A continuation of Part 3, the following are a few more of China’s nature reserves that combine beautiful scenery with some of the country’s most rare animals. 1. The Wolong Nature Reserve in Sichuan Province (四川卧龙自然保护区): The biggest nature reserve for pandas
The Wolong Nature Reserve is located high in the mountains of western China’s Sichuan Province. Established in 1963, Wolong is one of the largest and last protected homes of the giant panda. Rich in their food of choice, bamboo leaves, Wolong also contains lush deciduous and evergreen temperate forests and tall, ice-covered mountains. It is also part of the UNESCO Man and Biosphere reserve network.
Best ways to explore and special tips: Some tourist agencies offer the opportunity to take pictures with the pandas. The International Panda Festival is held annually in September or October in the part of the reserve known as Abazhou (阿坝州).
- Sanya Coral Reef, Hainan Province (海南三亚珊瑚碓自然保护区): China’s only coral reef reserve
The Sanya Coral Reef Nature Reserve is located southwest of Sanya City. The reserve occupies a total area of more than 40 square kilometers. With more than 100 different kinds of coral living under the water, the region also abounds with various fishes, shrimps, and other sea creatures. The seawater in the reserve is crystal-clear, making swimming and diving in the area an almost surreal experience.
Best ways to explore and special tips: Go diving. Be sure to protect yourself against the sun and be extra careful not to disturb the underwater environment.
- Zhalong Nature Reserve in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province (黑龙江齐齐哈尔扎龙自然保护区): China’s largest reserve for protection of birds
Occupying 40,000 square kilometers, Zhalong Nature Reserve is known for its cranes. Six of the world’s 15 species of crane can be found on this reserve. The reserve is home to more than 500 red-crowned cranes, accounting for a quarter of this rare bird’s population worldwide.
Best way to explore and special tips: Crane-watching on the wetland is a must. The best months to visit are April, May, August, and September.
