Baiyin Obo National Nature Reserve

Baiyin Obo National Nature Reserve

Baiyin Obo National Nature Reserve is a national-level nature reserve.

Baiyin Obo National Nature Reserve is located in the northwest of Hexigten Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 75 kilometers from Jingpeng Town, the seat of Hexigten Banner government. The reserve is surrounded on its northern, eastern, and southern sides by the Baiyin Obo Forest Farm, and borders Dalinuo’er to the west. It lies approximately 60 kilometers from the Dalinor National Nature Reserve to the west. The reserve was established in 1979 with the approval of the Revolutionary Committee of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and is a nature reserve primarily dedicated to protecting the ecosystem of the sandy land spruce forest.

Baiyin Obo National Nature Reserve lies at the intersection of the Northeastern, North China, and Mongolian plant floras, so its vegetation composition includes elements from all three regions. In terms of vegetation types, it features species from forest, grassland, and psammophytic (sand-loving) vegetation. The Baiyin Obo Nature Reserve is a comprehensive protected area rich in diversity, including sandy forest, grassland, and wetland plant types, as well as biological species and ecosystems. The sandy land spruce forest is a globally rare type of forest ecosystem, formed through a combination of long-term natural historical development and modern environmental conditions, and is home to unique tree species.

The highest point in Baiyin Obo Nature Reserve, Mount Aobao, stands at an elevation of 1,498 meters. From the summit, one can take in the full expanse of the sandy land spruce forest within the reserve. It serves as a sacred site for local herders to conduct worship ceremonies. The reserve is located on the edge of the Hunshandake Sandy Land, with terrain consisting of ridge-like fixed sand belts and semi-fixed and shifting sand dunes (many of which are crescent-shaped), with sand belt heights of 6–10 meters and sand layer thicknesses of 10–100 meters. Riding a camel across the sandy terrain, accompanied by the sound of camel bells, allows one to experience the hardships of traversing the desert and the exhilaration of reaching an oasis, thereby enhancing awareness and appreciation for the protection of nature. The Gongge’er River runs across the northern side of the reserve, while the Aobao River meanders along its southern edge. The rivers are clear and ceaselessly flowing, with lush green grass on both banks, resembling two white ribbons that frame the entire sandy spruce forest community into a picturesque “forest–grassland–river” scene. It is the perfect destination for travel, picnicking, and enjoying the beauty of nature. In the soft morning light, colorful prayer flags flutter above the Aobao, as people gather from all directions. Approaching the Aobao, they queue up to walk clockwise around it three times, silently praying for their wishes, before offering a whole sheep as a sacrifice, singing, and presenting hada scarves — creating a lively and joyous atmosphere.