Jianling Forest Nature Reserve

Jianling Forest Nature Reserve

Established in 1987, the reserve protects 90,000 mu of forested land. It is located in Beidaxiang, northwest of Wanning City, Hainan Province. Here, mountains rise and fall, dense forests spread out as far as the eye can see, and towering trees create a typical tropical rainforest — the most well-preserved montane rainforest area in Wanning to date.

According to data, there are over 3,500 plant species, belonging to 259 families and 1,347 genera. These include precious species such as camphor, green tallow, mountain lychee, and antiaris toxicaria, as well as various medicinal plants like ganoderma, kyllinga brevifolia, and Hainan’s four major southern medicines — areca nut, and alpinia oxyphylla. The forest features complex layer structures, dense tree canopies, well-developed plank roots of tall trees, abundant lianas, and old stems that flower — all classic characteristics of a tropical rainforest. Natural phenomena such as mutualism, symbiosis, and strangulation are vividly on display here.

There are 34 animal species from 7 orders and 19 families, including pythons, pangolins, wild boars, civets, and foxes. There are also over 110 bird species, among which rare birds mainly include silver pheasants, Lady Amherst’s pheasants, junglefowl, and francolins. Colorful species such as black-naped orioles, scarlet minivets, fork-tailed drongos, and eclectus parrots can also be spotted from time to time, along with melodious singers like the Chinese hwamei and great tits.

The three major highlights of the reserve are Baishuilings Waterfall, Liwucheng, and Niujiaoling. Baishuilings Waterfall boasts beautiful scenery and unique landscapes, making it a shining pearl nestled within the Jianling Forest Nature Reserve. Its pristine water nourishes numerous animals in the mountains and is also the source of the mother river at the foot of Jianling, playing a significant role in the development of Jianling Village. Liwucheng is the original settlement of the Li people in Jianling Village, where magical legends and peculiar giant rocks have been the talk of the town for centuries.

Niujiaoling, named for its two sharply pointed peaks that resemble a cow’s horns when viewed together, is rich in both animal and plant species, making it a favored site for scientific researchers. Below the Jianling Forest Nature Reserve lies Jianling Village, which has naturally occurring underground hot springs with temperatures ranging from 45 to 92 degrees Celsius. These waters are rich in sulfur and various essential mineral elements beneficial to the human body, offering therapeutic benefits such as healing, refreshing the mind, reducing inflammation, detoxifying, and preventing ailments like boils.