Nestled in the heart of Hainan's tropical landscape, Wuzhishan's ancient rainforest stands as a living testament to China's ecological stewardship. As of December 2025, this UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve continues to thrive, its 1,800-meter peaks sheltering over 4,300 plant species and rare insects found nowhere else on Earth.
New trail upgrades completed this year allow visitors to safely explore the multilayered ecosystem, from towering ferns to medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. Conservationists report a 12% increase in endemic butterfly populations since 2023, attributed to improved habitat protection measures.
While Hannan accelerates development as an international free trade port, environmental authorities have maintained strict protections for Wuzhishan's 50,000-hectare core conservation zone. "This is not just preservation – it's active coexistence," says lead researcher Dr. Li Wei, noting that 28% of the island's tourism revenue now comes from eco-focused visitors.
For cultural explorers, the rainforest holds deeper significance. Local Li and Miao communities recently partnered with park management to offer guided tours explaining ancestral sustainable practices, blending ecological education with cultural preservation.
