Wudalianchi Biosphere Reserve, located in China's Heilongjiang Province and covering an area comparable to Hong Kong, was designated by UNESCO in 2004. Over the past 2.1 million years, continuous volcanic activity has earned it nicknames such as "a natural volcanic museum" and "a living volcanic textbook."

Fourteen volcanic peaks, both new and old, rise majestically. Between 1719 and 1721, lava flows from Laoheishan and Huoshaoshan volcanoes blocked the ancient Wudelin River channel, forming eight barrier lakes. Five of these lakes on the eastern side are connected by streams, giving rise to the name "Wudalianchi."

Geological activity created many streams, cold mineral springs, eight volcanic dammed lakes, and three major rivers. After repeated eruptions, lava has been weathered into volcanic ash, meadow, swamp, and peat soils, showing how barren rock turns into fertile soil.

These unique soils and landforms support complete plant communities—from humble lichens to towering trees—reflecting millions of years of natural evolution. The reserve is home to 1,044 plant and 144 wild animal species, including rare ones such as wild soybean, Daurian rhododendron (Rhododendron micranthum), long-eared owl, and musk deer.

Over the past 2.1 million years, Wudalianchi has gone through nine volcanic eruption periods, with intervals of around 100,000 to 200,000 years between each. Each eruption destroyed the local ecosystem, followed by natural succession that gradually rebuilt it. This continuous cycle of eruption, destruction, and recovery has made Wudalianchi a natural laboratory for studying ecological succession and species adaptation.