China's Top Five Provinces For Wildlife Tourism - Forbes

China may be best known as the homeland of the world-famous giant panda, but this storied Asian nation has a lot more to see than just bamboo-eating bears. From the dolphins of Hainan to the massive tigers that prowl the remote reaches of Heilongjiang, there's no shortage of fascinating creatures to be found all throughout the country. Whether you're in search of native birds, endangered primates, or even the world's largest amphibian, these iconic provinces are certain to impress.

Heilongjiang

Located in the remote northeasternmost reaches of China, Heilongjiang is an absolute must-visit for those in search of the nation's most famous feline species. Both Amur leopards and Siberian tigers reside within the province's mountains, and while both species are incredibly elusive, visitors may have better luck spotting some of the region's less ferocious species, a list that includes finches, chipmunks, and mustelids. Though Heilongjiang is home to just a few tigers today, numbers in China have been increasing in recent years, serving as a beacon of hope for the future of these massive cats.

Fujian

Fujian is packed full of idyllic natural features, but the crown jewel of this southeastern province is undoubtedly the Wuyi Mountains. Located along the border with Jiangxi, this sprawling range earned UNESCO World Heritage designation in 1999 thanks to its historic Confucian temples and high degree of biodiversity. While the area is home to iconic creatures like the South China tiger, clouded leopard, and Chinese giant salamander, it's also known for its large number of endemic species—some of which are found nowhere else in the world—as well as its high concentration of native birds.

Sichuan

Sichuan may be best known for its devastatingly-spicy cuisine, but this sprawling central Chinese province is also home to one of the earth's most iconic creatures—the giant panda, to be precise. While the neighboring provinces of Shaanxi and Gansu are also home to this charismatic beast, Sichuan earns extra points for Chengdu Panda Base, a world-famous breeding center that's seen the birth of over one hundred giant pandas since its establishment in 1987. In addition to panda bears, Sichuan's Min Mountains are also home to the golden snub-nosed monkey, an endangered primate that's renowned for its unique visage.

Hainan

China's southernmost province serves as a major tourist destination thanks to its luxurious resorts and idyllic beaches, but there's a world of opportunity in store for fans of ecotourism as well. The southern Hainanese city of Sanya is a haven for those in search of marine life, with ample opportunity to snorkel along the reefs and search for native dolphins—though it's not just the waters of Hainan that are worth exploring. In the island's western interior, Bawangling National Nature Reserve is home to the Hainan black crested gibbon, a critically endangered ape that's found nowhere else on earth.

Yunnan

When it comes to ecotourism opportunities across China, Yunnan is the undisputed champion. Equipped with towering mountains, lush forests, and a charming capital known as the City of Eternal Spring, the natural beauty of this southern province is renowned all throughout the nation. Just east of the Myanmar border, Yunnan's Gaoligong Mountains are a veritable treasure trove for iconic Asian mammals, with red pandas, pangolins, leopards, and gibbons all gracing the landscape. In terms of avian life, there are more than 500 different varieties of bird found across the preserve, making it a true paradise for any visiting birders.

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