On November 16, the 2024 Fifth Guangdong Forest Culture Week Wild Plant Identification Contest took place at the Danxiashan Nature Reserve. The event drew 700 plant enthusiasts from universities, schools, research institutions, forestry departments, and conservation organizations across Beijing, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Fujian, and Guizhou to uncover the botanical treasures of Mount Danxiashan.
The opening ceremony was held at Danxiashan Museum, where representatives from the Provincial Forestry Affairs Center, Forestry Administration of Shaoguan Municipality, Danxiashan Nature Reserve, Sun Yat-sen University, and Guangzhou Yunlin Co., Ltd. jointly declared the competition officially underway. During the ceremony, judges and participants took a pledge to uphold the rules, respect nature, protect the environment, and ensure the event’s fairness. With enthusiasm and dedication, they committed to uncovering the secrets of Danxia’s diverse plant life.
Following the ceremony, the participants embarked on their journey from the museum, exploring the stunning landscapes of Danxiashan World Heritage Site. They wandered through lush forests and serene waterways, immersing themselves in Danxia’s rich ecological and cultural heritage while experiencing a unique celebration of forest culture and biodiversity.
A representative of the Danxiashan Nature Reserve highlighted that this annual competition, now in its fifth edition, shows the geological and ecological marvels of Danxiashan, shaped over millions of years. The event seeks to enhance public awareness of ecological protection, inspiring participants to connect with nature, cherish forests, and contribute to the preservation of the region’s natural beauty—an effort closely tied to the establishment of Danxiashan National Park.
Danxiashan is a biodiversity hot spot, home to over 2,270 species of higher plants and 30 nationally protected wild plant species, including Cycas debaoensis, a first-class protected species, and 29 second-class protected species. The reserve also hosts 351 species of large fungi and 24 plant species unique to Danxia, including Firmiana danxiaensis, Primulina danxiaensis, Danxiaorchis singchiana, Viola hybanthoides, Diospyros penghuae, Phyllostachys danxiashanensis, Semiaquilegia danxiashanensis, Primulina huangjiniana, Lespedeza danxiaensis, Lysimachia danxiashanensis, etc. This extraordinary ecosystem underscores Danxiashan’s critical role as a sanctuary for southern China’s biodiversity.
