The Thousand Oaks Nature Reserve
Silver Hawk Thousand Oaks is nestled in the southern suburbs of Gaomi City, Shandong Province, just 25 kilometers from downtown. It borders Wangwu Reservoir to the west and Jiaozhou City in Qingdao to the south. Spanning 2,000 mu (approximately 133 hectares), the park combines agriculture, livestock farming, tourism, vacation retreats, and conference facilities. It is recognized as a national AA-level tourist destination.
Thousand Oaks was created by Shandong Silver Hawk Chemical Fiber Co., Ltd. as an ecological park to preserve the natural environment. In the 1950s and 1960s, the hills in this area were planted with red pines during reforestation efforts. However, due to a lack of proper management and protection, much of the forest was lost, and by the 1990s, the area had become barren. In 1997, Li Guirong, Chairman of Silver Hawk Chemical Fiber, took the bold step to reforest the hills and save the disappearing woodland.
Since then, the company has donated tens of thousands of yuan annually to support local villagers in overcoming poverty. Over the past decade, they have invested in building essential facilities, including three small reservoirs, stocking them with 20,000 fish, planting over 900 mu (around 150 acres) of grass, and planting more than 100,000 trees, restoring vibrant greenery to the once-barren landscape.
20,000+
Fish of
Various Species
150+
Acres of
Greenery
100,000+
Trees of
Various Species
The park offers breathtaking scenery and a wealth of attractions. With clear waters flowing alongside rolling hills and green pines covering the landscape, it feels like a scene from a painting. The area is dotted with charming pavilions, terraces, rustic cottages, cave dwellings, and winding paths that create a seamless blend of natural and man-made beauty.
Highlights include over 60 scenic spots, such as Thousand Oaks Lake, Lover’s Valley, Millstone Cliff, Hundred Birds Garden, and Pine Listening Pavilion. Visitors can enjoy picking fresh fruit in orchards filled with peaches, plums, winter jujubes, pears, persimmons, and chestnuts. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including sika deer, guinea fowl, and golden pheasants.
Thanks to the park’s abundant ancient red pines and unique charm, renowned educator and National Supervisor Li Xigui named it “Thousand Oaks.” The name was beautifully inscribed by Zhang Jianzhong, President of the Huangshan Painting and Calligraphy Institute, and a famous artist. Celebrated calligrapher Cong Wenjun also engraved a couplet on the mountain gate:
"Spring hides, autumn rests—Wuling is never far;
By the water, listen to the pines—mountains and valleys whisper beyond words."
The park is well-equipped with a variety of amenities, including three villa-style hotels and facilities for fitness and entertainment. It provides a comprehensive range of services, including dining, fitness activities, recreation, wellness retreats, and conference hosting.
Abundant in natural resources, the park features six economic forest zones and four farming areas. It produces its own organic fruits, vegetables, poultry eggs, fish, and deer products, all free from harmful chemicals. Visitors can savor fresh, locally sourced specialties, such as carp from Thousand Oaks Lake, pheasant, pheasant eggs, wild rabbit, and a variety of seasonal wild vegetables. These dishes highlight the unique flavors of the mountains and the rustic charm of the countryside.
What began as an elderly man’s simple dream to restore barren hills and leave a legacy for future generations has, through more than a decade of effort by Silver Hawk Chemical Fiber, blossomed into a vibrant forest park. Once desolate, the area is now a lush, green haven filled with birdsong and natural beauty. This picturesque park has become a centerpiece of ecological tourism in Gaomi, offering visitors a tranquil escape immersed in nature.
The Thousand Oaks Gallery
Let's embark on a virtual journey through the four seasons of the Thousand Oaks Nature Reserve.
Vision Green Campaign
"Our Vision Green Campaign" is dedicated to restoring nature in barren areas across the countryside. Our mission includes planting more trees, reintroducing birds, fish, and wildlife, and rehabilitating ecosystems affected by deforestation and other human-induced disruptions.
In addition to environmental restoration, we are committed to supporting local communities. A portion of our revenue is allocated to initiatives aimed at improving living conditions, providing essential goods, and fostering sustainable development. Through these efforts, we strive to create a harmonious balance between environmental conservation and community well-being.
