For centuries, the dragon has often been the symbol of China, signifying power and strength. As of late, the symbol of a panda as signifying the People’s Republic of China is visibly seen in the international arena. This is rather appropriate considering that the Giant Panda is an endangered species that is subject to a concentrated conservational effort by the Chinese government as the majority of pandas remaining on earth are found in China.
The Chinese authorities have taken a number of steps to halt the decline in the panda population and the setting up of the Wolong National Nature Reserve in 1963 was a massive step towards concentrated conservation efforts. The reserve is found in the Wenchuan Country Sichuan Province and is home to over 150 giant pandas.
The Wolong National Nature Reserve plays a great role in the conservation efforts of a number of other endangered species such as golden monkeys, snow leopards and white-lipped deer as well and due to this, over 100, 000 people visit the reserve every year hoping to gain a glimpse of these rare species and observe them in their natural habitat. The reserve itself is one of natural beauty as one can witness mountain streams, surrounded by rocks and stones run merrily through the Wolong Valley and beautiful white lily-like flowers called Lillium Regale.
For those wishing to visit, note that it is closed during spring in order to allow the pandas total freedom during their mating season and avoid visiting when it is raining for the wetness in the surroundings creates an abundance of leeches. Therefore, summer is the ideal time to visit and for additional information regarding trails and research, a visit to the Administration office at the Wolong village will answer all your queries.
It is a three hour drive from Chengdu to the reserve. Therefore, opting to reside at Chengdu will be ideal if you wish to visit the Wolong National Natural Reserve. For this purpose, a serviced apartment in Chengdu will be suitable and Chengdu apartments belonging to a reputed company such as Somerset Riverview Chengdu would be the best option.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+
