Chebaling Nature Reserve

Chebaling Nature Reserve

Chebaling Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve.

Chebaling Nature Reserve is located in the southeastern part of Shixing County, Guangdong Province, about 46 km from the county seat, and lies in the transitional zone between the southern subtropical and middle subtropical regions. Established in July 1981, it was upgraded to a national nature reserve on May 9, 1988, with approval from the State Council. The reserve mainly protects the middle subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forest and rare flora and fauna, and is one of China’s comprehensive nature reserves. The area features complex terrain with high mountains and deep valleys. The land slopes from northwest to southeast, with the highest peak, Tianpingjia, at an elevation of 1,256 m, and the lowest point, Zhangdongshui, at 330 m. The reserve has a middle subtropical monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 19.6°C and annual precipitation of 1,468 mm, offering warm and humid conditions.

The reserve boasts abundant species resources: there are 1,928 plant species, including over 40 edible plants, 526 medicinal plants, 83 fruit-bearing plants, 215 ornamental plants, 54 starch-producing plants, 187 oil-yielding plants, 64 fodder plants, 67 tannin-producing plants, and 236 timber tree species. Among these, 14 are key protected plant species in China, such as wild tea trees, Bretschneidera sinensis, Eurycorymbus cavaleriei, and Tsoongiodendron odorum, while 2 are key protected species in Guangdong Province. The animal diversity is also rich, with a total of 1,552 species of vertebrates and insects, including 38 mammals, 217 birds, 36 reptiles, 16 amphibians, 25 fish, and 1,220 insects. There are 34 rare and endangered animal species, such as the South China tiger, yellow-bellied tragopan, Hainan tigerstripe frog (giant blue flycatcher), pangolin, serow, white-bellied sea eagle, silver pheasant, and tiger frog.

The reserve also offers rich eco-tourism resources. Current tourism activities include the Nature Museum, drifting through pristine forests, exploring the virgin forest, as well as open-air hot spring bathing, fishing, barbecuing, camping, waterfall viewing, and Yao ethnic culture experiences. These activities combine environmental protection, science education, entertainment, fitness, and adventure, representing the eco-tourism that is popular worldwide.

Summer is the best time to visit. Activities such as open-air hot spring bathing, drifting through the primeval forest, barbecuing, camping, waterfall viewing, and forest exploration are especially suitable for the summer season.

1. Address: Shixing County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province

2. Phone: 0751－3462134, 3462333, 3462114

Address: Southeastern part of Shixing County, Shaoguan City, Guangdong Province

Type: Mountain / Nature Reserve / Forest

Recommended visiting time: 2–3 hours

Opening hours:

8:00-17:30

Ticket information:

Gate price: 45.0 RMB

Adult ticket: 45 RMB. Free entry for children under 1.2 m and seniors over 70 with a senior ID. Discounts for minors aged 6–18, seniors aged 60–69, and active-duty military officers. Museum ticket: 20 RMB. Discounts for children under 1.2 m and seniors over 60 with a senior ID.