Dongzhai Nature Reserve (Dongzhai Bird Nature Reserve)

Dongzhai Nature Reserve (Dongzhai Bird Nature Reserve)

Dongzhai National Nature Reserve is located at the northern foot of the Dabie Mountains on the border of Henan and Hubei provinces, in the southernmost part of Luoshan County, 32 km from Xinyang City. In June 2001, Dongzhai National Nature Reserve was established with the approval of the State Council, covering a total area of 46,800 hectares. It is a multifunctional, comprehensive nature reserve that integrates natural conservation, eco-tourism, bird watching, scientific research, teaching practice, leisure activities, and summer retreats.

The Dongzhai Reserve lies on the boundary line between China’s northern and southern climates. Its unique geographical location and mild, humid climate have fostered a favorable forest ecosystem, giving rise to a rich and diverse range of species and biological resources. The reserve is home to 1,879 plant species, 37 mammal species, 44 amphibian and reptile species, and 237 bird species. As a result, it has been listed as a priority ecosystem protection area in the North Subtropical Zone under China's Biodiversity Conservation Action Plan, as well as a priority protected area and globally significant region by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

Dongzhai Reserve is hailed as a "bird paradise." The abundance of bird species here is truly rare among nature reserves at the same latitude or longitude. Bird species in Dongzhai account for 79% of those in Henan Province and 20% of those nationwide. Among them, 39 species are under national key protection, and 95 species are listed in the China-Japan Migratory Bird Protection Agreement. The population density of the nationally second-class protected Reeves's pheasant is the highest in the country.

Dongzhai is an excellent place for bird watching. When birding here, you may encounter all kinds of surprises. On a typical day, you can usually spot 60–70 bird species, and up to 80–90 species. The reserve receives hundreds of bird watchers from across the country every year. Several universities, including Beijing Normal University and Henan Normal University, have designated Dongzhai as a permanent teaching practice base. The reserve began early research on bird science and, after decades of effort, has achieved 25 provincial and municipal-level scientific research results. It now houses the largest artificial breeding and domestication base for Reeves's pheasants in China, a comprehensive bird specimen museum, and artificially hung birdhouses for attracting insectivorous birds—all adding another beautiful highlight to the reserve’s eco-tourism.

The reserve features overlapping peaks, dense forests, pristine waters, fragrant flowers, and abundant cultural and natural landscapes, making it highly valuable for eco-tourism. Ling Mountain, located at the Ling Mountain Protection Station within the reserve, was historically known as Mount Ba. With an elevation of 827.7 meters, it earned the name "Ling Mountain" (Sacred Mountain) because “its mountain ridges and grandeur resemble the Vulture Peak in India where Sakyamuni attained enlightenment,” and “when clouds gather, rain follows—this has been proven true.”

There are currently six major scenic areas, 72 cave heavens, and 108 scenic spots. It enjoys fame both domestically and internationally for its “beautiful mountains, ancient temples, unique rocks, secluded caves, beautiful water, and abundant resources.” The Ling Mountain Temple, situated at the foot of Ling Mountain, is one of the four great ancient temples in the Central Plains. It has a long-standing Buddhist history and profound cultural significance. For centuries, its uniqueness in religious circles—“temple gate facing east, monks and nuns sharing the temple, and nuns allowed to wear hair”—has earned it the title of “Three Wonders of Ling Mountain.” Ling Mountain, along with Mount Jigong and Nanwan Lake, forms the “Golden Triangle” of Xinyang tourism, and Ling Mountain has become a popular tourist destination in Henan, Hubei, and Anhui.

Dongzhai is also a land of revolutionary history. Many veteran revolutionaries—including [names omitted], He Long, [names omitted], Xu Haidong, Wu Huanxian, Cheng Zihua, and Chen Shaomin—left their glorious footprints of battle here. Hejiachong at the foot of Wangfen Peak in the Jinlong Protection Station was the departure point of the Red Twenty-Fifth Army during the Long March. The long history and splendid culture have shaped the modern civilization of Dongzhai.

Dongzhai Reserve combines bird watching with its elegant forest ecological environment, natural landscapes, magical cultural sights, strong Buddhist atmosphere, and vibrant red culture, offering visitors a uniquely distinctive eco-tourism destination.

The Dongzhai National Nature Reserve, with its rich flora and fauna, elegant ecological environment, profound red and Buddhist cultures, numerous natural and cultural landscapes, attracts many who love nature and seek a return to simplicity. It is a great destination for eco-tourism. In June 2004, the “First Mainland China Bird Photography Annual Conference” held successfully in Dongzhai achieved remarkable results, with nearly 3,000 photos taken involving over 80 bird species. More and more bird watchers have even more reason to love this great place for observing forest birds—mountain birding spots are not high, with the highest peak at only 840 meters, ensuring safety; the location is central, transportation is convenient, and the regional advantage is obvious; downstream lies the large Shishankou Reservoir, making it easy to observe waterfowl as well.

The area also includes Hejiachong, the departure point of the Red Twenty-Fifth Army’s Long March, and Ling Mountain Temple, ranked among the “Four Great Ancient Temples of the Central Plains.” Birdsong, floral scents, emerald peaks, unique rocks, ancient trees, beautiful waters, lush forests, and slender bamboos form a stunning painting.

To be in such a painting-like landscape—isn’t that delightful?

Address: Within Lingshan Town, Luoshan County, Xinyang City

Type: Nature Reserve

Recommended Visit Duration: About 1 hour

Information Source: Public Website of Luoshan County People’s Government