Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve

With a total area of 241,000 hectares, Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve features a rainforest with various plants, colorful flowers and unique animals. The flora comprises more than 5,000 species of higher and seed plants, which accounts for 12 percent of the total in China. Among them are 58 species of rare and endangered plants under state protection, accounting for 15 percent of the total.The Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve lies in the counties of Jinghong, Mengla, and Menghai in Yunnan Province. Founded in 1958, Xishuangbanna Nature Reserve was accepted by UNESCO as a member of the International Man and Biosphere Reserve Network in 1993.

The reserve also boasts 539 species of terrestrial vertebrates, 25 percent of the total in China, as well as 429 species of birds, 47 species of amphibians, 68 species of reptiles and 100 species of fish. Among them, the Asiatic elephant, Indo-Chinese tiger, gaur, white-cheeked gibbon, binturong, chevrotain, brown-headed hornbill, peacock pheasant and green peafowl are listed in the top protection rank in China and the world.

Travel tips:

Best time to visit: Year-round

Admission: 120 yuan