In early June, the air in Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province carried a hint of summer heat, but over a hundred kilometers away in Tangjiahe, Qingxi Town, Qingchuan County, a refreshing breeze blew as dove tree flowers “danced” on the branches.

This is the Tangjiahe area of the Giant Panda National Park, located on the northwest side of the Longmen Mountains. Besides being home to many nationally protected animals such as giant pandas, Sichuan takins, and Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys, generations of local people also live nearby.

On June 3, a group interview activity called “Exploring National Parks on a Beautiful China Tour” visited the Tangjiahe area, joining villagers, researchers, and rangers to see how they befriend the national treasures.

Giant Panda National Park Tangjiahe area

Guarding the Gate for Giant Pandas

An Old Hunter’s “Stunning Transformation”

Starting from Qingxi Town, Qingchuan County, Guangyuan City, the car drives north along the Tangqing Line for about 5 kilometers to Luoyigou Village, located at the “main entrance” of the Tangjiahe area. This is the only administrative village within the area. For the local villagers, seeing and protecting pandas is both “ordinary and very important.”

72-year-old Pu Youhai still remembers his first encounter with a panda. As a young man, he saw a panda hiding in a cave in the mountains behind his home. “Wow, a white bear (the local name for pandas)!” Pu Youhai clapped his hands. “I was so excited, but I didn’t dare make too much noise to scare it, so I just whispered in awe.”

Luoyigou Village resident Pu Youhai

Since then, Pu Youhai has encountered pandas many times in these mountains, partly because this is their natural habitat, and partly because he used to be a hunter.

When mentioning his past occupation, Pu Youhai seemed a bit embarrassed, but quickly waved his hand. “After the reserve was established, I stopped.”

In 1986, the Tangjiahe area was upgraded to a national-level nature reserve by the State Council, focusing on protecting giant pandas and their habitat, as well as forest and wildlife. By 1990, Pu Youhai and other villagers had switched to raising Chinese honeybees.

“Before, I hunted and farmed, relying on the weather. Now it’s different. This year I raised over 80 beehives. Between beekeeping and my pension, I earn about 50,000 yuan a year, an increase of at least 60%,” Pu Youhai said.

Beyond this “stunning transformation,” the village has also leveraged its resources. Thanks to the cool summer climate, tourists come to escape the heat, prompting many young villagers to return and open farm stays.

38-year-old Zhang Aihua returned home with her husband in 2008 to open a small guesthouse with over 10 rooms. It wasn’t a big business, but it was close to home and convenient for raising children. In 2021, the Giant Panda National Park was officially established, and in 2023, Zhang Aihua took on a new role: ecological ranger.

“At first, I thought it was just about cleaning the roads, but it turned out to be much more responsible,” Zhang Aihua said. Starting at 6 a.m., she and three or four other rangers patrol the mountains, spreading knowledge about forest fire prevention, anti-poaching, and preventing illegal digging of medicinal herbs. Often, they walk for half a day. “During the fire season, we patrol 20 days a month; outside it, 15 days. It’s easy to clock over 10,000 steps a day,” she said.

Today, the village has 30 rangers who traverse the forests and mountains of Luoyigou. On patrol, they occasionally encounter squirrels, Sichuan takins, Tibetan macaques, and passing tourists often share photos of pandas they’ve spotted. Zhang Aihua feels excited and proud every time. “It’s like finding something precious from home,” she said.

Over the years, the village has seen more heartwarming interactions with animals. Pu Youhai often tells the story of how villagers spontaneously rescued pandas during the 2008 earthquake, while Zhang Aihua shares details with tourists about a visit from over 50 Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkeys in January 2024. These stories have drawn more visitors to Luoyigou.

“Currently, our village raises over 3,000 beehives, with an annual

Guangyuan City

Guangyuan City, located in northern Sichuan Province, China, is historically significant as the birthplace of Empress Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history. The city features the Huangze Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty to honor her, and the ancient Shudao mountain paths that were vital for trade and military movements. Today, Guangyuan is known for its rich cultural heritage and natural scenery along the Jialing River.

Tangjiahe

Tangjiahe is a renowned nature reserve located in Sichuan Province, China, established in 1978 to protect its rich biodiversity, including rare species like the giant panda and golden monkey. Originally a remote mountainous area, it was designated as a national nature reserve in 1986 and has since become a key site for wildlife conservation and ecotourism. The reserve also holds cultural significance, as it lies within the historical region of the Qiang and Tibetan ethnic minorities.

Qingxi Town

Qingxi Town, located in the mountainous region of Zhejiang Province, China, is a historic water town with a legacy dating back over 1,200 years to the Tang Dynasty. Known for its well-preserved ancient architecture, stone bridges, and tranquil canals, it once served as a bustling hub for tea and silk trade along the ancient trade routes. Today, it attracts visitors seeking a glimpse of traditional Chinese rural life and culture.

Qingchuan County

Qingchuan County, located in Sichuan Province, China, is known for its scenic mountainous landscapes and rich biodiversity. Historically, it was an important stop along the ancient Shu Road, a network of mountain paths that connected Sichuan with the rest of China. The county was heavily affected by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake but has since been rebuilt, with its cultural heritage and natural beauty continuing to attract visitors.

Longmen Mountains

The Longmen Mountains, located in Sichuan Province, China, are a prominent mountain range known for their dramatic geological activity and historical significance. They are the site of the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, one of the deadliest in modern Chinese history, which was caused by movement along the Longmenshan Fault. The range also holds cultural importance as the source of the “Shu Roads,” ancient mountain passages that played a key role in connecting the Sichuan Basin with the rest of China.

Giant Panda National Park

Giant Panda National Park is a sprawling protected area in China, established in 2021 to connect and expand existing panda reserves across the provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi, and Gansu. Its creation aims to consolidate over 60 smaller habitats into a single, unified ecosystem, allowing the endangered giant panda population to interbreed and roam more freely. The park also safeguards the region’s rich biodiversity, including other rare species like the golden snub-nosed monkey and the red panda.

Luoyigou Village

Luoyigou Village is a historic settlement located in Henan Province, China, known for its well-preserved traditional architecture and ancient cultural heritage. The village dates back over 600 years to the Ming and Qing dynasties, featuring stone-paved roads, old courtyard houses, and ancestral halls that reflect the region’s rural history. Today, it serves as a living museum, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Chinese village life and customs.

State Council

The State Council of the People’s Republic of China is the country’s highest executive organ of state power and the central people’s government. Established in 1954 under the first Constitution of the People’s Republic, it oversees all ministries, commissions, and local governments, implementing laws and policies set by the National People’s Congress. Its headquarters is located in Beijing’s Zhongnanhai compound, historically a key administrative center.