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Sichuan Province Destinations Wanglang Nature Reserve
Sichuan Province Destinations Wanglang Nature Reserve | Wanglang Nature Reserve |
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Near the rustic northern Sichuan
town of Pingwu
the Wanglang Nature Reserve protects an estimated 30 of the less than 1000
giant pandas left in the world. Founded
in 1963 by the Sichuan Forestry Bureau, it marks one of China's very
first nature reserves. The park ranges
between 2,400 and 4,980 meters in elevation amidst the rugged Minshan mountain
range. Besides Wanglang, Pingwu County
includes two other nature reserves, and the entire county is estimated to be
home to 15% of the world's giant panda population. While it is rather rare to catch a glimpse of a panda in
the wild, the park also boasts golden snub-nose monkeys, takin, musk deer, blue
sheep, and excellent birdwatching during the spring and fall migration seasons
(Expert birdwatching guides are available, but please inquire well in
advance). Wanglang currently represents
one of China's
finest eco-tourism destinations. The
reserve includes a comfortable lodge, hiking trails, picnic areas, and
naturalists available to guide hikes.
The reserve has worked closely with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to
promote environmental sustainability and education through activities, lectures
and other resources at the lodge.
Close to the reserve the Baima people, commonly known for their
colorful dress, song and dance, are a virtually unknown indigenous
minority. Most believe they are
descended from Tibetans due to language similarities, but their unique
architectural and decorative styles certainly suggest otherwise. Only 3,000 Baima people exist in the world,
and like their neighbor the giant panda, are an endangered species.
Visit the Wanglang Nature Reserve on an Overland China journey: Click here for more information on Wanglang
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