China has an
incredibly diverse range of natural escapes scattered across the country. Since the first
nature reserve was established in 1956, around 2000 more parks have joined the ranks,
protecting about 14% of China's land area, and offering the traveller an incredible
variety of landscapes and diversity of wildlife. Many of the parks are intended for the
preservation of endangered animals, while others protect sacred mountains.
TO P NATIONA L PARKS
| Reserves |
Features |
Activities |
When
to Visit |
| Changbai Shan |
China's largest reserve: cranes, deer, tigers and some
300 medicinal plants |
hiking |
Jun-early Sep |
| Emei Shan |
luxuriant scenery along a steep, ancient pilgrim route;
Buddhist sights monkeys |
hiking, monasterys stays |
May-Oct |
| Jiiizhaigou |
stunning alpine scenery and gem-coloured lakes; takins, golden
monkeys,pandas |
hiking,Tibetan
village stays |
Jun-Oct |
| Tai Shan |
holy mountain with gobsmacking views; Taoist sights |
hiking |
May-Oct |
| Wulingyuan Scenic Area |
craggy peaks, waterfalls, caves, subtropical forest |
rafting, hiking |
Jun-Oct |
But before you pack your hiking gear and
binoculars, be prepared to share many of the more popular reserves with expanding
commercial development. Tourism is generally welcomed into these reserves with open arms,
meaning pricey hotels, more roads, gondolas, hawkers and busloads of tourists. With a
little effort, you can often find a less beaten path to escape down, but don't expect
utter tranquillity.
|
