Zhongtiao Mountain

　　   Zhongtiao Mountain National Forest Park is situated in the southeastern part of Shanxi Province, with a total area of 32,158.3 hectares. Zhongtiao Mountain is one of the cradles of Chinese civilization. Historical figures such as Yao, Shun, Yu, and Tang—three sovereigns and five emperors from Chinese mythology—were once active in this region. The Xiachuan Site, dating back 23,000 to 16,000 years, is located within the park. Known as the "Natural Botanical Garden of Shanxi," the park is home to over 1,000 species of seed plants, as well as nectar plants and wildflowers. With a mild climate and abundant rainfall, the area boasts superior natural conditions and serves as a transitional zone from the temperate to the subtropical region, giving it a unique position within the North China flora. The region also has rich animal resources, with 222 known terrestrial animal species across 66 families and 25 orders. These include rare and protected species such as the leopard, macaque, otter, forest musk deer, giant salamander, and golden eagle.

　　   Zhongtiao Mountain National Forest Park is located within the counties of Xia, Wenxi, Jiang, and Yuanqu in the Yuncheng region of southern Shanxi Province. It was officially established in 1993 under approval document No. 166 (1993) issued by the Ministry of Forestry, covering a total area of 47,473 hectares.

　　   The park lies in the southern section of the Taihang Mountain Range and enjoys a mild climate characteristic of a warm temperate continental zone. To the north lies the Sushui River, and to the south the Yellow River. The area features magnificent natural landscapes, with numerous streams originating within the park that flow into either the Sushui or the Yellow River.

　　   Zhongtiao Mountain is renowned as the "Natural Botanical Garden of North China." Surveys indicate the presence of over 1,000 species of seed plants, along with honey source plants and wildflowers. The area benefits from a suitable climate, ample rainfall, and superior natural conditions, making it a transitional zone between temperate and subtropical climates, thus holding a unique status within the North China flora. Major tree species include oaks, birches, poplars, Chinese pine, and Huashan pine. There are also over 100 types of medicinal plants, such as cornus, forsythia, schisandra, skullcap, and bupleurum, as well as valuable medicinal and edible fungi including irises, polygonatum, rare caterpillar fungus, monkey head mushrooms, and lingzhi.

　　   The region also boasts a relatively rich diversity of animal life. There are 329 known species across 66 families, including 258 bird species and 45 mammal species. Among the most precious are macaques and giant salamanders, while those under first-class national protection include the black stork, golden eagle, and leopard. There are currently more than ten troops of macaques, totaling over 500 individuals. Zhongtiao Mountain also marks the northernmost natural geographic distribution of macaques.