Qingtan Nature Reserve

Qingtan Nature Reserve

Qingtan Nature Reserve is situated near Niubangkou and Huata West Village in Sanlou Township, in the southwestern part of the county. It covers a total area of 25,400 mu. The reserve is part of the Wutai Mountain range within the Taihang Mountain system. The area features overlapping mountains with a concentrated growth of Qingtan trees, and the core forested zone spans 9,000 mu. Tree density ranges from 30 to 110 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 western 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 winding around it, the village is known for its vibrant birdlife and floral scents in spring and autumn, picturesque green hills, and clear waters—earning it the nickname “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” In February 1993, the area was officially designated as the Lingqiu Qingtan Nature Reserve by the Shanxi Provincial Government.

The village is surrounded by mountains and with a river winding around it, the village is known for its vibrant birdlife and floral scents in spring and autumn, picturesque green hills, and clear waters—earning it the nickname “Jiangnan beyond the Great Wall.” In February 1993, the area was officially designated as the Lingqiu Qingtan Nature Reserve by the Shanxi Provincial Government.