Heishan Nature Reserve in Shengshan, Heilongjiang

Heishan Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang

Heishan Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang is a national nature reserve.

In Heihe, located on the China-Russia border in northern China, there is a reserve called "Shengshan" with a unique landscape and pristine ecology, considered a jewel in the crown of Heihe.

I. Nature, Name, Location, Area, Scope, and Administrative Affiliation of the Reserve

Heishan Nature Reserve in Heilongjiang was established in February 2003 as a provincial nature reserve and was upgraded to a national nature reserve in April 2007 with the approval of the State Council. It is classified as a natural ecosystem-type reserve, specifically a forest ecosystem-type nature reserve. Located in the southwestern part of Aihui District, Heihe City, its geographical coordinates are 49°25′ to 49°40′ north latitude and 126°27′ to 127°02′ east longitude, with the center of the reserve being 110 kilometers from downtown Heihe. To the south lies Sunwu County, to the west Nenjiang County, to the east it borders Pingshan Forest Farm in Heihe City, and to the north is Erzhan Forest Farm in Aihui District. Administratively, it is under the People's Government of Aihui District, with operations directly managed by the Provincial Forestry Department.

II. Zoning of the Reserve

The total area of Shengshan Reserve is 60,000 hectares, including a core zone of 18,200 hectares (30.34%), a buffer zone of 13,100 hectares (21.83%), and an experimental zone of 28,700 hectares (47.83%). All are forested areas within Aihui District, encompassing the entirety of Shengshan and Sanzhan Forest Farms, as well as most of the Kongque Mountain Silviculture Area of Dalin Forest Farm.

III. Resource Conditions

Shengshan Nature Reserve has a high level of biodiversity and abundant wildlife species resources. There are a total of 2,053 wild biological species, including 896 higher plants, 339 vertebrates, 330 insects, 59 soil animals, and 429 macrofungi. There are 7 species of Class II nationally protected plants: Korean pine, Manchurian ash, Amur cork tree, purple magnolia, Dahurian alder, wild soybean, and floatingheart. There are 6 species of Class I nationally key protected animals, including 2 mammals: sable and Siberian musk deer; and 4 birds: red-crowned crane, oriental white stork, golden eagle, and black-billed capercaillie. There are also 43 species of Class II nationally key protected animals, including 35 birds and 8 mammals.

IV. Main Features

1. Unique Regional Location and Special Protected Objects

Shengshan Nature Reserve is located on the northwestern slope of the Lesser Khingan Mountains, adjacent to the Greater Khingan Mountains forest area. It serves as a transitional zone between the flora and fauna of the Greater and Lesser Khingan Mountains, featuring rich and distinctive species. Moose and Korean pine are two major protected species in Shengshan. Moose, as a representative species of the circumpolar region and the largest among existing deer species, is one of the rare and endangered animals in the world, with a concentrated population in this area. The Korean pine in Shengshan marks the northernmost boundary of its distribution in China. Its scattered presence in the Lesser Khingan Mountains makes it a remarkable phenomenon in forestry and holds important scientific research value.

2. Large Protected Area and Complete Vegetation Types

Shengshan is a large-scale reserve and the biggest among provincial-level local forest ecosystem-type reserves in the province. It features five types of vegetation—forest, shrubland, swamp, meadow, and grass pond—and nine subtypes, offering a complete range with abundant plant species. Notably, it contains well-preserved Korean pine primeval forests, which are rare in China.

3. The Only Forest-Type Reserve in the China-Russia Border Region

Shengshan Reserve is one of the larger and better-equipped reserves in the China-Russia border region, facilitating direct connections and cooperation with reserves in Russia’s Amur Oblast. This helps enhance the visibility of Heihe as an open city and promotes significant development in the construction of a “two countries, one city” model.