Stretching over a thousand kilometers from west to east in central China, the Qinling Mountains boast grand and magnificent landscapes. It originates in southern Gansu and extends eastward to western Henan, with its main range situated in Shaanxi. Layered mountains crisscrossed by valleys form this imposing mountain range that divides northern and southern China, radiating extraordinary grandeur at first sight.
The Qinling Mountains are widely recognized as the geographical dividing line between northern and southern China. This mountain range shapes distinct climatic zones: its southern side enjoys a warm and humid southern climate, while the northern side is dry with scarce rainfall, featuring typical northern characteristics. Marked variations in temperature, precipitation and vegetation make it the most visible geographical marker separating China’s north and south.
Diverse landforms and unique climate nurture a rich biological treasure trove in the Qinling Mountains. Lush primeval forests excel in water conservation. Rare wild animals including giant pandas, golden snub-nosed monkeys, takins and crested ibises live and breed here, alongside countless rare plants growing among the mountains, forming a natural gene bank for flora and fauna.
The Qinling Mountains bear witness to the time-honored Chinese civilization. Since ancient times, plank roads and ancient trails winding through valleys have witnessed trade exchanges and historical changes. Numerous literati visited here and left poems and writings. Ancient temples and Taoist shrines scatter across the mountains. Natural scenery blends with cultural relics, accumulating profound and long-standing cultural heritage.
Today, the Qinling Mountains serve as a vital ecological barrier. Protecting these mountains means safeguarding the water sources of the Yangtze and Yellow River basins. Ongoing ecological conservation maintains the ecological balance of mountain forests. It preserves everlasting green mountains and sustains the vitality of this crucial ecological lifeline connecting northern and southern China.
