a worthwhile visit for us and our dogs.
Tips for future visitors
For future visitors, I recommend planning your trip on a weekday or during less busy times to fully enjoy the experience. Also, note that dogs must have a shoulder-to-floor height not exceeding 60 cm, although I know people who have gone with larger dogs without being measured. If you have a larger dog, it’s safer to buy your tickets at the park and have a backup plan. I suggest considering the Oriental Saltlake Resort in Changzhou.
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Always make sure to confirm with the venue to keep updated on current pet policies.
