|
|
So far, China
has boasted 243 national natural reserves, with a total area of 8.9441
million hectares, accounting for 9.2 percent of China's land territory.
Generally speaking, the state natural reserves protect a lot of rare spices
of plants and animals at the same time they are always beautiful that
attract many people to visit. For example, Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserves
and Wlingyuan Scenic Area are world famous tourist attractions.
Jiuzhaigou Natural Reserve
Jiuzhaigou is located in Jiuzhaigou County of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang
Autonomous Prefecture in the north of Sichuan Province and is known far
and wide as "a fairyland." It covers an area of 60,000 hectares.
The name Jiuzhaigou came from nine Tibetan villages scattered in the valley.
Ancient Chinese legend has it that the goddess accidentally broke her
mirror here and the pieces which fell down the mountain formed beautiful
lakes, streams and waterfalls. The scenery here is extremely beautiful.
Emerald lakes, layered waterfalls, colorful forests, snow peaks and pristine
Tibetan customs and pastoral life are all in perfect harmony. Due to its
special landforms and location it is the place where northern and southern
flora and fauna meet. So it is the home of many plants such as conifers
and broadleaf trees. It also inhabits rare species of and animals such
as the giant panda, golden monkey, and white-lip deer. Jiuzhaigou was
awarded the status of UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1997 and was
also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992.
Pictures of Jiuzhaigou
The scenery in Jiuzhaigou changes with the season. When
the spring comes the ice and snow begin to thaw and spring water begins
to rise. The Jiuzhaigou Valley wakes up. The air is filled with the fragrance
of wild flowers. In summer the Jiuzhaigou Valley is covered with verdant
spruces, it seems that the color is dripping from the trees.
There are many beautiful lakes, which are pure and unblemished. The lush
forest is alive, and the limpid water reflects the violet clouds floating
above that make Jiuzhaigou more attractive. Autumn is the most magnificent
season in the Valley. The breeze is intoxicating, while the leaves turn
yellow or crimson. The colorful leaves and woods are reflected in the
sparkling limpid lakes, the fallen petals float in the water. The remote
sky is clear and bright. It can make you feel that you are in paradise.
In winter, the Valley becomes especially quiet. Mountains peaks are covered
by snow. Some waterfalls become natural ice sculptures. The distant forest
is like a dark green curtain. The sky appears more distant in the clear
weather.
Whenever you visit Jiuzhaigou you can always feel its charm. This fairy
land can make you forget tiredness and trouble of your life.
Wulingyuan Scenic Area
Wulingyuan Scenic Area, lying to the north of Zhangjiajie City, is a charming
tourist attraction. It is one of the 40 famous scenic spots in China.
Wulingyuan Scenic Area was listed as a world natural heritage in 1992.
The spot boasts of natural beauty where mountains, valleys, forests, caves,
lakes and waterfalls exist in total harmony. Over 560 scenic sights can
be found here. The strangely-shaped peaks, the grotesque rocks, the hidden
valleys, the wonderful waters and the limestone caves form the 'Five Wonders'
of Wulingyuan.
Covering an area of 690 square kilometers, Wulingyuan consists of four
parts- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Suoxiyu Natural Reserve, Tianzi
Mountain Natural Reserve and the newly added Yangjiajie Scenic Area.
The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is the first state-level forest park
in China. Over ninety percent of the park is covered with varieties of
trees. Particularly, it is rich in forest resources, featuring both virgin
and artificial secondary forests. It is the home for some 3,000 species
of high-grade plants of which 35 are rare species under state protection
such as cloul leopard, tragopan and giant salamander. There are also 116
types of animals living in Zhangjiajie.
Pictures of Wulingyuna Scenic Area
The park is a real treasure house. The Lobster Flower,
a sort of flower that can change color five times in a day, is unique
in the park. The views in this area include the Golden Whip Stream, Huangshi
Fort and Yuanjiajie.
The Suoxiyu Natural Reserve is the center of the scenic zone and is the
largest among the four areas of the park. About 200 scenic spots can be
found here.
The Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve is rich in strange peaks and rocks.
It is also famous for the constant clouds and fog.
The life and customs of minority groups such as Tujia, Miao and Bai are
also of interest. Their houses, farms, their singing and dancing undoubtedly
make it more mysterious and attractive.
|
