Qionglai–Minshan conifer forests

The Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests are a World Wide Fund for Nature ecoregion in Southwest China. These forests are classified as temperate coniferous forests and are part of the Palearctic realm.

Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests
Larches (Larix potaninii) in the Daxue Mountains of Danba County in autumn
Ecoregion territory (in purple)
Ecology
Realm	Palearctic
Biome	Temperate coniferous forests
Geography
Country	China

Conifer forests in Jiuzhaigou Valley

Geography

The Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests cover the mountains along the easternmost edge of the Tibetan Plateau including the Min Mountains, Qionglai Mountains, Daxue Mountains, and Daliang Mountains. In addition to these mountain ranges, the lower reaches of the Dadu River valley support significant portions of the forests. The Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests are found almost entirely within western Sichuan, but small portions can also be found in southern Gansu and extreme northeast Yunnan.^[1]

Flora and fauna

The understories of the Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests commonly feature bamboo. This ecoregion is one of the last remaining habitats where wild giant pandas can be found, alongside red pandas, clouded leopards, musk deer, Sichuan takin, and golden snub-nosed monkeys.^[2][3]

Protected areas

Conservation areas and scenic spots within the Qionglai-Minshan conifer forests include Wolong National Nature Reserve and Jiuzhaigou Valley.