Baisha Nanmeiling

Baisha Nanmeiling

Baisha Nanmeiling

About eight kilometers southwest from Yacha, the county seat of Baisha Li Autonomous County, you’ll turn through an arched gate, on whose two pillars are boldly written in bright red characters: “Afforest Nanmeiling, Protect the Nandu River.” Passing through this gate leads you into the Nanmeiling forest area. After rounding another hill, after about two kilometers, you’ll reach the top of a mountain at an elevation of 738 meters.

Climbing up the six-meter-high observation tower and steadying myself, I looked around to see waves of green Caribbean pines undulating in the wind before my eyes. From near to far, various shades—emerald green, jade green, and dark green—appeared before me. The vast stretches of green, under the sunlight filtering through the white clouds, were dazzlingly beautiful. Yes, Baisha truly deserves to be called the “Oasis of the Treasure Island,” and Nanmeiling is indeed the emerald jewel of that oasis.

In 1995, the forestry department of Baisha made the decision to afforest Nanmeiling and protect the Nandu River. It was then that Caribbean pines, suitable for growth in this region, began to be planted. By the end of 1999, the area covered by Caribbean pines had reached over 50,000 mu, and now the trees have grown into a mature forest. Especially today, as calls for ecological protection grow louder and louder, Baisha places even greater emphasis on forest conservation and afforestation. He continued to say that Baisha plans to develop Nanmeiling into the province’s largest contiguous, comprehensive forestry base integrating scientific research, demonstration, tourism, and breeding. He also excitedly told us that when that time comes, the ecological balance and biodiversity of the upper reaches of the Nandu River will be more effectively protected, and the water supply for industrial and agricultural production as well as daily use in Haikou, Danzhou, and Chengmai—the three cities and counties downstream of the Nandu River—will be stably ensured.

Visiting Baisha without going to Nanmeiling is a regret, and coming to Nanmeiling without appreciating its greenery is also a regret. Not long ago, Mr. Murray, former mayor and councilor of Perth, Scotland, and the largest farmer in Scotland—who was also honored as a “Outstanding Contributor to British Pastoralism for the Millennium”—also came to visit and tour Nanmeiling out of admiration. This elderly man, nearly 60 years old, standing high on the observation tower, gave a thumbs-up and excitedly said through a translator to everyone: “This is a beautiful place, a rare green treasure. It’s even more beautiful than my hometown.”

Phone: 0898-27723253

Address: Baisha Li Autonomous County, Hainan Province