Wenxian Baishui River Nature Reserve Flora and Fauna Museum

　　The Baishui River UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is currently the largest national-level protected area in China and even on Earth, primarily dedicated to conserving the giant panda and other rare wildlife as well as forest ecosystems, covering an area of 223,671 hectares. From the perspective of zoogeographic regionalization, it lies in the transitional zone between the Oriental and Palaearctic realms, where the subtropical and warm temperate zones converge. The gentle rains nurtured here have given rise to abundant flora and fauna, making it a highly distinctive species gene pool. So far, 2,160 species of higher plants and 485 species of vertebrates have been identified within the reserve, making it one of the most ecologically intact regions in Gansu and even the entire northwest of China.

　　The Baishui River Flora and Fauna Museum is located on the picturesque southern bank of the Baishui River, facing the ancient city of Yinping across the river, with convenient transportation. The museum covers a construction area of 600 square meters and is divided into three exhibition halls comprising five main sections. Using physical specimens, photography, arts and crafts, advanced sound and light systems, high-tech electronic techniques, and three-dimensional topographic maps, it authentically showcases the achievements of the Baishui River Reserve over its decades of operation, its rich flora and fauna resources, captivating forest landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. It serves as an ideal place to experience the scenery of the ancient Yinping Road, connect with nature, and purify the soul in a short period of time.

　　The first exhibition hall focuses on the challenging journey since the establishment of the reserve, featuring the reserve’s zoning, resident distribution, six vertical vegetation zones and animal habitats, soil types, geological structures, precipitation levels, as well as the cultural landscape of the two rivers and six streams, and the distinctive culture of the Baima Tibetan people. Stepping into the second exhibition hall, you are greeted by a southern landscape and a fascinating world of insects. It highlights the vegetation types at varying altitudes from low to high within the mountain ranges of the jurisdiction’s conservation stations, rare and endangered species of higher plants, varieties, as well as endemic species to Wenxian, physical specimens of 21 new insect species out of 2,138, soaked specimens of 294 species of macrofungi, and habitat photos and tree cross-sections of rare plants, demonstrating the region’s rich plant diversity. The third exhibition hall is the vertebrate hall, featuring towering trees, rugged rocks, emerald waters, and lush grass, where lifelike giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, and takins—rare and precious animals—reside. Under the forest, the calls of Lady Amherst’s pheasants, golden pheasants, as well as warblers and orioles in the trees, create a vibrant soundscape. Here, you can gain information that is rarely accessible elsewhere: the distribution of giant panda populations in Baishui River and across the country, the evolution of giant panda habitats, comparisons between giant pandas and other bear species such as black bears, sun bears, raccoon dogs, and red pandas, the living habits of giant pandas, and records of three major giant panda rescue operations since the reserve’s establishment.

　　The Baishui River Flora and Fauna Museum serves as a biology classroom integrating exchange, tourism, science education, and literature research. It is also a patriotic education base that fosters an appreciation for nature, encourages its protection, and promotes ecological balance. Visiting the museum offers us at least one profound insight: the Earth is the home on which humanity depends for survival, green is the essence of life, and only by maintaining a healthy ecological environment can humanity secure a foundation for sustainable development. Protecting nature is protecting humanity itself.