Traveler’s Paradise: Recommended Nature
Reserves and Parks in China
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated October 2025
China’s natural beauty is a gem in its own right. This vast country encompasses many climate zones, with each region offering a different experience—from colorful deserts and sand dunes to towering karst peaks and dramatic cliffs, and from snow-capped summits to dense forests and sparkling blue lakes. We’ve compiled a list of the most highly recommended nature reserves and parks in China.
The vast country holds dozens of parks, which today are much more accessible to tourists than in the past. There are many hiking options, since the reserves are scattered all over China, and it is important to plan your visit to them carefully so that they fit into the route you choose. In addition, it is worth noting that you should integrate the parks into your itinerary, rather than planning your entire trip solely around the parks and nature reserves.
The parks in China are part of protected nature reserves that attract many tourists and are very convenient and organized for visitors. However, one must remember that in some cases the parks are located in remote areas and not necessarily near major cities, so reaching them may require significant effort. Those who have read the general article about China and its geography already know that the country features a wide variety of landscapes: the west is desert-like, dotted with high, snowy mountain ranges; the Tibetan Plateau is elevated, lush, and crossed by rivers flowing year-round; and eastern China’s hills are rich in limestone and granite formations that create striking exposed cliffs and impressive scenery.
Nature reserves in China are usually part of a tourist site that is accessible to visitors. In most cases, you need to purchase a ticket and enter the reserve using the site’s internal transportation vehicles. Some of the reserves are very large, and you can easily spend several days exploring them.
Nature Reserves in Sichuan Province
Let’s begin with the nature reserves of Sichuan Province. This region, located in central China, has become one of the most famous provinces in the country—perhaps due to the aroma of Sichuan cuisine, perhaps because of the spicy flavors, or maybe thanks to the adorable giant pandas. Beyond its exotic name, the province has a lot to offer.
Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center
The symbol of Sichuan is the famous Panda Reserve located on the outskirts of Chengdu. This park serves both as a research institute and a breeding center for giant pandas, many of which are born in captivity as part of a project to reintroduce them into the vast bamboo forests typical of the province.
At the park, you can see pandas of different sizes and ages—playing, eating, and mostly sleeping. That’s why it’s highly recommended to check their active hours in advance and plan your visit accordingly. Usually, the best time is in the morning or during feeding hours.
Official name: Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Center
Chinese name: Dàxióngmāo fánzhí yánjiū zhōngxīn (大熊猫繁殖研究中心)
Besides strolling through the beautiful park, visitors can also see newborn panda cubs, and for an additional fee, there is even the option to hold them. The park is also home to the charming red panda.
For those looking for a less touristy experience, the Dujiangyan Panda Base, located about 18 km from Chengdu, offers a great alternative. This reserve is smaller but significantly less crowded, allowing for a quieter and more intimate encounter with the pandas.
Emei Shan and Leshan (The Giant Buddha)
The Emei Shan and Leshan reserves are located about 140 km from Chengdu and are often mentioned together due to their close geographical proximity.
The Leshan Giant Buddha
The town of Leshan is located at the confluence of three rivers, which have sustained millions of people from the earliest settlements to the present day. As a reminder of the river’s great importance—and particularly as a historical attempt to prevent flooding—a Buddhist monk proposed the construction of a colossal statue. Standing 71 meters high, it was meant to ensure the calm and steady flow of the waters and to protect local villagers and their fields from devastating floods.
This enormous sandstone statue depicts the curly-haired Maitreya Buddha. Visitors can walk along the paths surrounding it to admire both the impressive carving and the ingenious water-drainage system, designed as early as the 8th century, which channels rainwater away from the statue’s head, ears, and torso to preserve it. You can explore both above and below the Buddha using steep stairways. For a different perspective that highlights its truly massive scale, you can also take a short boat ride and view the Buddha from the river.
Official name: Leshan Giant Buddha
Chinese name: Lèshān dàfó (乐山大佛)
Emei Shan Nature Reserve
Near the town of Emei Shan lies a vast forested park filled with mountains, hills, temples, and small trails—this is Mount Emei National Park. Exploring the reserve can take two to three days if you choose to hike up to the temples and mountain peaks on foot, with simple accommodations available along the way. For those visiting on a day trip, it’s possible to take the shuttle buses up to Leidongping Temple (Léidòng píng, 雷洞坪) and continue from there either by foot or cable car.
This site makes for a great full-day trip from Chengdu, and with a rental car it may even be possible to combine it with a visit to Leshan in one very long day. The park has many attractions connected by shuttle buses, making it easier to plan the ideal route. The best time to visit is between October and May, as the summer months bring heavy clouds and rain. Still, misty conditions can occur year-round, which often add to the area’s mystical charm.
The ascent reaches 3,099 meters, where temples and statues of Buddhas mounted on elephants await. At this altitude, you will likely feel the effects of thinner air while hiking. The main attraction is the massive statue of the Bodhisattva Puxian, located at the summit. Visitors can take a cable car part of the way and then walk through areas where monkeys roam freely, before arriving at the statue’s square, from which breathtaking views unfold. On clear days, you may even glimpse the snowcapped peaks of the Tibetan Plateau.
Traveling between the towns of Leshan and Emei Shan takes about an hour to an hour and a half. If you want to see both in a single day, it’s best to start early in Leshan and continue to Emei Shan until evening. If you have two days, consider devoting half a day to the Leshan Giant Buddha and the rest to the reserve.
Official name: Emei Mountain
Chinese name: Éméi shān (峨眉山)
The Nature Reserves of Northern Sichuan
In northern Sichuan Province, at the higher elevations beyond the rise of the Tibetan Plateau, lies a magical natural landscape. The dramatic transition from the Sichuan Basin plains to the Tibetan Plateau creates breathtaking and extreme scenery filled with dense forests, deep valleys, and turquoise lakes. This region is also home to the Tibetan people, who have lived here for thousands of years, and the reserves themselves are dotted with traditional Tibetan villages. In the larger towns, you’ll find mixed communities of Tibetans and Han Chinese.
Reaching the reserves of northern Sichuan can be done by bus from Chengdu (an 8–10 hour ride) to the town of Songpan, which serves as an excellent base for exploring three main reserves. Alternatively, you can take domestic flights from several Chinese cities to Jiuzhaigou Airport, situated at 3,450 meters above sea level. Because of the high altitude, travelers should be aware of the risk of altitude sickness and consult a doctor before flying.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
Perhaps the most famous—and often considered the most beautiful—nature reserve in China, Jiuzhaigou Valley is the northernmost of the three major reserves in the region. The reserve features stunning waterfalls, crystal-clear blue lakes, and lush forests framed by jagged, snowcapped mountains.
Visitors can spend one or even two full days exploring the countless trails and viewpoints. The site is well-organized, with maps provided at the entrance and a network of shuttle buses running throughout the park. These buses, which require an additional fee on top of the entrance ticket, make it easy to move between different sections of the valley.
Tickets should be purchased in advance, either through travel agencies or online booking platforms, as the reserve is very popular. Jiuzhaigou sits at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 meters, so be prepared for chilly temperatures and possible effects of altitude.
Official name: Jiuzhai Valley
Chinese name: Jiǔzhàigōu fēngjǐng míngshèngqū (九寨沟风景名胜区)
Huanglong Scenic Area
About 100 km south of Jiuzhaigou lies the Huanglong Scenic Area, also known as the Yellow Dragon Valley. This reserve is the highest of the three northern Sichuan parks, with attractions mostly above 3,000 meters. Taking the cable car to the upper trails brings you as high as 3,600 meters, so altitude effects are common here.
The reserve is famous for its enchanting landscapes—colorful travertine pools, cascading waterfalls, and unique rock formations set against forested mountain slopes. Although relatively small compared to Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong can be fully experienced in two hours to half a day, making it an excellent complement to the larger reserve nearby.
Official name: Huánglóng fēngjǐng míngshèngqū (黄龙风景名胜区)
Munigou Scenic Area
The last, and least known of the three, is the Munigou Scenic Area. Unlike the more famous Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, this is a modest but beautiful valley reserve, featuring serene lakes and cascading waterfalls along a scenic gorge. With an average elevation of around 2,800 meters, it is lower and generally easier to explore.
Munigou is an excellent choice for travelers staying longer in the region who want to discover a quieter, less crowded destination.
Official name: Móunígōu (牟尼沟)
Zhangjiajie Nature Reserves
The most famous nature reserve in China is located in a somewhat lesser-known province—Hunan Province. This region gained worldwide recognition not only as the birthplace of Mao Zedong, the legendary leader of the Communist Party, but also thanks to its breathtaking landscapes. The stunning reserve of Zhangjiajie became especially popular after the movie Avatar, whose creators drew inspiration from its surreal scenery for the film’s floating mountains.
The park is divided into three main areas, which are essentially three separate reserves:
Wulingyuan Scenic Area (Wǔlíngyuán, 武陵源)
Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan is the largest and most central of the Zhangjiajie reserves. The entrance ticket grants you access for up to three days, giving visitors enough time to explore the many attractions spread across this vast area.
Inside the reserve, you’ll find towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, deep ravines, crystal-clear streams, and waterfalls, all connected by a network of hiking trails, shuttle buses, and cable cars. The landscapes here are both otherworldly and iconic, with some of the rock formations serving as the direct inspiration for the floating mountains of Avatar.
This reserve is the heart of Zhangjiajie and a must-see destination for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
At the heart of the reserve lies the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the area whose beauty made the entire region world-famous. Here, you’ll find a breathtaking landscape of dense forests decorated with towering karst pillars, deep green valleys, and dramatic mountain scenery.
Tianzi Mountain (Tiān-zǐ Shān, 天子山): Located on the higher ridges of the park, this area offers stunning and varied viewpoints. You can either hike up or take a cable car to the summit, where panoramic views of the pillar-filled landscape await.
Suoxi Valley (Suǒxī Gōu, 索溪沟): A vast valley filled with wild nature—waterfalls, caves, abundant monkeys, and other animals that are harder to spot in other parts of the park. It’s a wonderful area for those seeking a more immersive natural experience.
It’s a good idea to pick up a map from your hotel or hostel before your visit and plan a general route, which will make navigating the different areas of the park much easier.
Tianmen Mountain and the Glass Bridge
Tianmen Mountain (Tiānmén Shān, 天门山), meaning Heaven’s Gate Mountain, is one of the most iconic attractions near the city of Zhangjiajie. The cable car to the reserve departs directly from the city, making it easily accessible. A half-day to a full day is usually enough to explore its scenic trails.
After the ascent by cable car, you’ll find numerous walking paths, many of them with glass-bottom sections that enhance the thrill—though you can bypass them if you prefer. These walkways provide open panoramic views of the dramatic cliffs and valleys.
The highlight of the reserve is the Heaven’s Gate Arch, a massive natural opening in the mountain reached by climbing hundreds of steep steps. The site has become a hotspot for extreme sports, especially wingsuit flying, with adventurers leaping from its jagged peaks.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
Close to Tianmen Mountain lies the world-famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge (Zhāngjiājiè dàxiágǔ bōlí qiáo, 张家界大峡谷玻璃桥). Designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie Dothan, this architectural wonder has been recognized as the longest and highest glass bridge in the world.
Suspended 300 meters above a lush canyon, the bridge stretches 430 meters, offering an exhilarating walk with sweeping views. For those who want to extend their visit, trails at the bottom of the valley lead past waterfalls and a lake, though the bridge itself remains the main attraction compared to the dramatic scenery of the Zhangjiajie reserve.
Final Thoughts
Traveling through China is nothing short of extraordinary. From the vast diversity of landscapes to the deep cultural layers shaped over thousands of years, the country offers an experience that is both humbling and inspiring. Whether you are wandering through ancient imperial cities like Beijing and Xi’an, drifting along the karst mountains of Guilin, trekking the Tibetan Plateau, or marveling at the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, every region presents a unique facet of China’s identity.
To truly enjoy your journey, it’s important to remember a few things: plan carefully because of the vast distances, stay open-minded toward cultural differences, and allow yourself to embrace the unexpected. China can feel overwhelming at times, but that’s part of its charm—beneath the contrasts, you’ll find warmth, hospitality, and shared humanity.
A trip here is not just about checking famous sights off a list; it’s about immersing yourself in a world that balances the ancient and the modern, the rural and the urban, tradition and innovation. With the right mindset, your travels in China will become not only memorable but also transformative.
Nature Reserves Along the Silk Road
China’s Silk Road is not as familiar to many travelers due to its great distance from eastern China and its large cities. Traveling in western China often feels like visiting a completely different country, both due to the accessibility of its sites and its unique atmosphere and cultural diversity. The Chinese section of the Silk Road primarily spans three provinces, with Xinjiang being the westernmost. This province borders countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Its capital is Ürümqi, accessible by flights from many Chinese cities. Several noteworthy nature reserves are located nearby:
Heavenly Lake – Tiānchí (天池)
Situated in the Tianshan Mountain Range, which cuts across Xinjiang, Heavenly Lake is a beautiful alpine lake at the heart of a nature reserve. Visitors can enjoy a few hours of walking around the lake or choose shorter trails near its shores. For those seeking a deeper experience, it’s also possible to spend the night in the reserve in a traditional Kazakh yurt, adding a cultural touch to the natural beauty.
Western Tianshan Reserves
A flight from Ürümqi to Xinyuan Airport (新源那拉提机场) places you in the heart of the valleys of the Tianshan Mountains, making the reserves more accessible within reasonable driving distances. It’s also possible to travel by car or public transportation from Ürümqi (around 500 km, 8–10 hours).
The Tianshan range, known as the Heavenly Mountains, divides Xinjiang into northern and southern parts and stretches all the way to China’s borders with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. It cuts through the vast surrounding deserts yet maintains a unique alpine microclimate within the arid landscape. Key reserves in this region include Nalati, Kalajun, and Bayanbulak. The ideal time to visit is between June and August, when green meadows and vibrant blossoms transform the scenery, though even in the months before and after, the area offers dramatic and diverse landscapes.
Nalati National Forest Park – Nàlādī Cǎoyuán (那拉提草原)
Nalati Reserve is a highland area of vast grasslands nestled against snowy peaks. The landscape here is especially striking in summer, with abundant wildflowers, blue skies, and alpine pastures stretching to the horizon. This area has long been home to the Kazakh people of China, who have preserved their traditional nomadic lifestyle since the days when the Silk Road passed nearby.
Visitors to Nalati can experience both the stunning natural beauty and the cultural richness of this region, making it a must-visit stop along the Silk Road route.
Kalajun Grassland – Kālājùn Cǎoyuán (喀拉峻草原)
Kalajun Nature Reserve is a breathtaking area of deep valleys, rivers, and shimmering alpine lakes that break up the surrounding arid desert landscapes. Its Kazakh name means “the Black Desert.” Beyond the scenery, the reserve offers an authentic glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of the local Kazakh minority.
The closest town is Tekes, while the nearest airport is in Yining (Yīníng / 伊宁, also called Yili in the local language). From Yining, you can reach the reserve by car or bus. Travelers coming from Nalati Reserve can reach Kalajun in about four hours by road, making it a natural extension to a trip in the Tianshan Mountains.
Bayanbulak Grasslands – Bāyīnbùlǔkè Cǎoyuán (巴音布鲁克草原)
Another, less accessible but truly remarkable reserve is the Bayanbulak Grasslands. This vast, green highland valley is carved by winding rivers at the foot of the Tianshan Mountains. The Kaidu River flows through the valley, offering breathtaking views at sunrise and sunset.
Bayanbulak is home to several Central Asian minorities, with the Kyrgyz people forming the largest community. Access is relatively straightforward from the north if you’ve already visited Nalati, or from the south if you are traveling near the town of Kuqa. Buses also run from Yining, making it possible to include Bayanbulak in a broader Xinjiang itinerary.
Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park
As the Silk Road continues eastward from Xinjiang into Gansu Province, it runs along the foothills of the Qilian Mountains. This narrow corridor of fertile valleys and plains, separating the Tibetan Plateau from the Gobi Desert, historically served as one of the main arteries of the Silk Road.
Here lies one of China’s most famous geological wonders: the Zhangye Danxia National Geological Park, often called the “Rainbow Mountains.” This surreal landscape is formed of layered sandstone, displaying vibrant stripes of red, orange, yellow, and white. The park also features dramatic canyons and numerous viewpoints for admiring its unique formations.
The reserve is located near the town of Zhangye, from which it takes its name. For travelers arriving by air, the nearest airport is in Jiayuguan. Alternatively, high-speed trains to western China make Zhangye accessible in a more affordable and convenient way.
Nature Reserves in Eastern China
Along the eastern coast of China, the country’s urban culture developed throughout history. This region is famous for its density and economic power, being home to most of China’s population and its industrial base. Yet, not far from the bustling coastal cities, rolling hills and mountain ranges rise, revealing nature reserves, rivers, and villages that offer a refreshing escape from city life.
Huangshan – The Yellow Mountain (Huáng Shān, 黄山)
Located in Anhui Province, not far from Shanghai and Hangzhou, Huangshan is one of the most famous and iconic mountains in China. The reserve features dramatic granite peaks, steep cliffs, and mist-filled valleys that have inspired traditional Chinese landscape paintings for centuries. Unique pine trees, often growing out of the rocks, and the frequent “sea of clouds” create a mystical atmosphere.
Huangshan has also gained mythological importance—its name, the Yellow Mountain, honors the legendary Yellow Emperor, one of the most important figures in Chinese mythology.
You can ascend the mountain by cable car or on foot. Hiking up takes 3–5 hours along well-maintained stone stairways, while even cable car riders must climb further once at the top. It’s also possible to stay overnight on the mountain in one of the hotels, making it easier to catch sunrise or sunset views.
To reach Huangshan, travelers can fly or take a train to Huangshan City (also called Tunxi, 屯溪). From there, the journey continues to Tangkou (汤口), the gateway town at the base of the reserve, where buses or taxis connect to the park entrance.
Wuyi Mountain (Wǔyí Shān, 武夷山)
South of Huangshan, in northern Fujian Province, lies the less-known but stunning Wuyi Mountain Reserve. Fujian is best known for its coastal city of Xiamen, with its lively markets and offshore islands, but inland the scenery changes dramatically. Wuyi offers a lush, green environment with hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, and even boat trips along the “Nine-Bend River”—a winding stretch of water framed by towering cliffs.
The geology of the reserve is diverse: its western side is characterized by volcanic rocks such as basalt and granite, while the eastern side features layered sandstone formations. The region is also famous for tea cultivation, and visitors will notice vast tea plantations climbing the slopes of the mountains.
Nearby, travelers can also explore the Tulou (土楼)—the traditional round, communal houses of Fujian’s Hakka people, designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites. For those seeking both cultural and natural highlights, Wuyi Mountain offers an ideal balance of hiking, scenery, and heritage.
Nature Reserves of Yunnan Province
In the far southwest corner of China, bordering Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, lies the mountainous and lush province of Yunnan—its name in Chinese meaning “South of the Clouds.” Yunnan is not only home to many of China’s ethnic minority groups but also one of the country’s richest regions in terms of climate diversity and natural landscapes.
Stone Forest – Shílín (石林)
Near the provincial capital, Kunming, lies the famous Stone Forest, a unique geological park where limestone karst formations, over 250 million years old, rise vertically from the ground like a stone labyrinth. The jagged rocks and pinnacles create an atmosphere that feels like stepping into a surreal stone world.
The reserve offers numerous walking trails, from popular main routes to quieter paths where you can escape the crowds and enjoy the strange beauty of the landscape in peace. As one of Yunnan’s best-known attractions, it draws many domestic tourists, so early arrival or exploring less-traveled corners is recommended.
Getting there requires a 2.5-hour drive east from Kunming, making it a popular day trip from the city.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Yùlóng Xuěshān (玉龙雪山)
Close to the famous town of Lijiang, often called the “Venice of the East” thanks to its canals and traditional architecture, stands the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Reserve. This massif is part of the Himalayan range, marking the edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
The highest peak reaches 5,643 meters, and beneath it lies the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, which visitors can reach by cable car. From there, breathtaking views of the alpine meadows and yak pastures unfold below. Another highlight is the scenic Blue Moon Valley, a turquoise-colored river valley set against the snowy peaks.
For culture lovers, the local Naxi ethnic minority stages a large-scale open-air folklore performance in an amphitheater at the base of the mountain, set dramatically against the snowy backdrop.
Practical Tips for Visiting Yunnan’s Reserves
Student & Senior Discounts: Entrance fees to Chinese nature reserves can be expensive, but students and visitors over 60 are often eligible for significant discounts.
Bring Hiking Poles: Many reserves feature long stairways and steep stone paths; trekking poles can save your knees.
Use Local Maps: Most reserves provide a map at the entrance. After seeing the main highlights, consider wandering along smaller side trails to enjoy quieter, less crowded spots.
Stay Flexible: Around the large reserves, you’ll find many villages and additional attractions worth exploring, so it pays to linger rather than rush.
✨ Yunnan offers a unique mix of culture and landscapes—from karst stone forests to snowy Himalayan peaks, turquoise valleys, and yak-filled meadows—making it one of the most diverse and rewarding provinces for nature lovers in all of China.
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