Live Your Best Lives
Luoshan National Nature Reserve is located in Tongxin County in southern Ningxia. Luoshan Reserve has effectively blocked the southward invasion of the Maowusu Desert. It is a green ecological barrier in central Ningxia and an important water conservation forest area in central Ningxia. It is called "Mother Mountain" by local people and is known as the "Emerald of the Desert". [1]
Luoshan Nature Reserve, established on July 1, 1982, was designated a National Nature Reserve in July 2002. Covering 33,710 hectares, it primarily protects a typical forest ecosystem dominated by Picea crassifolia and Pinus tabulaeformis, as well as rare wildlife and plants such as golden eagles and their habitats, and the area's unique natural landscape.
Luoshan Nature Reserve has a typical temperate continental climate with four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine, and large temperature differences between day and night.
Plant resources
Luoshan National Nature Reserve has 275 species of higher plant resources belonging to 65 families and 170 genera. The main protected objects are the typical forest ecosystem with Qinghai spruce and Chinese pine as the dominant species, as well as rare wild animals and plants, their habitats and the unique natural landscape in the area.
Picea crassifolia
Picea crassifolia is a tree that reaches up to 23 meters tall with a diameter at breast height of 30-60 centimeters. Its annual twigs are light green-yellow. It is endemic to China and is found in the Qilian Mountains and Qinghai (east of Dulan and north of Xiqing Mountain), where it often forms simple forests in valleys and on shady slopes.
Animal resources
There are 22 orders, 114 species and 82 subspecies of wild animal resources in Luoshan National Nature Reserve, of which 22 species, such as golden eagles, leopard cats and lynxes, are nationally protected wild animals, 20 species are protected species specified by the autonomous region, 22 species are on the list of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, 25 bird species are protected species specified in the China-Japan Migratory Bird Protection Agreement, and 3 bird species are protected species specified in the China-Australia Migratory Bird Protection Agreement.
Golden Eagle
The golden eagle is a large bird of prey, measuring 76 to 102 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters and weighing 2 to 6.5 kilograms. It is found throughout the mountainous areas of northeastern and central-western China. It is a resident bird, primarily inhabiting alpine grasslands and coniferous forests, and is rarely seen on plains. It is ferocious and powerful, preying on doves, pigeons, pheasants, quail, hares, and even musk deer larks.
free
All day
Luoshan Nature Reserve is a protected area in Ningxia, primarily established to conserve the diverse flora and fauna of the region, including several endangered species. The reserve is vital for ecological research, wildlife protection, and maintaining the natural balance of the area. It holds significant ecological and environmental importance due to its rare species and pristine landscapes.
Luoshan Nature Reserve is located in Ningxia, China, and is accessible by car or taxi from the nearest city, Yinchuan. The reserve is situated approximately 90 kilometers from the city. There are no metro or bus routes directly to the reserve, so private transport or guided tours are recommended.
The reserve is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer months can be warm, while winter may bring cold temperatures and snow, which could limit access to some areas.
The entrance fee typically ranges from 50 to 100 RMB per person, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and it’s recommended to check online or by phone in advance for any changes in prices or special offers.
Booking tickets in advance is not strictly necessary but is advisable during peak seasons (spring and autumn) to ensure availability and avoid long queues. It is recommended to book at least a few days in advance during busy times.
To fully explore the reserve and enjoy the trails, wildlife watching, and scenic views, a visit of around 4-5 hours is recommended. If you wish to engage in eco-tourism or other activities, you may want to allocate an entire day.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer limited English-speaking guides upon request. Audio guides are not commonly available, but the presence of local guides ensures you can learn about the area’s history, biodiversity, and conservation efforts.
Begin your visit with a walk through the main trails, exploring the flora and fauna. Then, head towards the wetlands for birdwatching and relaxation. If time allows, visit one of the viewpoints for a panoramic view of the reserve and its surroundings.
Night visits are not available at the reserve. However, you may opt for day tours that allow you to explore the reserve’s rich biodiversity during daylight hours. Special eco-tourism tours are available, focusing on conservation efforts and wildlife protection.
The reserve can get crowded during public holidays and the summer months. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn), especially in the mornings or late afternoons.
The reserve is somewhat accessible for elderly and disabled visitors, though some of the trails may be challenging due to uneven terrain. For children, the trails are generally easy, but adult supervision is recommended. It's advisable to check with the visitor center for more information on specific accessibility options.
Cash is commonly accepted in the reserve, but mobile payments such as Alipay or WeChat Pay are also widely used in the area. Credit cards may be accepted at some points, but it's best to carry cash just in case.
There are limited food options directly inside the reserve. However, nearby towns and the city of Yinchuan have a variety of restaurants and cafes offering traditional Ningxia cuisine and other Chinese dishes.
Vegetarian and halal food options are available in the nearby towns and Yinchuan. Due to the presence of Muslim communities in Ningxia, halal food is widely available.
Basic accommodations can be found in nearby towns, including guesthouses and hotels. For more luxurious stays, you can travel to Yinchuan, which offers a wider range of accommodations.
There are small souvenir shops in the reserve and nearby areas offering local handicrafts such as Tibetan rugs, pottery, and eco-tourism products related to wildlife conservation.
After visiting, taxis or buses are available to take you back to Yinchuan or nearby towns. Renting a car is also a good option for those who wish to explore the region further.
