Exploring Baoxing – A China Nature Travel Paradise

Baoxing County in Ya’an City, Sichuan Province, is situated at the transition zone between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Chengdu Plain. It has a moderate climate with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 meters. The misty forests of Baoxing are ideal habitats for giant pandas, red pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, takins, Chinese monals, and a variety of other animals. 

In 1869, Armand David, a Frenchman, first spotted a new black and white species, now called Pandas, in Dengchigou, Baoxing. Since then, these species hiding in the mountains have become visible to human civilization.

Thus, anybody looking for a China nature travel destination must visit Baoxing once in their lifetime.   

Step into the hometown of Pandas

Baoxing harbors Giant Pandas. It is the world’s first scientific discovery site of these species. This place is also the production of the first model specimen of Giant Panda. The core reserve of the World Nature Heritage Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary covers 75% of the country’s land. Since the formation of the People’s Republic of China, Baoxing has provided the state with 123 live pandas, 17 of which have been presented as national gifts to other states. The most important core region of the World Nature Heritage Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuary contains 181 wild pandas. The Giant Panda National Park is expected to span 92.8% of the land, with the main region accounting for 82%.

Explore ecology at its best 

Baoxing is an ecological haven. Mountains cover 99.7% of its territory, with forest coverage reaching about 72.15%. The water and air quality meet national grade I standards. It is known as the “Shelter of Endangered Animals and Plants in the World” because it includes Jiajin Mountain National Forest Park and Fengtongzhai National Nature Reserve. It is a globally important ecological region. 

Traverse the red holy land

Baoxing is a red holy land. Jiajin Mountain was the first snow-capped mountain that the Red Army traversed during the Long March. Along with Baota Mountain and Jinggang Mountain, it is known as the “Three Red Mountains”. This mountain also serves as the beginning point for “Snow Mountains and Grasslands”. It is one of China’s top 30 red tourism routes. 

Witness the ethnic corridor

Baoxing is an ethnic corridor. With a long history of ethnic culture, it has been an important stop along the ethnic migration corridor since the Han Dynasty. Over 3,000 years ago, this county served as the capital of the legendary Qingyi Qiang State. In 2009, the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government designated it as a minority-friendly county. 

There are 19 ethnic groups, including Han, Yi, and Tibetan. Qiaoqi Tibetan Township is the nearest Tibetan Township to Chengdu and a popular gathering spot for Jiarong Tibetans. Qiaoqi’s original ecological multi-voice folk songs are classified as national intangible cultural heritages. 

Conclusion

Baoxing is the homeland for Giant Pandas, an ecological haven, a red holy land, and an ethnic corridor. Tourists must visit this place during a China nature travel. You can immerse in the natural beauty, cultural wonders, and wildlife splendor at Baoxing.