In Shaoguan, Guangdong Province, lies an oasis known as a "treasure trove of species" and the "jewel of the Nanling Mountains" — the Chebaling Biosphere Reserve. It was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2007.

Nestled in the Nanling Mountains, Chebaling covers an area about five times the size of Macau. It lies in a typical transition zone between the southern and central subtropical regions.

The reserve has recorded 2,077 species of higher plants and 1,692 animal species, including rare ones like tiger frogs and Chinese serows. With forest coverage above 96%, Chebaling is a vital ecological barrier and water source in South China.

As China's first smart wildlife monitoring reserve, Chebaling worked with institutions including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Sun Yat-Sen University to build an integrated system using satellites, drones, and ground sensors. It pioneered real-time, full-area infrared camera uploads and launched the China's first cloud-based monitoring platform via China Science and Technology Cloud.

This "green laboratory" is also a "forest classroom." Through its nature museum, educational trails, and botanical gardens, Chebaling serves as a model for ecological education and field-based learning, fostering public awareness of sustainability.

At the same time, the reserve fosters community engagement, encouraging residents to participate in forest patrols, monitoring, and environmental education. This not only boosts incomes but also turns more people into true guardians of the forest.