Shangri-la Alpine Botanical Garden, Diqing
Chinese Name:香格里拉高山植物园
English Name: Shangri-la Alpine Botanical Garden, Diqing
Website: http://www.sabg.com.cn
Overview:
Shangri-la Alpine Botanical Garden, located in Shangri-la County, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province, is the highest botanical garden in China and the world, with altitudes ranging between 3,200 and 3,800 meters. The garden covers an area of approximately 7,247 hectares, featuring a variety of native subalpine and alpine coniferous forests. The garden conserves about 620 species of wild alpine plants, with a focus on both in-situ and ex-situ conservation methods.
Subsections and Features:
The garden is divided into several specialized areas, including:
- Plant Collection Display Area: Showcasing a diverse range of alpine plants.
- Popular Science Exhibition Hall: Educational space for visitors to learn about plant species and biodiversity.
- Rosa Rugosa Garden: Featuring the fragrant Rosa rugosa.
- Moccasin Flower Garden: Dedicated to the preservation of unique and rare moccasin flowers.
- Ornamental Plant Garden: Displaying various decorative plant species.
- Rock Plant Garden: Highlighting plants that thrive in rocky terrains.
- Nursery: A space for growing and nurturing plants.
Visitors can also explore the preserved ruins of the Xijiabengding Temple and a segment of the Ancient Tea-Horse Trail, a historical trade route. At the garden’s highest points, guests can enjoy panoramic views of Napa Lake, nearby Tibetan villages, Shangri-la Airport, and the distant Tianbao Snow Mountain.
Conservation Efforts:
Since its establishment in August 2001, the garden has focused on preserving the region’s unique flora and fauna. The botanical garden supports the protection of endangered species, such as Iris bungei and Lilium davidii, and fosters the recovery of previously degraded vegetation. Efforts have been made to enhance the biodiversity of the garden, including the introduction of rare and exotic plant species.
Biodiversity Hotspot:
The garden serves as a biodiversity conservation center, aiming to protect rare, endangered, and endemic plant species. The region’s diverse habitats range from subalpine grasslands and pine forests to deciduous broadleaf forests and limestone shrublands. This rich ecological environment is home to over 900 species of higher plants, including national key protected plants like Isoetes hypsophila, Yulong fern, Paris polyphylla, and Zhongdian hawthorn.
Development and Future Plans:
The garden is actively involved in scientific research and education, with plans to expand its role in plant conservation and environmental education. Collaborations with prestigious botanical institutions, such as the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, highlight its commitment to global biodiversity conservation efforts. The garden’s ongoing projects include the establishment of a nursery capable of producing 100,000 seedlings annually and the creation of various functional areas for research, public education, and academic exchanges.
Admission and Visitor Information:
- Ticket Price: 30 RMB
- Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:00
- Transportation:
- By Car:
- From Diqing Shangri-la Airport: Follow Shenying Road, Lebo Dorang, Long March Avenue, Zhongde Road, and G214 to reach the garden.
- From Diqing Passenger Transport Station: Follow Xiangbala Avenue, Zhongxiang Road, roundabout, Zhongde Road, and G214 to reach the garden.
- By Car:
The Shangri-la Alpine Botanical Garden stands as a key site for ecological research and environmental education, promoting the preservation of Yunnan’s rich and diverse natural heritage.
