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JIUZHAIGOU VALLEY |
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Stretching over 72,000 ha in the northern part of Sichuan Province, the
jagged Jiuzhaigou valley reaches a height of more than 4,800 m, thus comprising
a series of diverse forest ecosystems. Its superb landscapes are particularly
interesting for their series of narrow conic karst land forms and spectacular
waterfalls. Some 140 bird species also inhabit the valley, as well as a
number of endangered plant and animal species, including the giant panda
and the Sichuan takin. |
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HUANGLONG VALLEY |
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Situated in the north-west of Sichaun Province, the Huanglong valley is
made up of snow-capped peaks and the easternmost of all the Chinese glaciers.
In addition to its mountain landscape, diverse forest ecosystems can be
found, as well as spectacular limestone formations, waterfalls and hot springs.
The area also has a population of endangered animals, including the giant
panda and the Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey. |
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MOUNT EMEI |
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The first Buddhist temple in China was built here in Sichuan Province
in the 1st century A.D. in very beautiful surroundings atop Mount Emei.
The addition of other temples turned the site into one of Buddhism's main
holy places. Over the centuries, the cultural treasures grew in number.
The most remarkable was the Giant Buddha of Leshan, carved out of a hillside
in the 8th century and looking down on the confluence of three rivers. At
71 m high, it is the largest Buddha in the world. Mount Emei is also notable
for its very diverse vegetation, ranging from subtropical to subalpine pine
forests. Some of the trees are more than 1,000 years old.
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