In the heart of the plateau in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region lies the Xilin Gol Biosphere Reserve, China's only grassland biosphere reserve, designated in 1987 by UNESCO.
As China's first grassland nature reserve, Xilin Gol serves as a vital ecological barrier in the country's north, spanning an area about three-fifths the size of Xi'an.
Renowned for its diverse grassland types — including meadow, typical, semi-desert, and sandy steppe — it forms an essential link in the vast Eurasian steppe belt.
Beyond the vast grasslands, the reserve also encompasses sandy sparse forests, river valley wetlands, and other diverse habitats, forming a rich mosaic of ecosystems. It is home to 856 species of higher plants, 230 species of vertebrates, and 527 species of insects. Single-flowered tulips and Mongolian almonds brighten the landscape, while steppe eagles, great bustards, and lynxes wander at ease.
The reserve is also home to the Inner Mongolia Grassland Ecosystem Research Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, a vital platform for long-term observation and research that deepens understanding of the structure, functions, and dynamic changes of grassland ecosystems.
Xilin Gol is also one of the cradles of the Mongolian ethnic group, where rich nomadic traditions have been passed down through generations. Deep in the grassland, the ancient Great Wall and the ruins of Shangdu whisper stories of a glorious past, while dinosaur fossils from the Tonggur Basin bear silent witness to prehistoric life.
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