Yunling Nature Reserve in Lanping County, Nujiang

Yunling Nature Reserve in Lanping County, Nujiang

Attraction Overview

Yunling nature reserve stands in Lanping county of Lisu autonomous prefecture of Nujiang in northwest Yunnan province. It was established in 2003 with the approval of the people's government of Yunnan province.

Attraction Type: Nature Reserve

Chinese Name: 兰坪县云岭自然保护区

Best Time to Visit: All-year-round

Recommended Visiting Time: 1 Day

Altitude: 1,899 - 4,295.3 meters

Location: Lanping county of Lisu autonomous prefecture of Nujiang in northwest Yunnan province

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Geographic and Ecological Significance

Location

Yunling Nature Reserve is located in Lanping County, Nujiang Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Nestled in the middle valley zone of the Yunling Mountains on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it lies within the core area of the “Three Parallel Rivers” World Natural Heritage Site.
Coordinates: Between 99°09′58″–99°31′19″E and 26°10′01″–26°41′08″N.

Topography

The terrain features dramatic elevation changes, ranging from 4,295.3 meters at Xuebang Mountain (雪帮山) to 1,899 meters at Lama Deng Stream (拉马登水沟), creating a unique cold-temperate primary forest ecosystem.

Size

The reserve covers a total area of 75,894 hectares, including:

  • Core Zone: 16,553 hectares

  • Buffer Zone: 7,881 hectares

  • Experimental Zone: 51,460 hectares

A Treasury of Biodiversity

Flagship Species

  • Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey (滇金丝猴): Home to three groups of this endangered species, accounting for one-sixth of China’s total population. Listed as a National Class I Protected Animal and a globally endangered species.

  • Rare Plants: The reserve protects ten key national first- and second-class protected plant species, including Taxus sumatrana (须弥红豆杉) and Torreya yunnanensis (云南榧树).

Key Species List

  • Animals: Includes 34 nationally protected animal species such as the Clouded Leopard (云豹), Leopard (金钱豹), Forest Musk Deer (林麝), Lady Amherst’s Pheasant (白腹锦鸡) – known for its unique courtship display, and Yellow-throated Marten (黄喉貂) – often referred to as the “Jungle Honey Badger”.

  • Vegetation: The area contains 8 vegetation types, 21 community groups, and hosts higher plants belonging to 134 families and 1,233 species.

Research and Conservation Efforts

Monitoring System

Three monitoring and patrol stations have been established to track the behavior, diet, and reproductive patterns of Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys (滇金丝猴).

Ecological Role

Yunling Reserve acts as a crucial green barrier between the Lancang River and Jinsha River systems, maintaining the ecological balance of the Three Parallel Rivers region.

Visitor Guidelines

Item Details
Access Scientific research and conservation come first; not fully open to tourism.
Permit Requirement Prior application is required through the reserve’s management authority.
Safety Tips During the rainy season, beware of falling rocks and landslides; avoid steep cliffs.
Ecological Rules Do not disturb wildlife or collect endangered plant species.

Geological and Cultural Values

Living Fossil Landscapes

Basaltic formations serve as natural “water kidneys,” nurturing alpine wetlands and sustaining hydrological balance.

Cultural Connection

The ecological conservation efforts are deeply integrated with the traditions of the Wa (佤族) and Lisu (傈僳族) ethnic communities living in harmony with the land.

💎 Core Importance

Yunling Nature Reserve is a crucial:

  • Refuge for China’s endemic wildlife

  • Center of evolutionary divergence

  • Genetic reservoir of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey (滇金丝猴)

  • Water conservation zone for ancient forests of Abies delavayi (云冷杉原始林)

Nearby Attractions

Scenic Area of Three Parallel Rivers
Luoguqing Valley Scenic Region in Lanping County, Nujiang
Biluo Snow Mountain