Yading Biosphere Reserve is located in Daocheng, Sichuan Province. Designated in 2003 by UNESCO, it covers an area approximately 3.5 times the size of Hong Kong, with elevation ranging from 2,200 to 6,033 meters.

It is one of the most well-preserved regions of alpine ecosystems in China, encompassing diverse habitats such as alpine plateaus, pristine deciduous forests, and temperate coniferous forests.

Yading features typical high mountain canyon landscapes, including snow-capped peaks, glaciers, alpine lakes, valleys, and primeval forests. The reserve contains 10 peaks exceeding 5,000 meters in elevation and more than 30 alpine lakes. It is renowned as a world-class site of both ancient glacial relics and modern glacial landscapes.

Its most unique feature is the "inverted" vegetation zones: due to a local heat island effect, red fir forests thrive up to 4,800 meters, harmoniously contrasting with the glaciers; meanwhile, shrub meadows that normally grow at higher elevations have shifted down below 4,200 meters. This unusual phenomenon provides a valuable case study for ecological research.

The rich ecosystems nurture 1,126 species of vascular plants, with rare fungi such as matsutake mushrooms and caterpillar fungus quietly growing within. Among 291 vertebrate species, rare ones including snow leopards, leopards, and black-necked cranes showcase the resilience and preciousness of life.

On this land, ethnic groups such as the Tibetan, Naxi, and Yi have lived for generations. Their pastoralism and farming intertwine in daily life, endowing this pristine land with both ecological purity and vibrant cultural vitality.