Thrown up by movements in the continents 70 million years ago, these ancient mountains are often surrounded by a red and white mist and clouds, giving rise to its local name: the white and red creates happiness.
Jinyun Mountain Nature Reserve was created in 1979 and since 2001 has been a national reserve. It is now a key base for protecting natural ecosystems in the subtropical forest which is a habitat for various protected species. The protected area runs for 7,600 through the main city of Chongqing’s suburban areas of Beibei, Shapingba, and Bishan, just 35km from Chongqing city’s centre, and is now one of China’s national eco-tourism centres.
After sweltering through the summer heat, the early autumn is the best time to visit Jinyun, with its views over the Jialing River flowing round the foot of the city.
The range has nine peaks, Chaori, Xianglu, Lion Peak, Juyun, Yuanxiao, Lotus, Pagoda, Yujian, and Xizhaok, each covered with evergreen subtropical forests hanging from steep rocky sides.
Jinyun is also home to Chongqing Botanical Gardens, which cares for the park’s over 2,400 plant species, including 51 species of protected wild plants such as rare Magnolias and sandalwoods. The area is so diverse, that even as recently as 2014 a new species, Jinyun Begonia, was discovered.
Jinyun is also one of China’s leading bases for eco-education and hiking, with a range of local projects for learning about biodiversity. Local volunteers have created nearly 20kn of forest trails, while the park has introduced smart education systems, labeling certain plants with QR codes to allow visitors to use their smart phones to explore the forest.
The park’s management is also developing, with a focus on increasing biodiversity and the sensitivity of forest management leading to its receiving a range of national awards including the National Advanced Collective of Nature Reserve Management, National Model Nature Reserve and the National Advanced Unit for Forest Fire Prevention.
The park has taken the lead in implementing both national and regional policies to improve the ecological environment, and reducing urban impact on key ecological centres and halting activities such as mining and real estate development.
Moving forwards, the park will focus on managing the impact of tourism whilst promoting greater understanding and experience of the natural environment.
(Source: Chongqing Forestry Administration)