Kuancheng Qianhe Mountain Bird Nature Reserve

Kuancheng Qianhe Mountain Bird Nature Reserve

Qianhe Valley is located in the southwestern part of Kuancheng County, Hebei Province, covering a total area of over 100 square kilometers. In June 2006, it was approved as a provincial-level bird nature reserve. The scenic area features a warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate. Situated in mountainous terrain at relatively high altitudes and close to the microclimate zone of the Panjiakou Reservoir, its average annual temperature is about 3°C lower than that of urban areas. The summer is cool and pleasant, with large diurnal temperature variations, and both summer and autumn seasons are longer, while the hot summer period is short, making it an ideal destination for summer retreat tourism.

This scenic area consists of a complete forest-wetland landscape ecosystem comprising various ecological types such as forests, shrubs, rivers, reservoirs, and marshes. The dense forests and vast wetlands provide abundant food resources and excellent habitats and breeding grounds for terrestrial vertebrates, especially birds. They nurture rich, complex, and diverse wildlife resources, forming six ecological types: wetland fauna, aquatic fauna, forest fauna, mountain fauna, shrub fauna, and farmland fauna. The area is home to 222 species of wild animals, including 178 species of birds. Among them, there are 198 species under national key protection and “three-have” protection, including 5 species under national Class I key protection (4 of which are birds): the white stork and black stork of the Ciconiiformes order, the Siberian crane and great bustard of the Gruiformes order, and the leopard of the Carnivora order. There are also 26 species of national Class II key protected animals (all birds), and 167 species of national “three-have” protected animals (136 of which are birds). Birds not only boast considerable diversity in species but also in numbers, particularly the grey heron, which has formed a large population of over 3,000 individuals, making it the dominant bird species in the area. The rich bird resources in the scenic area are typical and representative within Hebei Province and even North China. Rare bird species such as the black stork, golden eagle, grey heron, and vulture have formed populations of over 6,000 individuals. The abundant bird resources are typical and representative in Hebei Province and across North China.

Here, you can admire their graceful postures, vibrant colors, and free flight, as well as observe their daily behaviors such as foraging, calling, and courtship. While enjoying the pleasure of birdwatching, you will also immerse yourself in nature, feeling as though you are soaring freely in the endless sky...