The Rhododendron Sea is located at Guibei Ridge in the Guifeng Mountain Scenic Area. Rhododendron is the city flower of Macheng City and the most beautiful flower among the "Five Golden Flowers" of Macheng City. There is an ancient rhododendron community on Guifeng Mountain, covering an area of over 100000 acres and growing for millions of years. The variety of azaleas here is very pure, mainly in red, with rich flower shapes, bright colors, and beautiful flower postures. Rhododendrons like to be loose, have strong ventilation, and good drainage, with mountain mud being the most suitable. They prefer cool climates, and most rhododendrons have a certain degree of cold resistance. It is suitable for growth at temperatures ranging from 12 ℃ to 25 ℃, and its flowering period is from mid April to mid May.
According to experts, the growth cycle of the ancient rhododendron community in Guifeng Mountain is nearly one million years. Its large area, long age, high density, beautiful flower color, and good preservation are unparalleled in central China and rare in the country. In 2010, Macheng City successfully held an international academic seminar on rhododendrons from all over the world. More than 40 experts from various countries gathered in Macheng and were shocked at Guifeng Mountain. International experts have unanimously agreed through long-term discussions that the Hubei Macheng Rhododendron is the most concentrated distribution, purest forest structure, largest population area, oldest forest, most well preserved, most beautiful plant type, and most magnificent natural community they have ever seen. It is truly a world miracle and can be called the Macheng Rhododendron in the world.
