Xinning Ziyun Mountain Nature Reserve

　　Situated at the junction of Xinning County and Dong'an County, this nature reserve features a continuous belt of pristine secondary forest spanning over a hundred miles and covering 60,000 hectares. It is hailed as the most ideal treasure trove of flora and fauna and the most vibrant forest kingdom in southern China. The area boasts undulating peaks, folded valleys, and a thriving mix of diverse tree species, along with a rich gathering of rare and exotic wildlife.

　　According to geological history analysis: Ziyun Mountain emerged during the Caledonian orogeny and formed its high mountains and deep valleys during the Yanshan orogeny. The region features both typical subtropical climate and localized microclimates. During the attack of the Quaternary Ice Age, its corridor-like terrain surrounded by mountains helped it avoid glacial invasion, making it an ideal "refuge" for flora and fauna and preserving a variety of vegetation from tropical, temperate, to subtropical zones.

　　Preliminary surveys indicate that there are over 940 species of woody plants from 334 genera and 105 families here. Among them, 28 species are classified as national first, second, or third-level protected precious tree species. At the summit of Ziyun Mountain stands a "King Ginkgo" tree, which is 35 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 2 meters. Estimated to be over a thousand years old, it remains vigorous and is revered as the "Tree of Longevity." There is also a strand of connected-tree species from which seven individual trees emerge, supporting one another and standing gracefully—collectively known as the "Seven Sisters." Every April, they bloom before sprouting leaves, displaying either bright red or purple flowers that shimmer in the sunlight, creating a constantly shifting, magnificent display resembling rosy clouds. The mountain slopes and valleys are covered with rare and unique flowers and plants, including more than 20 species of azaleas alone.

　　The area hosts over 700 species of medicinal plants, including the “Three Treasures of Medicine”: bamboo-section ginseng, ganoderma (lingzhi), and gastrodia elata. There are also precious species such as coptis, eucommia, torreya, magnolia bark, revival herb, and Paris polyphylla. This lush green corridor serves as a paradise for wildlife. Preliminary surveys have identified over 60 species of animals, with 21 listed as nationally protected, including sambar deer, serows, large Indian civets, pangolins, South China tigers, red-faced monkeys, tufted deer, golden pheasants, Lady Amherst's pheasants, leopards, and black bears.