Qingshan Nature Reserve

Qingshan Nature Reserve

Qingshan Nature Reserve is located near Niubangkou and Huataxi Village in Sanlou Township, southwest of the county. It covers a total area of 25,400 mu. The reserve belongs to the Wutai Mountain range of the Taihang Mountain system. The area features overlapping mountains with a concentrated growth of blue sandalwood trees, and the core forested area spans 9,000 mu. The density ranges from 30 to 110 trees per mu, with the tallest individual reaching 4.5 meters and the thickest trunk measuring 10 cm in diameter. The trees are aged between 10 and 30 years. The surrounding area boasts a favorable natural environment. The Sanlou River runs through the reserve, and on the west bank, there are well-preserved sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and watchtowers, as well as the ever-flowing Hongshaling Tunnel. Huata Village is the lowest-altitude location within Datong City, sitting at 558 meters above sea level. Surrounded by mountains and with a river flowing around the village, it enjoys fragrant flowers and singing birds in both spring and autumn, coupled with beautiful mountain and water scenery, earning it the nickname “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” In February 1993, the area was officially designated as the Lingqiu Blue Sandalwood Nature Reserve by the Shanxi Provincial Government.