Hidden deep in the Hengduan Mountains of southwestern Sichuan Province, Laojunshan National Nature Reserve has quietly become a global hotspot for biodiversity.
Founded in 2000 and designated a national nature reserve in 2011, Laojunshan was China's first protected area dedicated to pheasant conservation. Today, it shelters more than 370 vertebrate species—from giant pandas to red pandas—and plays a pivotal role in protecting one of the world's rarest birds: the Sichuan Partridge.
With an estimated 400 Sichuan Partridges—about one-fifth of the species' known global population—the reserve anchors a broader conservation network. Pingshan County, which surrounds Laojunshan, has been recognized by the China Wildlife Conservation Association as the 'Hometown of the Sichuan Partridge'.
Key Highlights
- Founded 2000; national reserve status in 2011
- Home to over 370 vertebrate species
- 400 Sichuan Partridges, 20% of world population
- Part of the Hengduan Mountains biodiversity hotspot
- Pingshan County named 'Hometown of the Sichuan Partridge'
This autumn, photographer teams gained rare access to document Laojunshan's forests. Their images reveal an ecosystem thriving under science-based conservation—powered by expanded protected areas, advanced wildlife monitoring, and targeted habitat restoration across the Chinese mainland.
For species like the Sichuan Partridge—without the global fame of the giant panda—these quiet, focused efforts are vital. Laojunshan's story shows how data-driven research, community engagement, and strategic planning can safeguard entire ecosystems, not just flagship animals.
Whether you're a sustainability advocate, a nature-loving traveler eager for immersive experiences, or a global citizen passionate about real-world impact, Laojunshan offers a window into the future of conservation in one of the planet's richest biodiversity zones.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
