Samagong Nature Reserve Area in Weixi, Diqing

Where is Samagong Nature Reserve Area - Location

Samagong Nature Reserve Area萨马贡自然保护区 is located in Tacheng Town, Weixi County, with an area of 243 square kilometers. It lies in the east of Dalianzi in the Yunling mountain range and the north of the Kogong river, connecting with the forest in Deqin county. It is in the transitional zone between the east of Indo-Myanmar and the southern edge of Qinghai-Tibet plateau.

Overview

Upon entering the reserve, visitors are greeted by a dense canopy of interlocking tree branches, with towering species such as spruce and fir dominating the landscape. The forest is rich with various tree species including Tsuga longibracteata, Huangguo fir, red-fruited juniper, rhododendron, seabuckthorn, and bamboo. Medicinal plants like Zhuzishen (Panax japonicus, a type of ginseng) and Sanfen San (a medicinal herb used in traditional Chinese medicine) grow alongside lush pastures. Notably, the reserve is home to hundreds of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys, a rare and protected species.

Features of Samagong Nature Reserve Area

The nature reserve was designated by the people's government of Diqing prefecture on December 19, 1981. It is an important water resource forest in the West Bank of upper Jinsha River. It’s also a habitat for various wildlives. The highest point is Tongsagang, which is 4,170 meters above sea level. It gradually decreases to the east and reaches 2,230 meters above sea level in Kegong Village.

The nature reserve is densely forested with rare wood such as spruce, fir, seabuckthorn and bamboo. Due to humid climate, elevation difference is obvious and the plant species are complete. More than 90 Yunnan golden monkeys are also living in the reserve. In addition, there are many kinds of wild protected animals, such as little panda, big civet, roe and bear. Here, the ecological preservation is complete, the air is fresh and moist, the scenery is quiet and serene, and the water resources are extremely rich, which makes the mountain full of infinite spirit.

Samagong Nature Reserve is located in Weixi County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Situated east of Wada Liangzi in the Yunling Mountains and north of the Kegong River, this nature reserve is contiguous with the forest areas of Deqin County, stretching across hundreds of miles. The reserve plays a crucial role as an important water source forest and wildlife habitat along the western bank of the upper Yangtze River (Jinsha River). Established in 1981 by the Diqing Prefectural Government, the Samagong Nature Reserve spans an area of 243 square kilometers. It sits at a transitional zone, lying between the humid subtropical region of the Eastern Himalayas and the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. The highest point in the reserve is Tongsa Gang, with an elevation of 4,170 meters, which gradually lowers to Kegong Village at 2,230 meters.

Water Source Forest

The lush, verdant forest of the Samagong Nature Reserve plays a vital role as a water source forest, ensuring a rich ecological balance and supporting local biodiversity. Walking through the towering spruce and fir trees, one might easily lose direction amidst the thick canopy that blocks out sunlight. The forest floor is carpeted with medicinal herbs and dense undergrowth, while towering trees create a green expanse that stretches as far as the eye can see. This dense forest is a key feature of the transition zone between the Eastern Himalayas and the southern Tibetan Plateau, with an elevation difference of up to 1,940 meters over a 10-kilometer stretch. The interaction between the warm, humid air from the Bay of Bengal and the cold air from Tibet results in substantial annual rainfall of approximately 1,216.3 millimeters. These conditions foster the vigorous growth of diverse tree species, making this forest a vital water source forest for the western bank of the upper Jinsha River.

Lapuhe River

The Samagong Nature Reserve also nurtures the local communities along the Kegong and Lapuhe rivers. The Kegong River is formed by numerous mountain streams within the reserve and converges with the southern source of the Lapuhe River near Kona Village. These two beautiful rivers, referred to as the "Father River" and "Mother River" by the local populace, flow through the entire Tacheng Township, with the Lapuhe River being the largest river in Weixi County and the only river in Weixi that flows into the Jinsha River. The Lapuhe River stretches for 76 kilometers, with a normal flow rate of 18.7 cubic meters per second and an annual water accumulation of 620 million cubic meters, nourishing the fertile land along its banks. The villages along the river are mainly inhabited by Tibetan, Lisu, Naxi, Han, and Yi ethnic groups. The paddy fields along the river's banks account for over 15% of the total paddy field area in Weixi County, making it one of the major rice-producing areas in the region.

Pristine Forest

The dense, untouched forests of the Samagong Nature Reserve play a vital role in regulating the climate of Tacheng Township, inadvertently reducing the risk of natural disasters. This natural protection ensures that the residents of Tacheng Township can live in peace and stability. The forest's biodiversity and rich natural resources not only support the local environment but also provide essential habitat for a variety of wildlife species, contributing to the ecological health of the region.

The Samagong Nature Reserve stands as a testament to Yunnan's commitment to preserving its natural heritage and biodiversity, offering both a critical refuge for wildlife and a source of water and resources for local communities.