Shunyuan National Nature Reserve

　　Known as a natural paradise, Shunyuan is said to be the place where Emperor Shun once farmed and governed. But what truly captivates people is not just the legend—it’s the reserve’s unspoiled nature, rich biodiversity, and rare flora and fauna. Shunyuan boasts the beauty of nine renowned landscapes: its majestic peaks, peculiar rocks, clear streams, karst caves, and cascading waterfalls, known as the “Five Wonders.” The “Ten Highlights” include forest waves, mountain winds, snow and ice, misty rains, ancient relics, light and shadow, wildlife, plants, medicinal herbs, and traditional villages. With a forest coverage rate of 90%, the area hosts over 1,400 plant species, including 8 that are under national second- and third-class protection. It also features 800 hectares of virgin forest—the only one remaining in North China. The reserve is home to more than 330 species of wildlife, accounting for over 80% of all animal species in Shanxi Province. Among them, 38 are first- or second-class nationally protected animals. The first-class protected species include the leopard, black stork, and golden eagle—nine species in total—while the second-class protected ones include egrets, whooper swans, macaques, and Chinese giant salamanders, totaling 29 species. With all this in mind, calling it a “natural paradise” is no exaggeration, is it?

　　Location: Lishan Town, Yuanqu County, Shanxi Province

　　Best travel time: May – October

　　Opening hours: 7:00–17:00

　　Ticket prices: Shunwangping (peak season) 60 RMB/person (off-season) 48 RMB/person; Huangguman (peak season) 45 RMB/person (off-season) 36 RMB/person; Houxianyuan (peak season) 35 RMB/person (off-season) 28 RMB/person

　　Transportation info: 1. From Taiyuan or Xi’an: Take G5 Highway (toward Houma) → S75 (Houping Expressway), exit at Dongzhen → S88 Wen-Yuan Expressway → Huafeng Exit → Wangtan Line → Yangdian Line → Shunyuan (Yuanqu) Huangguman Scenic Area → Yangdian Line → Shunyuan (Yuanqu) Shunwangping 2. From Zhengzhou or Luoyang: Take S28 (Changji Expressway) → S88 Wen-Yuan Expressway → Yingyan Exit → Wangheng Line → Yangdian Line → Shunyuan (Yuanqu) Huangguman Scenic Area → Yangdian Line → Shunyuan (Yuanqu) Shunwangping

　　Travel tips: 1. Scenic area hotline: 0359–6011128 / 6022344 / 6026249 2. Shunwangping sightseeing bus: 30 RMB/person 3. Children under 1.2 meters (inclusive), people with disabilities, active-duty military personnel, disabled veterans, journalists, national first-class or above writers and photographers, travel agency managers, tour bus drivers, and seniors aged 70 or above can enter free of charge upon presenting valid ID. 4. Full-time undergraduate students and below, as well as seniors aged 60 or above, may enjoy half-price entry during designated time slots with valid ID. 5. Free and discounted tickets apply only to mountain entry fees, not the sightseeing bus. 6. Shuttle buses to the scenic area depart twice daily at 07:30 and 14:30—please contact the scenic area in advance before your trip. 7. Bring warm sweaters for spring and autumn visits, and a jacket for summer. 8. Shanxi has a continental monsoon climate with large diurnal temperature variations, low precipitation, and frequent sandstorms in spring and autumn. The dry weather also calls for bringing skincare products, as well as rain gear just in case.