Ningguo Nature Reserve

Ningguo Nature Reserve

The provincial Banqiao Nature Reserve was established in 1995, covering an area of 63 square kilometers. It currently preserves over 50,000 acres of lush natural sweet chestnut forests. It is the best-preserved and most intact primeval forest on the northeastern edge of the subtropical zone, home to more than 10 species of plants under national protection and nearly 30 species of national first- and second-class protected animals, along with nearly a thousand species of provincially protected animals. It boasts vast expanses of sweet chestnut forests that are unique in China, various rare plant species, and rare animals such as clouded leopards, milu deer, leopards, Chinese giant salamanders, and ring-necked pheasants. Experts have called it “a kingdom of flora and fauna, a hall of biodiversity and gene pool, and a precious pure land.”

The area features rich landscapes, represented by the Ten Scenic Spots of the High Peaks, integrating peaks, water, rocks, caves, flowers, trees, birds, and beasts.

It has been hailed by experts as “a kingdom of animals, a hall of biodiversity, and a valuable pure land within the gene pool.”

The Gangkou Bay Reservoir, construction of which began on October 6, 1998, will form a lake of 32.8 square kilometers upon completion. Connected to the reservoir is the provincial Banqiao Nature Reserve, known as “a bridgehead on the transitional zone and the last green stronghold in the northeastern part of the central subtropical zone.” The main peak in the area stands at an elevation of 1,153 meters and features well-preserved primeval forests with extremely high concentrations of negative oxygen ions. There are over a thousand species of vascular plants, including vast expanses of sweet chestnut forests that are unique in China, various rare plants, and rare animals such as clouded leopards, milu deer, leopards, Chinese giant salamanders, and ring-necked pheasants. Experts have called it “a kingdom of flora and fauna, a hall of biodiversity and gene pool, and a precious pure land.” The area features rich landscapes, represented by the Ten Scenic Spots of the High Peaks, integrating peaks, water, rocks, caves, flowers, trees, birds, and beasts. In ancient times, there were temples on the mountaintops that enjoyed thriving incense offerings.

Being in the reserve is like traveling back to ancient times, making it a great destination for adventure, exploration, seeking tranquility, leisure, and forest bathing. Banqiao is truly a “green treasure house.” The village has a forest coverage rate of 96%. Here, the peaks stand like a forest and are an extension of the Huangshan Mountain Range, with timber and bamboo reserves of 200,000 cubic meters. It is abundant in tea, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear fungus, bamboo shoots, torreya nuts, ginkgo nuts, chestnuts, kiwifruit, and various bamboo and wood products, as well as local specialties such as root carvings, rockeries, and precious medicinal herbs. There are also rare plants such as golden willow — a treasure of Jiuhua Mountain, rhododendron fortunei clusters, cyclobalanopsis glauca, castanopsis sclerophylla, and lithocarpus glaber. According to preliminary expert research, there are 483 plant species here, 196 of which are endemic to China, and 10 have been confirmed as nationally protected plant species. Among the rare animals, there are 65 bird species, 23 of which are under national key protection, and 40 mammal species, 9 of which are under national key protection.

Commonly seen species include the white-necklaced partridge, red-winged crested cuckoo, Chinese sparrowhawk, spotted wood owl, as well as clouded leopards, black muntjacs, milu deer, and leopard cats. Several small waterfalls converge into a stream, with the cool stream reflecting the ancient, solitary traces of life that have persisted for centuries. Everything in Banqiao bears no trace of artificial carving — it is all so pristine and natural, always giving off a profound and mysterious aura. Its simple and enchanting natural scenery, in today’s age of tourism development, can easily become a highlight along the forest nature tourism route of southern Anhui. The area enjoys convenient transportation, advanced communication, and a pleasant climate. Even on summer nights, a cool breeze still blows, making it a perfect destination for recuperation and summer retreat. The vast forests and deep caves here are great spots for adventure and hunting. With its beautiful mountains and clear waters, and the sounds of birds and fragrances of flowers, it will inspire your poetic spirit and lead you to compose timeless masterpieces. This is a pure land, free from any pollution. The human longing to return to nature, combined with Banqiao’s outstanding charm and enchanting scenery, will make your dream of reconnecting with nature come true. The natural environment here is beautiful and the scenery delightful, making it highly suitable for eco-tourism, sightseeing, and vacationing. The main peak in the Banqiao Nature Reserve stands at an elevation of 1,153 meters and features well-preserved primeval forests with extremely high concentrations of negative oxygen ions and over a thousand species of vascular plants.

Exact location: Within Fangtang Township, Ningguo City