Zhangzhou Nanjing Letu Rainforest

　　   The Nanjing Letu Rainforest is situated at the 151-kilometer mark of National Highway 319 (145 kilometers from Xiamen). With a forest area of only 0.22 square kilometers, it is the only primeval plant community on China’s southeast coast and the country’s smallest existing forest ecological nature reserve. The area is home to over 1,100 plant species and more than 80 types of birds. The forest features well-preserved vegetation, towering ancient trees, and more than 10 rare plant species. Among them, the highly valuable Cibaomulan has been listed as a Class I protected plant by the state and is hailed by scientists as a “living fossil” in the plant kingdom. The rainforest has been recognized by the World Forestry Conference as a “precious and rare subtropical rainforest.”

　　   The Letu subtropical primeval rainforest is perennially shrouded in mist, enjoys a mild climate, abundant rainfall, unique landscapes, and rich resources, making it a natural gene bank for species. The area alone boasts 184 species of lianas, as well as over 300 kinds of precious medicinal herbs such as Baqiántiān, Qiyeyizhihua, Ganoderma lucidum, and Dictyophora indusiata. Reticulated ferns, Monachosorum henryi, Cymbidium ensifolium, and red-leafed lianas—such as the Millettia dielsiana—add to the splendor of the Letu Rainforest. It also serves as a refuge for rare and endangered flora and fauna. The area hosts Class I protected plants like Cibaomulan, Class II protected plants such as Guangyoumu, and Class III protected species like Minnan. Furthermore, 14 species of rare mammals, including clouded leopards and serows, along with 94 common insect species, thrive within the forest.

　　    Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province