Yangtze Finless Porpoise Nature Reserve

　　The Tongling National Yangtze Finless Porpoise Nature Reserve, also known as the Baiji Conservation Base, spans 31,518 hectares and is mainly dedicated to the protection of rare animals such as the Baiji dolphin and the Yangtze finless porpoise. The reserve boasts abundant tourism resources, including Anhui Province’s first aquarium, a specimen museum, rare aquatic wildlife, Heyue Old Street, Dashige Pavilion (the first gateway to Jiuhua Mountain), Qianzhou Beach, and an ecological vegetable base, among other attractions.

　　　The Yangtze Finless Porpoise Nature Reserve, also known as the Baiji Conservation Base, is a national AA-level scenic spot and the world’s first facility to use semi-natural conditions for the translocation and conservation of Baiji dolphins, finless porpoises, and other species. Its primary mission is to protect the nationally protected first- and second-class aquatic animals currently found in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River (from the Sanjiangkou to Digang river sections). It is located on the interfluvial channel between Heyuezhou and Tiebanzhou islands in Datong Town, Tongling City. This 1,600-meter-long and 220-meter-wide channel features willows swaying gently, light clouds drifting above, water birds playing along the waves, tree shadows dancing on the riverbanks, and picturesque, tranquil waters — making it an ideal habitat for breeding Yangtze finless porpoises. In September 1986, the Anhui Provincial People’s Government officially approved the establishment of the “Anhui Tongling Baiji Conservation Base.” Construction began on December 28, 1987, and was completed in 1994, later passing inspection by the National Environmental Protection Agency. To date, a total investment of 15 million yuan has been made to build a range of Baiji conservation and research facilities, including inlet and outlet sluice dams, pump boats, holding pools, treatment pools, laboratory buildings, feed bases, and a porpoise health care system. Alongside these, a diverse aquarium and specimen museum were constructed. The aquarium displays finless porpoises, Japanese koi, axolotls, Chinese alligators, Chinese sturgeons, river carp, lipstick fish, and various Yangtze River fish species, offering significant value for both public enjoyment and environmental education. It provides visitors with a great destination for tourism, sightseeing, and leisure, as well as an educational experience for students to learn about biology and environmental science. Additionally, the reserve has achieved remarkable scientific success, successfully breeding a new generation of “finless porpoises.”