Where the World First Met the Panda: Fengtongzhai and the Wild Heart of Jiajin Mountain

The Origin of the Panda Legend

1.Located in the northeastern part of Baoxing: County, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, Fengtongzhai National Nature Reserve offers a journey into the true "hometown" of the giant panda. Situated at the southern foot of Jiajin Mountain in the middle section of the Qionglai Mountains, this reserve covers an area of approximately 39,039 hectares, with altitudes ranging from 1,000 to 4,896 meters. It is the core area of the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries (a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site) and a key component of the Giant Panda National Park. Unlike urban breeding bases, Fengtongzhai is a place of wild exploration. It is historically significant as the site where the French missionary and naturalist Armand David first discovered the giant panda in 1869, introducing this "living fossil" to the scientific world. Today, it serves as a critical "gene corridor" for the species, hosting a population of over 40 wild pandas and boasting a high density of habitats that remain largely untouched by agriculture, making it a premier destination for ecological tracking and nature enthusiasts,.

A Biological Ark in the Mountains

Fengtongzhai is renowned not just for pandas but for its incredible biodiversity. The reserve's unique topography, transitioning from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau to the Sichuan Basin, creates a sanctuary for numerous relict species. Apart from the giant panda, the reserve is home to the golden snub-nosed monkey, the green-tailed monal, and over 280 species of birds. Scientists have discovered 151 new species in this region, solidifying its reputation as a biological treasure trove. The landscape is a vertical tapestry of ecosystems, ranging from lush river valley broadleaf forests to alpine shrubs and meadows. Visitors tracking through areas like Dashuigou and Deshenggou can witness magnificent streams, waterfalls, and primitive forests. In spring, wild azaleas bloom in profusion, while autumn paints the forests in layers of gold and red, providing a stunning backdrop for photography and hiking,.

The "Dengchigou" Discovery

A visit to Fengtongzhai is incomplete without exploring Dengchigou (Dengchi Valley), the precise location of the panda's scientific discovery. Here, visitors can see the historic Dengchigou Catholic Church, a unique wooden structure built in 1839 that blends Gothic architecture with traditional Sichuanese courtyard styles. It was here that Father Armand David lived and worked, collecting specimens and documenting the flora and fauna of the region. The juxtaposition of the Catholic faith and local nature worship creates a unique cultural atmosphere, often described as the story of "The Panda and the Cross." The area also preserves relics of the Red Army's Long March over Jiajin Mountain, adding a layer of revolutionary history to the ecological narrative.

An Immersive Ecological Experience

Unlike traditional zoos, Fengtongzhai offers a "Panda Exploration" experience. Guided by professionals, visitors can hike through bamboo forests to track fresh panda traces, such as footprints, feces, and bite marks on bamboo. The reserve utilizes modern monitoring technology, allowing visitors to view real-time footage and photos from infrared cameras that capture the secret lives of wild panda families. This immersive approach transforms a simple sightseeing trip into a scientific adventure, offering profound insights into habitat protection and the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. Whether tracking the elusive "black and white" amidst the bamboo or marveling at the towering mountains that sheltered them for millennia, Fengtongzhai offers a pure, unadulterated connection to the wild,.