Dayao Mountain

　　　　The Dayao Mountain Nature Reserve is situated in Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Its geographical coordinates range from 109°50′ to 110°27′ east longitude and 23°40′ to 24°28′ north latitude, covering a total area of 24,907 hectares. Established in 1982 with the approval of the People's Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the reserve is a nature reserve primarily aimed at protecting forest ecosystems and rare species.

　　　　The area features high mountains, steep slopes, and deep valleys, with the highest peak, Shengtang Mountain, reaching an elevation of 1,979 meters. As the reserve lies in the transitional zone between the mid-subtropical and south subtropical climate regions, and due to its complex and diverse topography, the habitats vary greatly. This results in a rich diversity of vegetation types, a relatively complete vertical zonation, and a wealth of flora and fauna — many of ancient origin with a high number of endemic species. The main forest vegetation here consists of typical South subtropical monsoon evergreen broad-leaved forests. It also hosts complete mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests of Cathaya argyrophylla and Tsuga longibracteata, as well as Fagus chienii, along with zonal vegetation representing the transition from mid-subtropical to south subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests. There are 2,335 species of vascular plants belonging to 870 genera and 213 families recorded in the area, including over 10 species under national key protection such as Cathaya argyrophylla, Taxus chinensis var. mairei, Bretschneidera sinensis, Dayao chiritoides, and Heteropetalum pteropetalum. There are also over 30 plant species named after “Dayao” as their type locality. Among the 273 known terrestrial vertebrate species found here, the Chinese crocodile lizard and the golden Kaiser-i-Hind butterfly are globally endangered species. Dayao Mountain is the largest water conservation forest area in Guangxi. In addition, the region boasts extensive Danxia landforms, stunning scenery, and abundant tourism resources. It plays a significant role in local climate regulation, soil and water conservation, and the promotion of regional economic development.