Top 5 Places To See Wildlife in China

Return to nature with our guide to the top five wildlife locations in China.

Perhaps one of the lesser known attractions of a trip to China is the relative ease with which expats and visitors can view its fascinating collection of indigenous wildlife species. China has a number of animals that are unique to the country; such as the South China tiger, golden haired monkey, brown-eared pheasant, and of course the giant panda. Although most impressions of China conjure up images of crowded cities and rapid urban development, vast swathes of this massive country are covered in forest and woodland. To help protect certain species and their habitat, the government has established a number of wildlife parks and nature reserves which allow the animals to live free from human intrusion and interference. The following guide highlights some of the more popular and interesting locations from which to see the wonderful wildlife China has to offer.

1. Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province

Yunnan is situated in the far southwest of China, bordering Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar. It is the country’s most biodiverse region and is home to one of its few tropical rainforests. At the very southern tip of the province lies the region of Xishuangbanna, an area which is cut off from the rest of the country by hills and mountains. Its close proximity to these highlands and its sub-tropical climate ensures heavy annual rainfall - ideal conditions for a rainforest and the animals living within. Some of the animals that can be found here include monkeys, snakes, birds, insects and the Asian elephant. The area also boasts amazing and diverse species of trees, plants and other fauna.

Xishuangbanna is now the only place in the country where the Asian elephant can still roam free, and the Mengyang Nature Reserve was created here to protect these animals in the hope that numbers would increase. Close to the nature reserve is the Jinghong Forest Park, home to a large number of monkey species. Both the nature reserve and forest park are easily accessible from downtown Jinghong.

2. Changbaishan National Nature Reserve, Jilin Province

Those looking to catch a glimpse of bears and tigers in their natural surroundings can visit the isolated Changbaishan nature reserve in China’s northeastern Jilin province. The reserve straddles the border between China and North Korea, and it is located in a picturesque area surrounded by mountains and forest. Covering an area of 2,000 square kilometers, this nature reserve is vast and is the only place outside of Siberia where the tigers of the same name roam free. Although numbers have dropped in recent years to just 20, they are a protected species and steps are being taken to boost numbers.

The area is also popular with mountain climbers and hill walkers, with the highest peak, Changbai mountain, standing at 2,700 meters tall. The clear waters of the Tianchi lake are also a local attraction, however due to the harsh winters in the area, the lake is generally only accessible during the summer months of May to October. Local transport to the reserve can be arranged from the nearby town of Baihe.

3. Panda Breeding and Research Center, Sichuan Province

The province of Sichuan is famous for its spicy food, wonderful countryside, mountainous terrain and most importantly, its collection of giant pandas. The panda is undisputedly one of China’s national treasures, and millions of visitors flock to the region each year to see the animals. Today, there are fewer than 1,000 pandas in China; 80 percent of which live in Sichuan, with the remainder found in the neighbouring provinces of Gansu and Shaanxi. The Center was established to help provide a base for the panda to breed naturally and safely rear their young.

By recreating the pandas’ natural mountainous habitat with clear, fresh air and an abundance of bamboo to eat, this research center provides visitors with the perfect way to see this animal up close. In addition to it being a visitor center, research and tests on the animals are also carried out to allow scientists to monitor the pandas and develop ways to keep these animals healthy. The Center is located around 10 km outside of the provincial capital, Chengdu, and the surrounding area is well developed with impressive tourist facilities.

4. Hulunbuir, Inner Mongolia

Although not technically a nature reserve or wildlife centre, the Hulunbuir region of Inner Mongolia is simply an isolated area which contains numerous wildlife species. The area also has few human inhabitants as conditions here are unforgiving, particularly in winter. Hulunbuir is mostly forest and woodland, with one major lake, Hulun, which is surrounded by the Hinggan Mountains. It is one of the most eerie yet spectacular and picturesque parts of northern China.

Among the animals found in this region are wolves, elk, deer, bears and hares. It is also a stopping point for many species of birds migrating to and from Siberia. As winter temperatures can plunge as low as -40 degrees Celsius, tourists are advised to visit in summer. Although some tours can be organised from the nearby cities of Manzhouli and Hailar, the area is not well developed and has few tourist facilities. Hiring a local guide is strongly recommended.

5. Wolong Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province

Another reserve popular for its small family of giant pandas, this area is actually home to over 100 different mammals and 200 species of bird. It is located in the Qionglai mountains area of Sichuan and was first established in 1963. It has since become a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Protected Area. The reserve is situated in an idyllic location, surrounded by 5,000-meter peaks and stunningly clear rivers. The local population reside along the river valleys, and the reserve is a diverse area with many ethnic Tibetans, Chang, Hui and Han Chinese living there.

Wolong contains a number of rare and protected species including snow leopards, the golden nose monkey, red panda, Asian black bear and the giant panda. Although located in an isolated part of Sichuan, regular bus tours are organised from Chengdu, which is roughly four hours drive from Wolong. Some tourist facilities such as guesthouses and restaurants have been built in the area, and the local government is actively promoting this reserve one of the country’s major eco-tourism locations.

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