Shimentai Nature Reserve

Shimentai Nature Reserve

Shimentai Nature Reserve is a provincial-level nature reserve.

The Shimentai Provincial Nature Reserve in Yingde, Guangdong, is located in the central-northern part of Guangdong Province, stretching approximately 43.66 kilometers from east to west and 15.48 kilometers from north to south, covering a total area of 33,555 hectares. The reserve lies on the northern edge of the Tropic of Cancer and is in the transitional zone between the southern subtropical and middle subtropical regions. It is a natural ecosystem-type nature reserve primarily aimed at protecting forest ecosystems characterized by the transitional features of southern subtropical monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forests and typical middle subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests.

The forest vegetation in the Shimentai Provincial Nature Reserve is relatively well-preserved. In some areas with sparse human presence, the forest vegetation remains almost untouched—especially on gentle cliffs and steep slopes where human activity is minimal, large tracts of primary vegetation are still intact. According to surveys, the primary vegetation area in the Shimentai Provincial Nature Reserve covers nearly 5,000 hectares, with the largest and best-preserved section found between the highest peak, Chuandiding (elevation 1,586.7 meters), and Dakeng. In primary vegetation zones above 400 meters in elevation, dense forests with towering ancient trees are common, and trees with diameters exceeding one meter can be seen throughout. The average canopy height of these communities is around 30 meters, and the nationally protected plant Ixonanthes chinensis dominates or forms the foundational layer in certain areas.

The Shimentai Provincial Nature Reserve boasts abundant species resources. Preliminary surveys indicate that the reserve is home to over 2,000 species of higher plants, including more than 20 types of nationally protected rare plants. Among them, two species are under first-class national protection: Bretschneidera sinensis and Taxus wallichiana var. mairei. Over 20 species are under second-class national protection, including Cycas debaoensis, Alsophila spinulosa, Alsophila podophylla, Cibotium barometz, Ceratopteris thalictroides, and Fokienia hodginsii.

The rich forest resources of the Shimentai Provincial Nature Reserve provide an excellent habitat for wildlife. Surveys show that the reserve is home to over 300 species of terrestrial vertebrates, including 50 species of nationally protected rare animals. Five of these are under first-class national protection: the Yao Mountain crocodile lizard, python, leopard, golden eagle, and yellow-bellied tragopan. Forty-five species are under second-class national protection, including the stump-tailed macaque, Cuora trifasciata, pangolin, and silver pheasant. More than 1,000 species of insects have been identified.

The Shimentai Provincial Nature Reserve features complex and diverse geology and landforms, with bizarre karst peaks and valleys and uniquely beautiful ecological landscapes. It exhibits typical karst landform characteristics. Its rich ecotourism resources hold high artistic, aesthetic, ornamental, cultural, and scientific value. Especially in the planned Shimentai Ecotourism Area, the spectacular and diverse natural landscapes—majestic, strange, elegant, and wild—are a feast for the eyes, making it an ideal spot for recuperation and vacation. The Deer Cave Ecotourism Area, which is under planning, enchants visitors with its perilous, secluded, profound, and open natural scenery. Fossils of Quaternary plants and ancient human sites from the Paleolithic to Neolithic periods discovered in the southeastern part of the reserve are of great significance for studying the development of ancient human culture and the evolution of modern biological communities.

Address: Shimentai, Yingde City, Qingyuan, Guangdong

Type: Nature Reserve / Forest

Recommended Visiting Time: About 1 hour

Ticket Information:

Gate Price: 30.0 RMB