A green miracle in the heart of Asia — the Bogda Biosphere Reserve. Nestled in the eastern section of the Tianshan Mountains in Xinjiang, China, it was designated by UNESCO in 1990.

Covering an area twice the size of Hong Kong, the reserve rises from arid desert plains at 460 meters to glaciated peaks at 5,445 meters. Within just 80 kilometers, it condenses a full spectrum of natural landscapes—from dry lowlands to icy alpine zones—earning it the title of a natural "archive" of ecological transformation in inland Asia.

Despite its location in a transition zone between arid and semi-arid regions, Bogda's unique topography and climate have fostered a rare "wet island" ecosystem. The snow-capped Bogda Peak not only serves as the main water source for Heavenly Lake (Tianchi), but also acts as a natural alpine water tower. The sharp vertical relief creates distinct climate zones, giving rise to a mosaic of ecosystems including glaciers, alpine meadows, coniferous forests, lakes, and deserts—offering ideal habitats for a wide range of life forms.

On this vibrant land, snow leopards, golden eagles, and black storks roam the mountains and skies, Tianshan wapiti run across meadows, while snow lotuses and Xinjiang fritillaries bloom tenaciously among the rocks. Together, they safeguard this natural gene bank in China's west.

In addition, the Fukang Desert Ecosystem Research Station of the Chinese Academy of Sciences is based here, dedicated to desertification control and long-term ecosystem monitoring—contributing scientific insight and innovation to ecological conservation in arid regions.