Luanhe River Upper Reaches National Nature Reserve

Luanhe River Upper Reaches National Nature Reserve

The Luanhe River Upper Reaches National Nature Reserve is a national-level nature reserve.

The Luanhe River Upper Reaches Nature Reserve is situated in Weichang County in northern Hebei Province, at the junction of the Inner Mongolia Plateau and the northern Hebei mountainous region. It lies 384 km from Beijing and 153 km from Chengde, with a total area of 102,700 hectares. The Xiaoluanhe, Yimatu, and Yixun rivers within the reserve are all major waterways of the Luanhe River system. The reserve features a pristine ecological environment, stunning natural scenery, abundant biodiversity, and a rich historical and cultural heritage. It is a forest and wildlife-type nature reserve and also the largest of its kind in Hebei Province. The Luanhe River Upper Reaches Nature Reserve sits at the heart of what was once the core area of the Qing Dynasty’s imperial hunting ground. Like a shining green jewel, it is nestled among the mountains beyond the Great Wall.

The Luanhe River Upper Reaches Nature Reserve is home to four nationally protected plant species, including Manchurian walnut and eleutherococcus senticosus, as well as a wide variety of ornamental plants with diverse shapes and colors. There are five Class I nationally protected animal species such as the golden eagle and leopard, and 39 Class II protected species including the lenok salmon, whooper swan, and mandarin duck. Its unique geographical location has created distinctive and captivating natural landscapes, as well as profound cultural heritage and rich biodiversity, making it an exceptional eco-tourism destination and a photographer’s paradise. The establishment and restoration of the Luanhe River Upper Reaches Nature Reserve have strengthened ecological conservation in northern Beijing, promoted local economic and social development, and further spread the culture of the Mulan Autumn Hunt. With its cool climate and lush greenery, it is a popular summer retreat for travelers.

The forests within the reserve form the backbone of the regional ecosystem and are fundamental to maintaining ecological security. The Luanhe River Upper Reaches Nature Reserve is located in a geographically unique area with complex landforms and diverse ecological environments. It boasts abundant wildlife resources, varied vegetation types, and rich biodiversity, including a wealth of biological and genetic resources. The well-preserved natural vegetation and intact forest ecosystem contribute to the area’s biodiversity, which is part of the global biodiversity system. These natural assets are among humanity’s most precious resources, serving as a legacy for the future and the foundation for sustainable development.

The reserve is rich in wildlife resources, with 1,691 species of higher plants across 509 genera and 153 families, including 12 nationally protected plant species from 10 families and 10 genera. There are 150 terrestrial wildlife species or subspecies from 51 families, 21 orders, and 4 classes, of which 36 are under national protection. Additionally, the area has a remarkably diverse insect population. Among the flora, there are 693 species from 382 genera and 96 families, including 21 protected species from 10 genera and 7 families. The reserve is home to 235 terrestrial wildlife species, spanning 145 genera, 67 families, 24 orders, and 4 classes, with 40 species under national protection. Common animal species include the Lady Amherst’s pheasant, Siberian crane, blue sheep, northern goshawk, steppe eagle, eastern imperial eagle, long-eared owl, Eurasian eagle-owl, black stork, booted eagle, common kestrel, common crane, lynx, cinereous vulture, Pallas's cat, and Eurasian hobby.