Jiuwanshan

　　   Jiuwanshan is located in northern Guangxi and southern Guizhou, with its core area situated in Sanfang Town and Wangdong Township of Rongshui Miao Autonomous County, Guangxi. The mountain range features continuous peaks, covering a total area of approximately 1,204 square kilometers. The region has large areas of Precambrian pre-Sinian strata exposed, making it one of the oldest geological formations in Guangxi. On August 1, 2007, Jiuwanshan was approved by the State Council as a national nature reserve.

　　   Thanks to not having been severely affected by the Quaternary glaciation and relatively minimal human disturbance, the mountains preserve many ancient and relict plant species, as well as abundant animal and plant fossils. To a great extent, they reflect the pristine natural state of the forests in northern Guangxi. The area is home to 3,332 species of higher plants from 1,237 genera and 303 families, accounting for about 45% of all higher plant species in Guangxi.

　　   The primeval forest coverage of Jiuwanshan exceeds 98%. There are dozens of genera of higher plants, including azaleas, manglietias, melastomes, and lilies. Among them, there are more than 80 species of wild orchids alone, including 11 rare and precious varieties such as the michelia. The biodiversity here is second only to that of Xishuangbanna, making it China’s second-largest gene bank. Ancient plant species such as angiopteris and huperzia still thrive abundantly in the mountains. The first-class nationally protected plant Alsophila spinulosa, a “living fossil” from the age of dinosaurs, stands gracefully along streams and can be frequently spotted.

　　   Through prolonged tectonic movements, Jiuwanshan has developed a landform structure that is higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast. The area has 14 peaks above 1,500 meters in elevation. The highest point, Laoshan, reaches 1,683 meters, while the lowest, Rongshui Hekou Village, is at 170 meters. This creates steep mountain ridges, deep valleys, and highly varied terrain.

　　   The topography has shaped Jiuwanshan’s landscape, where streams and creeks crisscross the land and waterfalls and springs are found everywhere. Water sources radiate outward in a star-like pattern across the region, forming three main valleys that converge into four rivers: the Beijiang, Zhongzhou, Yangjiang, and Dongxiao rivers. These rivers flow successively into the Liujiang River and eventually reach the Pearl River and the sea. Countless deep pools with clear water reveal pebbles on the bottom, schools of fish swimming among rocks, and aquatic plants visible in exquisite detail. Streams converge in the valleys, giving rise to many spectacular waterfalls throughout Jiuwanshan.

　　   Jiuwanshan is also a paradise for wildlife. According to statistics, the area hosts animals from 26 orders and 56 families across five classes: fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Among them, there are dozens of forest-dwelling species, over 30 types of rare amphibians and reptiles, and more than 50 bird species. Among the many wild animals, those under first-class national protection include the South China tiger, clouded leopard, stump-tailed macaque, giant salamander, and Lady Amherst’s pheasant. Those under second-class national protection include rhesus monkeys, serows, large Indian civets, small Indian civets, and Lady Amherst’s pheasants. Except for the South China tiger, which no one has yet sighted, many other rare species have been discovered in Jiuwanshan. Animals like black bears and monkeys are frequently seen roaming the forests, and there have even been reports of them attacking humans.

　　   Jiuwanshan exhibits a fairly complete vertical zonation from the base to the summit. Due to varying natural conditions such as topography, climate, soil, and hydrology, as well as seasonal changes, the mountain presents a rich variety of scenes: in spring, blooming mountain flowers create a warm and lush floral garden; in summer, dense foliage makes it an ideal summer retreat; in autumn, red leaves cover the hillsides and wild fruits abound, painting a scene of harvest; in winter, the cool but not harsh climate, along with birdsong and animal calls, offers a uniquely charming atmosphere.