Nanwan Castanopsis cuspidata Forest Provincial Nature Reserve

Nanwan Castanopsis cuspidata Forest Provincial Nature Reserve

The Guangdong Lufeng Nanwan Castanopsis cuspidata Forest Provincial Nature Reserve is located in Nanwan Town, Lufeng County, covering a total area of 2,486 hectares. It boasts the most concentrated distribution and largest area of Castanopsis cuspidata forest resources in Guangdong Province. This nature reserve integrates wildlife conservation, science education, and eco-tourism.

The reserve features a superior ecological environment and abundant flora and fauna. There are over 900 plant species, including second-class nationally protected plants such as Alsophila spinulosa, Castanopsis concinna, camphor tree, Podocarpus nagi, Aquilaria sinensis, Semiliquidambar cathayensis, Machilus fenestrata, Mucuna birdwoodiana, and Aglaonema modestum. Animal species include first-class nationally protected animals like the python and Chinese crocodile lizard, as well as second-class protected animals such as the pangolin, cobra, tiger frog, Chinese giant salamander, owl, otter, and large gecko. In 2001, it was designated by the Guangdong Forestry Bureau as the “Guangdong Castanopsis cuspidata Seed Collection Base.”

The reserve features undulating mountains, crisscrossing ravines, beautiful peaks, and lush greenery, offering picturesque scenery. It is home to the 350-year-old “King of Castanopsis,” 160-million-year-old Alsophila spinulosa—known as a “living fossil” and the food of dinosaurs—and a variety of blooming mountain flowers such as chrysanthemums, camellias, clubmosses, and orchids that fill the air with fragrance all year round. It is a natural oxygen bar with an exceptionally high concentration of negative ions. (Photo by Peng Guixiong)