Orchids flourish in hidden gem Wanglang

Editor's note: As protection of the planet's flora, fauna and resources becomes increasingly important, China Daily is publishing a series of stories to illustrate the country's commitment to safeguarding the natural world.

In the northern part of Sichuan province, the Wanglang National Nature Reserve is nestled amid the famous Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong scenic areas, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and premier tourist attractions in Southwest China.

Despite its proximity to the two popular destinations, Wanglang remains a hidden gem, often overlooked by the majority of tourists seeking more dramatic landscapes.

Few know that the reserve, also part of the Giant Panda National Park stretching across Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi provinces, is renowned as one of the top spots for observing orchids in the country, due to its rich diversity of the family of plants, particularly the species of Cypripedium.

Cypripedium orchids, known for their unique floral structures, have captured the attention of both botanists and enthusiasts. Characterized by their peculiar flower shapes, with one petal forming a pouch-like structure resembling a spoon or a slipper, they are commonly known as slipper orchids, lady's slipper orchids, or just ladyslippers.

China is the focal point for the distribution and diversification of Cypripedium orchids, home to a total of 36 species.

"Of these, 23 can be found in Sichuan and nine in our reserve," Zhao Lianjun, director of the Wanglang reserve, told China Daily. "More importantly, a few of them are quite common here. During the flowering season, typically occurring from mid-June to early July, tourists can admire them after just a brief stroll from the shuttle bus station at our Baishagou scenic area."

Located within the boundaries of Pingwu county, the reserve covers a total area of 325 square kilometers in the Minshan Mountains range. It boasts altitudes ranging from over 2,000 meters to nearly 5,000 meters, with pristine forests, shrubs, meadows and alpine wetlands, creating a habitat rich in water resources.

This area not only serves as a crucial habitat for giant pandas, Zhao said, but also provides optimal growth conditions for orchids.

From 2020 to 2022, a comprehensive orchid survey was conducted in the reserve, with researchers completing investigations along 24 transects and 209 sample plots. Combining previous studies, Zhao said, the survey discovered that Wanglang is home to 45 species of orchids from 20 genera, including the nine Cypripedium species.

According to the latest survey, there are about 60 species of orchids distributed in Wanglang, Zhao said.

"Cypripedium orchids, with their bigger flowers and vibrant colors, can evoke a sense of awe," he said.

According to the reserve manager, all of the orchid species distributed in Wanglang are under State protection, including two first-class protected species.

At key areas of orchid distribution, the reserve has equipped infrared cameras to monitor their growth, Wang said. At the Baishagou area, a loudspeaker broadcasts information on orchid conservation to tourists. In 2023, the reserve published its own orchid-spotting guidebook.

In June and July — the blooming season for many of the reserve's orchids — two rangers are assigned to take special orchid patrols in the reserve.

chenliang@chinadaily.com.cn