Panda Valley of Foping National Nature Reserve in Hanzhong
Panda Valley (熊猫谷) is a renowned tourist destination located in the Foping County (佛坪县) of Hanzhong (汉中), Shaanxi Province (陕西省). This scenic area is famous for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and as a key conservation area for the Giant Panda (大熊猫), the national treasure of China.
Overview of Panda Valley
Panda Valley is nestled 20 kilometers north of Foping County (佛坪县), next to the National Highway 108 (108国道), and is part of the Qinling Mountain (秦岭) range. Known as the “Window of Qinling” and “Home of the Panda,” the valley offers a serene environment, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks, clear streams, dense forests, and diverse flora and fauna. It is celebrated for its unique scenic features, including secluded caves, waterfalls, and extraordinary rock formations.
Key Features of Panda Valley
The area is characterized by stunning natural landscapes, including:
San Die Spring (三叠泉), a beautiful three-tiered waterfall.
Er Long Xi Zhu (二龙戏珠), where two waterfalls resemble playful dragons.
Nu Er Tan (女儿滩), a serene and tranquil river beach.
Shuang Xin Chi (双心池), a stunning pair of heart-shaped pools.
Peaks like San Sheng Feng (三圣峰), Mu Nu Feng (母女峰), and Qi Yun Feng (栖云峰), which create spectacular views.
Giant pandas can be seen in their natural habitat at the Qinling Giant Panda Wild Breeding Base (秦岭大熊猫野化基地), where they move freely in the forest. The valley also hosts Golden Snub-Nosed Monkeys (金丝猴) in the deep gorges and Red-bellied Pheasants (红腹锦鸡) in the lush forest, all adding to the valley’s reputation as a paradise for wildlife lovers.
Geographical Environment
The valley is located at the southern foot of the Qinling Mountain (秦岭), which serves as the geographical divider between northern and southern China. The climate is subtropical with mild, humid, and temperate conditions. Winter is not too cold, and summer is not excessively hot, making the valley an ideal destination for eco-tourism. The region is home to abundant wildlife, including rare species such as the giant panda, golden monkeys (金丝猴), and a wide variety of birds and plants.
Notable Attractions
Qinling Giant Panda Corridor (秦岭大熊猫走廊), a critical habitat for pandas in northern China.
Foping National Nature Reserve (佛坪国家级自然保护区), known for its protected ecosystem and incredible biodiversity.
Rare species including the golden snub-nosed monkey and red-bellied pheasants.
Natural formations such as Strange Rocks (奇石), caves (溶洞), and waterfalls (瀑布泉潭).
Conservation Efforts
The Panda Valley is a protected area that plays a significant role in the conservation of the Giant Panda (大熊猫) and other endangered species. A total of 433 species of wild vertebrates have been recorded in the region, including 13 species of first-class national protected animals (国家一级保护动物), such as the Giant Panda (大熊猫), Takin (羚牛), and Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey (金丝猴).
The region is recognized as the northernmost habitat of the Giant Panda and has been designated as a national-level nature reserve (国家级自然保护区), which is crucial for the survival and breeding of the panda population in the wild.
Ecotourism Development
Panda Valley has become a popular ecotourism destination, combining natural beauty with educational and recreational activities. The development of Qinling People and Nature Museum (秦岭人与自然博物馆) and Dapingyu Scenic Area (大坪峪景区) showcases the ecological and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, wildlife watching, photography, and even scientific research expeditions.
The region’s tourism strategy emphasizes sustainable development with a focus on preserving its rich biodiversity while offering a range of leisure activities.
Tourism Promotions
The tourism slogan “Revisit the ancient Shu Road, explore the mysterious Qinling Mountains, get close to the national treasure panda, and care for the ecological home” continues to expand the area’s popularity. Foping County has become a symbol for eco-tourism, with the motto “Visit Ecological Foping, experience ecological culture, and purchase ecological products” emerging as its key identity.
Ticket Information
Ticket Price: ¥40 (人民币40元)
Opening Hours:
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Peak Season: 08:00 AM – 06:00 PM (March 16 to November 15)
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Off-Season: 08:30 AM – 05:30 PM
How to Get There
By Rail
Visitors can take the Xi’an-Chengdu High-Speed Railway (西成高铁), which connects Xi’an North Railway Station (西安高铁北站) to Foping Station (佛坪站) in just 40 minutes. There are multiple trains available each day.
By Car
From Xi’an: Take the Xi-Han Expressway (西汉高速) to the Foping Exit (佛坪出口), then follow the local road to the scenic area.
Alternative Route: From Xi’an, take the Xi-Han Expressway, exit at Laoyu Kou (涝峪口), then continue via Guanzhong Loop Line (关中环线) to Heihe Forest Park (黑河森林公园) and finally to the Panda Valley.
Panda Valley of Foping National Nature Reserve offers a rare combination of natural beauty and wildlife conservation, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those interested in China’s ecological heritage.
