Changqing Nature Reserve

Escape the city, and visit the wilds of Central China, in a place almost untouched by the outside world!

Changqing Nature Reserve (chin. 长青自然保护区) is located in the Qinling Mountains, Shaanxi Province, 300 km south of Xi 'An. The reserve, which reaches elevations of over 3000m, is one of the most important ecological areas in China. It provides one of the best and last remaining places where Giant Pandas, Golden Takin, Golden Monkeys and Crested Ibis can be found in the wild. It is also home to 39 other endangered animals and 31 endangered plants.

Not only does the area offer stunning mountain landscapes and the chance to view wildlife, it also contains a number of cultural sites, including the Han Dynasty(202BC-220AD) Tangluo Trail, remains of ancient temples, shrines and roads.

Home to numerous endangered species - Experience life in a traditional Chinese village

Visiting the reserve also gives you an opportunity to experience life in an authentic Chinese village, where people still live a traditional lifestyle and practice traditional agricultural methods.

History of conservation

Changqing National Nature Reserve (chin. 长青自然保护区) was established in 1995 to protect the giant panda and its habitat. This species is highly endangered and can be classified as a species of significant ecological value—that is, protection of this species guarantees the protection of all other plants and animals that live within the same conservation area.

Conservation is one of the most important management issues at Changqing, and so the Reserve has been involved in numerous international projects, including the Global Environment Fund Nature Reserve Management Project and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Protection and Development Project. These projects have resulted in enhanced conservation-minded management of the environment. Global Environment Fund now ranks Changqing in the top ten Chinese models of reserve management.

In 2002, Changqing received the "Successful Nature Reserve" award from the Ministry of Forestry and in 2004 was one of ten projects listed in the Shaanxi Landscape and Tourism Development Project.

Changqing is also member of Green Globe 21, a world-wide benchmarking and certification program which facilitates sustainable travel and tourism. It is also a member of the Chinese Man International Network of Biosphere Reserves.

Changqing Nature Reserve is home to 248 species of vertebrates: 16 species of fish, 8 species of amphibians, 19 species of reptiles, 154 species of birds and 51 species of mammals.

Changqing Reserve is home to what are considered China's Four National Treasure's; the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), golden monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellanae), golden takin (Budorcas toxicolor bedfordi) and crested ibis (Nipponia nippon).

In 2004 Changqing Reserve undertook a number of conservation-based community development programs, supported by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). The Reserve organised community patrol and anti-hunting units, and provided them with uniforms and GPS receivers for increased effectiveness at decreasing poaching. These units patrol the community forest to help conserve the giant panda habitat. In two of the local villages, the Reserve set up grain and medicinal herb process factories. All of the profits from the factories go to the patrol units.

Changqing Reserve has also provided small-scale loans to the community villages to cultivate Manchurian trout and Chinese medicinal herbs. The Reserve has built a clinic and fuel-saving stoves in the local villages. It has also helped the villages around the Reserve to restore bamboo and conifer forests in areas which were previously farmed.

These measures have helped to reduce commercial and illegal logging and hunting by introducing income-generating activities that do not destroy Giant Panda habitat.

The development of Ecotourism will create further employment opportunities within the local communities.

Climate

Changqing National Nature Reserve (chin. 长青自然保护区) enjoys a moderate climate. Changes in climatic conditions through-out the year can create a dramatic and beautiful transformation in the scenery. These climatic changes also provide the signal for change for many plants and animals, such as cues for migration, breeding, and flowering.

Huayang Village enjoys a moderate climate. Summer temperatures are mild, averaging around 25oC, and the clear mountain air is filled with the sounds of cicadas.

In spring temperatures average around 13oC and the reserve is alive with an abundance of wild flowers!

In autumn the entire mountain side is a vibrant profusion of fluorescent orange, pink and red leaves. Autumn temperatures also average 13C°.

Winters are cool, with average temperatures of around 3oC. Winter is the best time for wildlife viewing, as the wildlife descends the mountains to escape the snow.

Source: OTCSX
Contact: fredsu@yahoo.cn

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