Ningguo Nature Reserve

　　The provincial-level Banqiao Nature Reserve was established in 1995, covering an area of 63 square kilometers. It currently preserves over 50,000 acres of lush natural sweetgum forests—the best-preserved and most intact primeval forest in the northeastern edge of the subtropical zone. The reserve is home to more than 10 species of nationally protected plants, nearly 30 species of national first- and second-class protected animals, and nearly a thousand species of provincially protected animals. It boasts expansive sweetgum forests that are considered a unique wonder of China, along with various rare plants and wildlife such as clouded leopards, elk, leopards, giant salamanders, and ring-necked pheasants. Experts have described it as a “kingdom of flora and fauna, a hall of biodiversity, a gene bank, and a precious pristine land.”

　　The area features a rich variety of landscapes, represented by the Ten Scenic Spots of the High Peaks, encompassing mountains, water, rocks, caves, flowers, trees, birds, and animals.

　　It has been hailed by experts as a “kingdom of animals, a hall of biodiversity, and a precious pristine land within the gene bank.”

　　The Gangkouwan Reservoir, construction of which began on October 6, 1998, will form a lake covering 32.8 square kilometers upon completion. Adjacent to the reservoir is the provincial-level Banqiao Nature Reserve, known as the “bridgehead on the transitional zone and the last green stronghold in the northeastern part of the central subtropical zone.” The highest peak in the reserve stands at 1,153 meters above sea level, featuring well-preserved primeval forests with an extremely high concentration of negative oxygen ions. There are over a thousand species of vascular plants, including expansive sweetgum forests considered a unique wonder of China, various rare plants, and wildlife such as clouded leopards, elk, leopards, giant salamanders, and ring-necked pheasants. Experts describe it as a “kingdom of flora and fauna, a hall of biodiversity, a gene bank, and a precious pristine land.” The area offers diverse landscapes, represented by the Ten Scenic Spots of the High Peaks, encompassing mountains, water, rocks, caves, flowers, trees, birds, and animals. In ancient times, there was a temple on the mountaintop with flourishing incense offerings.

　　Being in the reserve feels like traveling back to ancient times, making it an ideal destination for exploration, adventure, discovery, leisure, and forest bathing. Banqiao is truly a “green treasure trove.” The village has a forest coverage rate of 96%. Towering peaks densely cover the area, as it lies at the edge of the Huangshan Mountain Range, with timber and bamboo reserves totaling 200,000 cubic meters. It is abundant in tea, shiitake mushrooms, wood ear mushrooms, bamboo shoots, torreya nuts, ginkgo nuts, chestnuts, kiwifruit, and a variety of bamboo and wood products, as well as local specialties such as root carvings, rockeries, and valuable medicinal herbs. It also hosts rare plants such as golden rain tree (known as “Jiuhua’s treasure”), rhododendron fortunei clusters, cyclobalanopsis glauca, cyclobalanopsis myrsinifolia, and lithocarpus glaber. According to preliminary expert research, the area contains 483 plant species, of which 196 are endemic to China, and 10 have been confirmed as nationally protected plants. Among the rare animals, there are 65 bird species, 23 of which are under national key protection, and 40 mammal species, 9 of which are under national key protection.

　　Commonly seen species include the white-necklaced partridge, red-winged crested cuckoo, Chinese sparrowhawk, spotted wood owl, as well as clouded leopards, black muntjacs, elk, and leopard cats. Several small waterfalls converge into a stream, with clear, cold waters reflecting the ancient, solitary traces of life that have persisted here for centuries. Everything in Banqiao bears no trace of artificial carving—everything is so pristine and natural, always giving off a profound and mysterious aura. Its simple and captivating natural scenery, in today’s era of tourism development, can easily become a highlight along the forest nature tourism route of southern Anhui. The area enjoys convenient transportation, advanced communication, and a pleasant climate—even on summer nights, a cool breeze blows, making it a perfect destination for recuperation and summer retreat. The vast forests and deep caves are great spots for adventure and hunting. With its beautiful mountains, clear waters, birdsong, and floral fragrance, the place will inspire poetic inspiration and lead you to compose timeless masterpieces. This is a pristine land, free from any pollution. The human longing to return to nature, coupled with Banqiao’s outstanding charm and enchanting scenery, will make your dream of reconnecting with nature come true. The natural environment here is beautiful and the scenery delightful, making it highly suitable for eco-tourism, sightseeing, and vacationing. The main peak in the Banqiao Nature Reserve stands at 1,153 meters above sea level, with well-preserved primeval forests and an extremely high concentration of negative oxygen ions, along with over a thousand species of vascular plants.

　　Exact location: Within Fangtang Township, Ningguo City