Xinzhu Botanical Garden in Ludian Town, Lijiang

Xinzhu Botanical Reserve in Lijiang新主天然植物园
ADDRESSXinzhu Village, Lijiang丽江鲁甸乡新主村后云岭东麓

The Xinzhu Botanical Reserve is located in Xinzhu Village, Lijiang, on the eastern slope of Houyunling in Ludian Township, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County. Situated at coordinates 99.5°E and 27.22°N, the reserve is approximately 165 kilometers from Lijiang’s city center. The area spans from an elevation of 2,350 meters to 3,850 meters, with diverse topography including sunny and shady slopes, ravines, and grasslands.

Natural Environment

The reserve features a rich and varied landscape with undulating hills, deep pools, and intersecting streams. This diverse environment provides ideal conditions for a wide variety of plant species. Despite covering less than 10 square kilometers, the reserve is home to nearly all plant species found in the Hengduan Mountains. It has been hailed as a “plant sanctuary” and a “natural botanical garden.”

Plant Species

  • Rare and Precious Plants: Over 10 nationally protected rare and precious plants can be found within the reserve, with a total of more than 1,000 species across 176 genera.
  • Notable Trees: The reserve is home to a giant hemlock tree, known as the “King of Hemlocks,” which stands approximately 37 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 3.7 meters and a crown covering an area of around 100 square meters. This ancient tree is estimated to be over 5,000 years old.
  • Other Flora: The reserve is also home to a variety of other plant species, including dwarf woody plants like Microtropis (徽金腰), and trees like yew (红豆杉), which is known for producing the cancer-fighting compound paclitaxel. Additionally, several species of rhododendrons, magnolias, lilies, and roses thrive here, with rhododendrons alone comprising 5 genera and 30 species.

Ecological and Scientific Importance

The Xinzhu Botanical Reserve plays a crucial role in protecting the ecological environment along the Jinsha River. It is not only a tourist destination but also an ideal site for botanical research and plant exploration. The unique phenomenon of “trees growing on trees and stones” in the reserve, where moss and other plants grow on tree surfaces and rocks, further illustrates the rich biodiversity and unique environmental conditions of the area.

Cultural and Historical Significance

The reserve has a deep connection with the local community, where generations have admired and preserved this natural wonder. The 5,000-year-old “King of Hemlocks” is particularly revered, with stories and legends passed down through generations.

Visiting the Reserve

  • Location: Xinzhu Village, Ludian Township, Lijiang, Yunnan Province.
  • Accessibility: The journey to the reserve is challenging, requiring a 5.5-hour trek from the Xinzhu Village Committee headquarters, but the experience of seeing the ancient and majestic trees, especially the “King of Hemlocks,” is immensely rewarding.
  • Activities: Visitors can explore the rich biodiversity, enjoy the natural scenery, and engage in scientific or educational activities related to botany.

The Xinzhu Botanical Reserve is a remarkable destination that offers both natural beauty and a profound understanding of plant diversity in the Hengduan Mountain region.