Shennongjia au Hubei
Country
China
Inscribed in
2016
Criteria
(ix)
(x)
The conservation outlook for this site has been assessed as "good with some concerns" in the latest assessment cycle. Explore the Conservation Outlook Assessment for the site below. You have the option to access the summary, or the detailed assessment.
Situé dans la province du Hubei, au centre-est de la Chine, le site est formé de deux éléments : Shennongding/Badong à l’ouest, et Laojunshan à l’est. Il abrite les plus grandes forêts primaires qui subsistent en Chine centrale et sert d’habitat à de nombreuses espèces animales rares comme la salamandre géante de Chine, le rhinopithèque de Roxellane, la panthère nébuleuse, le léopard ou l’ours à collier. Shennongjia au Hubei est l’un des trois centres de biodiversité de la Chine. Le site, qui a fait l’objet d’expéditions internationales de collectes de plantes aux XIXe et XXe siècles, occupe une place importante dans l’histoire de la recherche botanique. © UNESCO
Summary
2025 Conservation Outlook
Finalised on
11 oct 2025
Good with some concerns
Current state and trend of VALUES
Good
Overall THREATS
Overall PROTECTION and MANAGEMENT
Full assessment
Description of values
Most complete altitudinal vegetation spectrum amongst the mountains of similar latitudes across the world
Criterion
(ix)
Hubei Shennongjia protects the largest primary forests in Central China and is one of three centres of endemic plant species in China. The property includes 11 types of vegetation and an intact altitudinal vegetation spectrum across six gradients including evergreen broad-leaved forest, mixed evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved forest, deciduous broad-leaved forest, mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forest, coniferous forest, and bush/meadow. With 874 species of deciduous woody plants, belonging to 260 genera, the tree species and genus richness of the site is unparalleled for a deciduous broadleaf forest type worldwide and within the Northern Hemisphere’s evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forests. Hubei Shennongjia contains the most complete altitudinal natural belts amongst the mountains of similar latitudes across the world (World Heritage Committee, 2016). The property, located in the mountainous region between the Yangtze and Han Rivers, is within a zone of climatic transition where the warm and cold air masses from north and south meet and are controlled by the Subtropical Gyre. This zone provides the climatic progression from subtropical to the warm temperate zone. The property demonstrates examples of typical mountain altitudinal biological zones in the Oriental Deciduous Forest Biogeographical Province, and is a source of global temperate flora with some of the highest concentrations of global temperate genera (Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China, 2015; IUCN, 2016).
Remarkable example of ongoing ecological processes and evolution
Criterion
(ix)
Amongst the mountains of similar latitudes across the world, this distinctive geographical environment makes Hubei Shennongjia stand out in terms of biodiversity, ecosystems and biological evolution. It is also an outstanding example of biological evolution within the Oriental Deciduous Forest Biogeographical Province. Hubei Shennongjia contains exceptional biodiversity and is a key habitat for numerous relic, rare, endangered, endemic, and type species. The number of deciduous woody species in the property is amongst some of the highest in the world. The property is a remarkable example of ongoing ecological processes for the evolution of subtropical mixed broadleaved evergreen and deciduous forest in the Northern Hemisphere. Examples of typical mountain altitudinal biological zones in the Oriental Deciduous Forest Biogeographical Province, and the associated research opportunities into ecological processes of mountain ecosystems at different elevation gradients under global climate change scenarios, are other attributes of the property (Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China, 2015; IUCN, 2016).
Diversity of vascular plant species
Criterion
(x)
Hubei Shennongjia’s unique terrain and climate has been relatively little affected by glaciation and thus creates a haven for numerous rare, endangered and endemic species, as well as many of the world’s deciduous woody species. The property exhibits high levels of species richness, especially among vascular plants, and remarkably contains more than 63% of the temperate genera found across all of China, a megabiodiverse country with the world’s greatest diversity of temperate plant genera. The property includes 12.9% of the country’s vascular plant species. With 874 species of deciduous woody plants, belonging to 260 genera, the tree species and genus richness of the site is unparalleled for a deciduous broadleaf forest type worldwide and within the Northern Hemisphere’s evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved mixed forests. Six distinct habitats within the property that are considered to be of particular importance for rare and endangered plant species (UNEP-WCMC, 2016): Jiuchong River basin, key habitat for Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis; EN) and orchid plants such as Dendrobium spp.; Yangquan River basin, area with particularly rich populations of katsura tree and kiwi plants such as yangtao (Actinidia chinensis), as well as lady slipper orchids like Cypripedium japonicum (EN); Yinyu River basin, containing several species in the Actinidia genus as well as twoflower rattlesnake plantain (Goodyera biflora); Changping River basin, supporting franchet lady slipper orchids (Paris polyphylla; EN), serrate clubmoss (Gyoerzua serrata) and Chinese yew (Taxus chinensis); Majia River basin, key habitat for Taiwan beech (Fagus hayatae; VU) and orchids such as yellowflower bletilla (Bletilla ochracea); and finally Shashuwan area, supporting Chinese yew, Actinidia spp. and orchids such as Calanthe discolour. The property has extremely rich biodiversity, contains a large number of type species, and hosts numerous rare species which have been introduced into horticulture worldwide. Internationally, Shennongjia holds a special place for the study of plant systematics and horticultural science (World Heritage Committee, 2016).
Globally significant levels of species richness and endemism
Criterion
(x)
Among the fauna, more than 600 vertebrate species have been recorded including 92 mammal, 399 bird, 55 fish, 53 reptile and 37 amphibian species. 4,365 insect species have been identified.The mountainous terrain contains critical habitat for a range of flagship animal species. 1,550 golden or Sichuan snub nosed monkeys are recorded in the property. The golden snub-nosed monkeys in Shennongjia are the most endangered of the 3 sub-species in China and are entirely restricted to the property. Other important species include Clouded Leopard, Common Leopard, Asian Golden Cat, Dhole, Asian Black Bear, Indian Civet, Musk Deer, Chinese Goral, Chinese Serow, Golden Eagle, Reeve’s Pheasant and the world’s largest amphibian the Chinese Giant Salamander (World Heritage Committee, 2016). The heavily forested region is considered to be one of three centres for endemic plants within China, with 1,793 of the estimated 3,767 plant species within the property being endemic to China (UNEP-WCMC, 2016). Situated in the Daba Mountains Evergreen Forests ecoregion and within priority ecoregion Southwest China Temperate Forest, the property protects the Shennongjia regional centre of plant diversity which has been identified as a gap on the World Heritage List. In association with its floral diversity the property protects critical ecosystems for numerous rare and endangered animal species (UNEP-WCMC, 2016).
Unique mountainous landscape, karst landforms and ancient glacial erosion relics
The surface of Shennongjia exposes standard geological sections of the Mesoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic eras, as well as all stratigraphic units of the Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic eras. The geological chronology is complete, and the mountainous landscape, karst landforms and ancient glacial erosion relics are unique (Shennongjia National Park, 2021).
Assessment information
A number of low threats exist, mainly related to natural resources use. Hunting, poaching and unauthorised logging and firewood collection are activities that would benefit from monitoring, as detailed data on the level of threat are lacking. Grazing is present in the buffer zones at significant levels. Of more concern are threats posed by infrastructure, particularly the National Road 209 which bisects the property. However, the management plan has now recognized the potential impacts of this major road on the migration routes and movement of prey species and wild animals, and some activities to mitigate the isolation effects of the road have been implemented. Land slides due to heavy rain and more frequent extreme whether events due to climate change have impacted the property, but the threat is still considered low due to its localized impact.
Roads, Trails & Railroads
(National Road 209 bisecting the property)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
The significance and potential impacts of the National Highway 209 on the migration routes and movement of wildlife and ecological connectivity are a high threat, but have been well understood and dealt with in the revisions to the heritage site on and being addressed through the creation of forest 'stepping stones' across a corridor zone to link the two part of the property better (IUCN, 2016) . The Administration of Shennongjia National Park has subsequently removed more than 10 kilometers of guardrails on the National Highway 209 and the highway in the core area of the distribution of the golden snub-nosed monkey in Shennongding area. Twenty five wildlife corridors have also been constructed for the crossing of arboreal animals such as the golden snub-nosed monkey, amphibians, reptiles and herbivorous even-footed animals, in addition to warning signs and interpretive panels along the main animal corridors of the highway (State Party of China, 2023). Monitoring data from infrared cameras and field patrols shows that wildlife, such as the golden snub-nosed monkey, move through the biological corridors, and so the corridors can be considered to be effectively mitigating the isolation effects of the roads (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The implementation of an effective conservation connectivity strategy involving wildlife corridors, stepping stones or arrays of small patches of habitat, wildlife road crossings and the removal of fences remains therefore essential to facilitate ecological connectivity for mobile wildlife, especially those species which normally require sizable habitat ranges.
Annual & Perennial Non-Timber Crops
(Developments and encroaching land use)
Outside site
Developments and encroaching land use such as for tea cultivation have been monitored. Attention should be given to integrated conservation and community development initiatives in the buffer zones to foster stronger community stewardship of the World Heritage property (State Party of China, 2023).
Geological Events
(Landslide)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
In summer, heavy rains sometime cause landslides. Shennongjia National Park Authority have ecologically restored the exposed mountain habitats adhering to the concept of natural restoration. 76 sites covering 210 ha had been ecologically restored (State Party of China, 2023).
Logging, Harvesting & Controlling Trees
(Hunting, poaching and unauthorised logging and firewood collection)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Despite a ban in place within the site since 2000, hunting, poaching and illegal logging and firewood collection remain a problem in the more remote villages. It was noted in the evaluation report that controlling such activities would benefit from better monitoring (IUCN, 2016). As such, after the implementation of the Protection Regulations of Shennongjia National Park, stricter protection has been carried out, further eliminating logging, poaching and other illegal acts (IUCN Consultation, 2020). No further data has been collected since 2020.
Terrestrial Animal Farming, Ranching & Herding
(Grazing within buffer zone)
Outside site
Within the context of this property, buffer zones are particularly important as they separate core areas and provide connectivity corridors (Jeffries, 2015), making grazing of livestock within them a threat to the spectrum of vegetation for which the site is inscribed on the World Heritage list. However, the Administration of Shennongjia National Park have now issued and implemented the Protection Regulations of Shennongjia National Park in 2018, which strictly prohibit grazing behavior, and reach a consensus with local residents through community promotion to strictly abide by the relevant regulations and livestock (IUCN Consultation, 2020). No further info has been found on the matter since 2020.
Residential Areas, Recreation & Tourism Areas
(Transmission lines, mobile phone towers, and pipelines)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
Outside site
High tension transmission pylons and lines, and communication/telephone towers are evident in many parts of the property. These are a visual intrusion on a high-quality natural landscape (IUCN, 2016). However, these infrastructures are necessary to provide for the livelihood requirements of local communities and conservation management activities of the Administration. The Watchtower in the heritage site, with mobile base station, is built in 1984 for patrol, information release, communication, and site inspection. Between 1986-2007 33 km of transmission lines have been built, some (water supply, power supply, communications and sewage lines) have now been converted into underground lines (State Party of China, 2023). To monitor OUV, a small number of communication facilities were ecologically designed to reduce visual intrusion on the natural landscape.
A raising concern stems from the potential increase of tourism use at the property. While efforts in sustainably manage tourism are in place, its impact on the site’s OUV needs to be carefully monitored. Other potential threats are linked to past mining activities and unsustainable resource use.
Recreational Activities
(Potential impact of tourism)
Inside site
, Localised(<5%)
Significant improvements to transport infrastructure, most notably the opening of the nearby Shennongjia Airport in 2014 and Shennongjia Station and Xingshan Station of Zhengzhou-Chongqing High-speed Railway in 2022, has the potential to dramatically increase visitation and consequent impact. Tourism planning, management and monitoring have been carried out to anticipate increasing demand and mitigate negative impacts (State Party of China, 2023; IUCN consultation, 2024). The property is noted to have experienced very high levels of tourism during peak season in some years, which could adversely impact the ability of local wildlife to migrate around the property, and cause soil erosion, deforestation and the degradation of vegetation (UNEP-WCMC, 2016).
Fire & Fire Management
(Fires)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
Outside site
Most of the property is a humid green forest where extensive fires are not much of a threat, but deciduous forest zones, conifer zones and the montane bamboo thickets would be fire-prone in a dry spell. Tourists would pose a threat to such montane bamboo and warnings need to be placed to increase fire-responsible visitation e.g. against discarding cigarette buts etc. Staff report that fire is an uncommon occurrence and that there have been no forest fires in the heritage site for 39 consecutive years (IUCN, 2016; IUCN Consultation, 2020; State Forestry Bureau, and Administration Bureau of Shennongjia National Nature Reserve, n.d.).
Hunting, Collecting & Controlling Terrestrial Animals, Gathering, Harvesting & Controlling Terrestrial Plants & Fungi
(Harvesting plants, fungi, and other non-timber/non-animal products for commercial, subsistence, cultural purposes)
Inside site
, Extent of threat not known
The harvesting of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) is a potential threat, but there is little data in terms of actual use and trends. It is assumed that subsistence levels of harvesting for domestic use are well-established and are within sustainable limits, however an area of primary concern is the illegal trade of NTFPs (IUCN, 2015). The Protection Regulations of Shennongjia National Park have strictly prohibited the illegal collection and use of wildlife resources. The Administration of Shennongjia National Park has strengthened the publicity of illegal collection, monitoring and combating against illegal collection practices, and has implemented a series of subsidy policies, including the use of electricity instead of firewood, with each household receiving an annual subsidy of CNY 3,000, greatly reducing residents' reliance on natural resources (IUCN Consultation, 2020).
Mining & Quarrying
(Previous mining activities in the site)
Inside site
, Scattered(5-15%)
During the WH Field Mission some quarrying sites were observed (IUCN, 2016). However, it is reported that there are now no mining practices in the property. Since 2017, the Administration of Shennongjia National Park has ordered 32 quarries, sand factories and sand (stone) stock yards to cease production and has completed ecological restoration works within previously affected areas, including afforestation (IUCN Consultation, 2020). This threat should continue to be monitored such that mining operations do not return to the site.
Involvement of stakeholders and rightsholders, including indigenous peoples and local communities, in decision-making processes
Shennongjia has established a joint national and local public management system. It is vertically managed by the Hubei Provincial Government and temporarily supervised by the National Park Service. The heritage site is divided into three management areas and several grid management zones, forming a hierarchical management structure from the Authority to the Grid Community Management Center. This ensures effective coordination among all management levels. The management bureau provides financial support for community infrastructure and courtyard beautification, engages local farmers in protection and management, and supports their participation in business activities. It also guides residents in developing ecotourism, ecological forestry, and green agriculture (State Party of China, 2023). Community co-management mechanism and ecological compensation system had been established. The degree of participation of local communities in decision making and management is unclear.
Legal framework
Shennongjia Authority issued the Protection Regulations of Shennongjia National Park, including general principles, management system, planning and zoning, resource protection, service and supervision, social participation, legal responsibility and supplementary provisions. The regulations define the scope, protection and management principles of the heritage, functional zoning and management zoning, management system and strict protection of natural resources (State Party of China, 2023).
Governance arrangements
The property is all state-owned land with the two components of the property, Shennongding/Badong to the west and the smaller Laojunshan area to the east, both protected within the Shennongjia National Nature Reserve. The extension to the heritage site in the south is protected within the Badong Golden Monkey National Nature Reserve. Shennongjia National Park Authority had established an efficient management system. The heritage sites were divided into three management areas: Shennongding, Muyu and Laojunshan, with management offices, management and protection centers, and outposts. The three-level management systems were composed by the office, center and outpost, and special management measures and utilization methods were implemented for different types of management areas to achieve differential and fine management (State Party of China, 2023). The degree of participation of local communities in decision making remains unclear.
Integration into local, regional and national planning systems (including sea/landscape connectivity)
Shennongjia WH site serves as the core of a larger conservation focus called the Greater Shennongjia Forest Area and is also being developed as a new National Park under the recent PA reforms in China. The modification the western boundary to include parts of Chongqing's Wulipo Nature Reserve is another example of planning across the wider landscape and protecting the links to other forests of the Daba Mountains. Emphasis must be placed on retaining good connectivity with the adjacent Dajiu Lake National Wetland Park to the NW of the property which complements the mountain ecosystems of Shennongjia with an intermontane wetland Ramsar Site. The Outline of Hubei Province's 14th Five-Year Plan and 2035 Long-Range Objectives proposes forming a protected area system centered on Shennongjia National Park. It emphasizes strengthening the protection of important ecosystems, natural relics, landscapes, and endangered species (The People's Government of Hubei Province, 2021).
Boundaries
Hubei Shennongjia heritage site and its buffer zone has a clear boundary, which ensured the integrity of heritage value. Boundaries have taken account of natural features such as watershed margins and ridges. The elements of the outstanding universal value are under the strictest protection. In 2019, The State Party proposed to add an additional 6,306 ha (8.6% increase) to the property, surrounded by a 1-3 km wide buffer zone of an additional 3,854 ha (9.3% increase). Whilst the Shennongding-Badong component has been extended westwards by adding Wulipo National Nature Reserve (NNR), the Laojunshan component remains separate within a single buffer zone. The proposed addition is a strictly protected area (IUCN Protected Area Category I), in line with the existing property. IUCN considered that the minor boundary modification results in positive outcomes for the protection of the property’s OUV adding values and enhancing the property’s integrity, however it remains unclear if increased visitation demands will be managed following the minor boundary modification (IUCN, 2021).
Overlapping international designations
Shennongjia has established the Administration of Shennongjia National Park through the national park pilot program. This administration is uniformly responsible for the management of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Global Geopark, and Natural World Heritage Site within Shennongjia (Shennongjia National Park, 2017; State Party of China, 2023). The property manager was invited to attend the 14th International Conference of the Southeast Asian Biosphere Reserve Network in Malaysia and delivered a keynote speech titled "Synergistic Management of the UNESCO List Heritage of Shennongjia" at the opening ceremony.
In addition the property overlaps with the Ramsar site Hubei Dajiu Lake Wetland, designated in 2013. However the overlap has not been indicated in the last Periodic Report submitted by the State Party in 2023 (State Party of China, 2023).
In addition the property overlaps with the Ramsar site Hubei Dajiu Lake Wetland, designated in 2013. However the overlap has not been indicated in the last Periodic Report submitted by the State Party in 2023 (State Party of China, 2023).
Implementation of World Heritage Committee decisions and recommendations
Implementation is underway. IUCN has suggested the WHC to request the State Party to submit, by 1 February 2022, a revised management plan for the property (IUCN, 2021). This plan should confirm the national park status and outline strategies for managing potential increases in visitor demand, in line with the current Tourism Master Plan. So far, the revised management plan has not been received.
Climate action
The climate changes of the heritage had been analyzed. According to the last Periodic Reporting submitted by the State Party, in the Master Plan of Shennongjia National Park and related special plans, the effects of climate changes on ecosystems and rare species are fully considered, and relevant adaptive measures are put forward; the contingency plans for natural disasters has also been formulated (State Party of China, 2023). However, no further information has been identified on the matter., 2023).
Management plan and overall management system
A multi-level management system has been established to manage the property. The property is subject to a number of plans, including the Protection Regulations of Shennongjia National Park, Master Plan for Shennongjia National Park, Park Community Development Plan, a Special Plan for Science Research, a Special Plan for Conservation and Ecological Experience, a Special Plan for Information Construction, and a Pilot implementation plan of Shennongjia National Park (State Party of China, 2023). The Hubei Shennongjia Management Plan is tailored to World Heritage requirements and aimed at safeguarding the site’s Outstanding Universal Value (State Party of China, 2023). However, it needs to be updated to cover management of the Yanduhe Provincial Nature Reserve in Badong County (IUCN, 2021), as well as elaborating measures to integrate different areas of management expertise in a coordinated way across the different protected areas and other national and international designations.
Law enforcement
Enforcement capacity and training is considered to be good and adequate (State Party of China, 2023). Shennongjia is regarded as one of the best managed and protected areas in China (State Forestry Administration, and Administration Bureau of Shennongjia National Nature Reserve, 2015; IUCN, 2016).
Sustainable finance
Funding is provided through Government appropriations, which is reported to have increased year on year (IUCN Consultation, 2020). A diversified fund guarantee mechanism had been established based on financial investment use of efficient funds. The fund guarantee of the heritage is a multi-level and multi-channel investment pattern including financial investment, and social auxiliary investment, among which financial input (98.3% of total investment) and social investment (1.7%). For the financial investment, central financial funds, provincial and local funds represent 52%, 38% and 10% of the total investment respectively (State Party of China, 2023).
Staff capacity, training and development
Shennongjia National Park Administration has 383 staff, including 261 permanent staff and 122 employed staff, majored in administrative management, comprehensive law enforcement, financial audit, nature reserve management, resource protection, national parks. At present, most of the human resources can meet the requirements of heritage management. However, human resources such as marketing, translation are lack of professionals, and need to be vigorously introduced in the future (State Party of China, 2023).
Education and interpretation programmes
Some positive efforts are in place to involve village-level governments into co-management of buffer areas. The site is well served with education centres including an Exhibition Center, Bee Garden, Landscape Hall, Geology Exhibition Hall, 4D cinema presentation, Biology Exhibition Hall, Scientific Research Exhibition Hall, Folkways Exhibition Hall (Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People‘s Republic of China, 2015; IUCN, 2016). A number of natural environment education platforms have been developed for displaying scientific value, animal and plant exposition, popular science film and television, humanities and folklore. Annual receiving tourists number is more than 15 million. Primary and secondary school studies and ecotourism tourists are the primary visitors. Shennongjia has invited well-known domestic experts in science popularization to compile a manual on tourism routes, products and research activities for youth in Shennongjia heritage (State Party of China, 2023).
Tourism and visitation management
Tourism has significantly boosted the local economy, contributing an annual increase of 1.2 billion RMB. Over 65% of towns and 75% of residents directly benefit from tourism. There are 400 farmhouses, 20 star hotels, and 7,000 local residents involved in tourism services, benefiting nearly 20,000 people. The World Heritage site's brand effect has increased profits for agricultural and sideline products, boosting sales and promoting regional economic sustainability. The Shennong Tourism Investment & Development Group was franchised to manage tourism at the heritage site, leading to a 21.14% increase in annual visitors and an 8.17% rise in ticket revenue from 2017 to 2019, stimulating employment and local economic growth. The "14th Five-Year Plan" for the development of culture and tourism in Shennongjia Forest District (2021-2025) clearly states that Shennongjia is to be developed into a "natural classroom" for environmental education of the nation and a "model site" for the protection of human natural heritage (The People's Government of Shennongjia Forestry District, 2021). This boom in tourism, however, may also have negative impact on the property which need to be monitored and minimized.
The Shennongjia National Park Master Plan (2016-2025) includes a tourism development plan, which covers the situation assessment for tourism development, the tourism development frame, environment capacity estimation, the source market analysis and the forecast, environment capacity, as well as tourist size forecast and analysis, tourism product plan, ecotourism facility plan, tour line organization plan and the ecotourism management plan. Good cooperation exists between those responsible for the World Heritage property and the tourism industry to present the Outstanding Universal Value and increase appreciation (State Party of China, 2023). However, according to the environmental capacity and the needs for biodiversity conservation, effective control measures need to be taken over the number of tourists and the scope of tourism activities to minimize the impact of human activities on the natural environment (IUCN consultation, 2024). The Shennongjia National Park Authority collaborates with over 30 travel agencies and 5 websites, developing a new online promotion and booking platform. They have created local-characteristic tourism products and encouraged residents to innovate. 21 kilometers overhead walkway were constructed to achieve effective protection of the property’s OUV. All kinds of heritage value elements commentary card, information desk had been set up, which benefit for protecting the value of heritage sites.
The Shennongjia National Park Master Plan (2016-2025) includes a tourism development plan, which covers the situation assessment for tourism development, the tourism development frame, environment capacity estimation, the source market analysis and the forecast, environment capacity, as well as tourist size forecast and analysis, tourism product plan, ecotourism facility plan, tour line organization plan and the ecotourism management plan. Good cooperation exists between those responsible for the World Heritage property and the tourism industry to present the Outstanding Universal Value and increase appreciation (State Party of China, 2023). However, according to the environmental capacity and the needs for biodiversity conservation, effective control measures need to be taken over the number of tourists and the scope of tourism activities to minimize the impact of human activities on the natural environment (IUCN consultation, 2024). The Shennongjia National Park Authority collaborates with over 30 travel agencies and 5 websites, developing a new online promotion and booking platform. They have created local-characteristic tourism products and encouraged residents to innovate. 21 kilometers overhead walkway were constructed to achieve effective protection of the property’s OUV. All kinds of heritage value elements commentary card, information desk had been set up, which benefit for protecting the value of heritage sites.
Sustainable use
Limited analyses have been undertaken to assess biodiversity and ecosystem services. This is possibly a gap, which indicates that the spatial overlap between biodiversity targets and ecosystem services needs more attention from both ecologists and social scientists (IUCN, 2016). However, with the aim of improving the management model to this end, the Administration has organized and carried out a number of studies into this topic which include valuing ecological service functions for ecological compensation, coordinated development etc. which explore management systems under which both conservation and development can be achieved, so that residents in the surrounding communities can better enjoy economic benefits and enhance their own development capabilities (IUCN Consultation, 2020). The long-term benefits of tourism through public participation and shared ecological benefits have been encouraged. Local communities and residents' legal rights are guaranteed, and they are prioritized in franchise operations. Franchising and green economy development have increased income, improved living standards, and enhanced pride and awareness in heritage protection (State Party of China, 2023).
Monitoring
There is a comprehensive, integrated programme of monitoring, which is relevant to management needs and/or improving understanding of the Outstanding Universal Value. Information on the values of the World Heritage property is adequate and key indicators have been defined for measuring the state of conservation and are being used in monitoring of how the Outstanding Universal value of the property is being maintained. Key indicators adopted by heritage sites include integrity (type, boundary), forest ecosystem and dynamics, plant species, animal species, alien species and its harms, hydrological dynamics and water quality, physical and chemical properties of soil, meteorological and climatic conditions, tourism, tourist number for recreational activities, tourism projects, natural disasters, forest fires, air quality, water quality, and sound environmental quality (State Party of China, 2023). Tourism impacts are also monitored, including visitor numbers, tourist activities, and service facilities at major tourist sites and entry points. A video surveillance system and flow control system have been installed to monitor human activities in key areas of the National Park in real-time, protect wildlife, and detect fire hazards. The Bureau tracks real-time visitor flows by comparing entrance numbers with early warning capacity limits.
Research
Shennongjia has taken charge of 19 science and technology research projects, and received more than CNY 30 million research funds. The Administration has carried out inventory survey and monitoring of biological resources. the Administration has carried out in-situ, ex-situ and breeding conservation studies on a variety of rare wild animals and plants.According to the resource investigation and its results, Shennongjia had worked out the distribution map of rare and endangered wild species. However, more research is needed to meet management needs and enhance understanding of the Outstanding Universal Value (State Party of China, 2023).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats outside the site
The primary threats outside of the property currently stem from road infrastructure, changes in land use, and natural disasters such as landslide. The following measures had been implemented: 1)To mitigate the isolation effects by 209 road, 25 wildlife passages were built for Golden Snub-nosed Monkey, amphibians, et al., and 58,703 m2 ecological parking lots were constructed in the heritage, which effectively reduced the impact of tourist vehicles. 2)To address the impact of changes in land use, the bureau has strictly managed pre-approval for community road reconstruction, housing reconstruction, scientific research, teaching inspections, and other activities. Construction in strict protection zones is prohibited. Human activities are closely monitored, including life pollution, poaching, illegal logging, and disorderly construction near community settlements in buffer zones. 3)The property has partially adopted the Strategy for Reducing Risks from Disasters at World Heritage Properties (State Party of China, 2023).
Effectiveness of management system and governance in addressing threats inside the site
The primary threats inside the property currently stem from road infrastructure, natural disasters such as landslide, and tourism. The following measures had been implemented: 1) To address the impact of National Road 209, Shennongjia removed more than 10 kilometers of guardrails on National Highway 209 and the highway by wildlife corridors under the Protection Regulations of Shennongjia National Park. 2) The property has partially adopted the Strategy for Reducing Risks from Disasters at World Heritage Properties. 3) The number of tourists is controlled within the environmental carrying capacity, visitor centers and exhibition halls are located in the heritage exhibition area. In order to achieve effective protection of heritage value, Hubei Shennongjia had constructed 21 kilometers overhead walkway (State Party of China, 2023). In 2022, Shennongjia was inscribed on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas, which is an affirmation of the effectiveness of Shennongjia's conservation by IUCN (IUCN consultation, 2024).
Overall the protection and management of Hubei Shennongjia is mostly effective. Shennongjia has established the National Park Administration Bureau through the national park pilot program. Many of the elements associated with effective management are in place or progressively being developed such as the realizing of the integrated management through integrating overlapping protected areas and related management institutions as well as further developments in relation to field-based patrolling, monitoring and research. Currently, the most urgent priority is to develop a revised management plan that formally confirms the national park status and delineates strategies for managing potential increases in visitor demand, in alignment with the existing Tourism Master Plan, in accordance with the recommendations provided by IUCN.
Good practice examples
Shennongjia has established the Alliance of Protected Areas in Western Hubei and Eastern Chongqing, forming a joint communication and protection network that transcends administrative boundaries. By integrating the Shennongjia heritage site and adjacent protected areas into the GEF Greater Shennongjia Area project, the alliance implements overall protection, capacity building and development control.
Most complete altitudinal vegetation spectrum amongst the mountains of similar latitudes across the world
Low Concern
Trend
Stable
The division of the site by National Highway 209 and the associated 10 km wide corridor is a cause for concern. Developments and encroaching land use such as for tea cultivation need ongoing monitoring. Attention should be given to integrated conservation and community development initiatives in the buffer zones to foster stronger community stewardship of the World Heritage property. Natural disasters such as landslide in summer should also be concerned (State Party of China, 2023).The potential impact of tourism may cause soil erosion, deforestation and the degradation of vegetation (UNEP-WCMC, 2016).
Remarkable example of ongoing ecological processes and evolution
Good
Trend
Improving
Overall, the ecological processes which contribute significantly to the site's OUV are of low concern given the strict protection they are afforded in the core conservation area, as well as improvements which have been made to increase the connectivity between components of the site and the wider Shennongjia National Park. In recent years, the Administration of Shennongjia National Park improved the diversity and stability of its ecosystem and comprehensively pro-systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes and grasslands over the quality of the ecological environment there continued to improve, with the forest coverage remaining stable at 91.12 percent (Xinhua, 2024).
Diversity of vascular plant species
Good
Trend
Improving
The modest boundary modification to extend the property into Chongqing Municipality Wulipo Nature Reserve adds more than 800 additional vascular plant species and more than 100 additional genera to the original already impressive totals. The boundary modification extends the altitudinal range of the property to include subtropical evergreen limestone forest within the lower elevations of Wulipo NNR, which offer a winter refuge for species that live in higher elevations during the summer months, thus improving population adaptability (IUCN, 2021).
Globally significant levels of species richness and endemism
Good
Trend
Improving
In 2024, Shennongjia Forestry District has reported a growing golden snub-nosed monkey population, thanks to efforts in habitat protection. The district is now home to 1,618 golden snub-nosed monkeys, 147 more than the previous survey five years ago, according to the results of the fourth survey conducted by the district administration (Xinhua, 2024). Also, in 2022, researchers discovered a rare golden birdwing butterfly, Troides aeacus, in this property (Chinadaily, 2022).
Assessment of the current state and trend of World Heritage values
Improving
After years of protection, the site's natural ecosystem had been stabilized, and biodiversity and ecosystem services have been improved. Important natural landscapes and natural ecosystem are strictly protected. The ongoing ecological corridor effectively promoted wildlife dispersal. Multiple protected areas and management organizations had been effectively integrated. Protection consciousness is deeply rooted in local people and influential scientific research results have supported heritage conservation. Nevertheless, the division of the site by National Highway 209 and the associated 10 km wide corridor is a cause for concern.
Assessment of the current state and trend of other important values
Data Deficient
Data Deficient
There is relatively little research on cultural heritage and geological relics. However, based on relevant reports, it could be determined that all these values within the heritage site are in a stable state (Hubei Daily, 2023).
Additional information
History and tradition,
Sacred natural sites or landscapes,
Cultural identity and sense of belonging
The property:
(i) has a long history of hominid occupation and utilisation. Archaeologists have excavated stone implements made and used about 1.2 million years ago. In Hongping an ancient cave, known locally as Xiniudong, was a site of human activity about 100,000 years ago. Evidence indicates that the property, with its excellent ecological environment and rich biological resources, provided an ideal living environment for early human use and occupation.
(ii) features a rich human history of ancient legends as well as mysterious folk customs. There are many myths related to the area as well as numerous examples of a noteworthy intangible cultural heritage. The name Shennongjia reflects the legendary founding emperor of China who was the father of traditional Chinese medicine. The area is renowned for its wealth of medicinal plants.
(iii) is located on part of the ancient Shudao road network that linked the Yangtze and Yellow River Valleys in ancient times.
(iv) is legendary home to the "wild man" of Shennongjia - a yeti or Saskwatch-like animal leaving huge footprints.
(i) has a long history of hominid occupation and utilisation. Archaeologists have excavated stone implements made and used about 1.2 million years ago. In Hongping an ancient cave, known locally as Xiniudong, was a site of human activity about 100,000 years ago. Evidence indicates that the property, with its excellent ecological environment and rich biological resources, provided an ideal living environment for early human use and occupation.
(ii) features a rich human history of ancient legends as well as mysterious folk customs. There are many myths related to the area as well as numerous examples of a noteworthy intangible cultural heritage. The name Shennongjia reflects the legendary founding emperor of China who was the father of traditional Chinese medicine. The area is renowned for its wealth of medicinal plants.
(iii) is located on part of the ancient Shudao road network that linked the Yangtze and Yellow River Valleys in ancient times.
(iv) is legendary home to the "wild man" of Shennongjia - a yeti or Saskwatch-like animal leaving huge footprints.
Soil stabilisation,
Flood prevention,
Water provision (importance for water quantity and quality)
The ecosystem service provided by the site's water resources are part of a fundamental ecological relationship that present challenges to communities within the property as well as downstream. The rivers, streams, wetlands and riparian zones that make up a significant proportion of the sites OUV are integral to World Heritage Criteria (IX).
Fresh water resources, including wetlands, are somewhat degraded. It is important that management planning policies and subsequent objectives and decisions are directed to rectify this. The full hydrological service value needs to be recognized and integrated into decision-making in order to meet the properties social, economic and environmental aspirations. All rivers of the property drain into the Yangtze (Changjiang) river contributing to the efficiency of huge hydro dams such as Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba as well as serving the water needs of millions of people and huge areas of irrigation down to the mega-city of Shanghai. Better delivery of eco-compensation may be required to finance real improvements in hydrological restoration.
Fresh water resources, including wetlands, are somewhat degraded. It is important that management planning policies and subsequent objectives and decisions are directed to rectify this. The full hydrological service value needs to be recognized and integrated into decision-making in order to meet the properties social, economic and environmental aspirations. All rivers of the property drain into the Yangtze (Changjiang) river contributing to the efficiency of huge hydro dams such as Three Gorges Dam and Gezhouba as well as serving the water needs of millions of people and huge areas of irrigation down to the mega-city of Shanghai. Better delivery of eco-compensation may be required to finance real improvements in hydrological restoration.
Fresh water regimes within the property are probably reasonably stable. Significant land use change, urban development and agricultural intensification within the buffer zones has significant negative implications in terms of maintaining high-quality ecosystem services
Collection of wild plants and mushrooms,
Livestock grazing areas
The collection of wild food, including mushrooms and medicinal plants forms an important contribution to the subsistence of local communities both for personal use and sale to visitors. This form of collection also has social, economic and ecological considerations.
The grazing of the livestock, particularly within the buffer zones, needs to be carefully managed and, where necessary, management controls put in place.
The grazing of the livestock, particularly within the buffer zones, needs to be carefully managed and, where necessary, management controls put in place.
level of impact and trend information cannot be quantified.
Importance for research,
Collection of genetic material
Mount Shennongjia 3,105 m a.s.l, the highest peak in central China, which includes the watershed separating the Han and Yangtse Rivers, is considered to be one of three centres holding the highest biodiversity in China (Ying 2001). The mountain is also the ecotone between the plains and foothill regions of eastern China to the mountainous region of central China, and the transition zone from the central sub-tropics to the north sub-tropics. Taking the above into account, because it integrates several distinct vertical vegetation zones and the vegetation species habitats, the property is primarily in its natural condition and is a textbook location to test, measure and monitor the hypotheses and theories related to altitudinal patterns of plant species diversity and climate change. As part of the nomination process, a detailed investigation was undertaken. This highlights the distinctive ecological and conservation values that these two large and globally important watersheds contribute to biodiversity conservation values (IUCN, 2016).
The property currently provides significant benefits directly from the ecosystem services that originate from within the boundaries of the World Heritage site. At this stage it is not possible or appropriate to quantify benefits. A difficulty associated with the identification of World Heritage benefits is that benefits can quickly become overexploited once they have been clearly identified.
References
| № | References |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Chinadaily (2022). Rare butterfly found in Shennongjia National Park. Accessed 24 February, 2025.
|
| 2 |
Hubei Daily (2023). The 10th Anniversary of the Establishment of Shennongjia UNESCO Global Geopark (2013 - 2023). https://news.hubeidaily.net/pc/c_1788289.html. Accessed 24 February, 2025.
|
| 3 |
IUCN (2015). Field Mission Report to IUCN World Heritage Panel. IUCN World Heritage Evaluation Process - Hubei Shennongjia.
|
| 4 |
IUCN (2016). World Heritage Nomination – IUCN Technical Evaluation, Hubei Shennongjia (China). In: IUCN World Heritage Evaluations 2016, IUCN Evaluations of nominations of natural and mixed properties to the World Heritage List. WHC/16/40.COM/INF.8B2. [online] Gland, Switzerland: IUCN, pp.17-28. Available at: [Accessed 15 January 2017].
|
| 5 |
IUCN (2021). World heritage minor boundary modification proposal – IUCN technical evaluation Hubei Shennongjia (China) – ID N° 1509bis. Accessed 24 February, 2025.
|
| 6 |
IUCN (2021). World heritage minor boundary modification proposal – IUCN technical evaluation Hubei Shennongjia (China) – ID N° 1509bis. Accessed 24 February, 2025.
|
| 7 |
IUCN Consultation (2020). IUCN Confidential Consultation- Hubei Shennonjia, China
|
| 8 |
Shennongjia National Park (2017). The Duties of the Administration Bureau of Shennongjia National Park. http://www.snjnationalpark.com/zwgk/jgzz/202108/t4314219.sh…. Accessed 24 February, 2025.
|
| 9 |
Shennongjia National Park (2021). Shennongjia World Geopark. http://www.snjnationalpark.com/zyjs/dz/gn/202110/t4320761.s…. Accessed 24 February, 2025.
|
| 10 |
State Forestry Administration, and Administration Bureau of Shennongjia National Nature Reserve. (2015).
|
| 11 |
State Party of China (Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China) (2015). Nomination of Hubei Shennonjia as a World Heritage Site. [online] State Party of China. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1509/documents/ [Accessed 23 February 2017].
|
| 12 |
State Party of China. Periodic Reporting Cycle 3, Section II: Hubei Shennongjia (China). [online] Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/document/217980 [Accessed on 24 February 2025].
|
| 13 |
State Party of China. (2020). Minor Modification to the Boundaries of Hubei Shennongjia, China.
|
| 14 |
The People's Government of Hubei Province (2021). The Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 of Hubei Province. https://www.hubei.gov.cn/zwgk/hbyw/hbywqb/202104/t20210409_…. Accessed 24 February, 2025.
|
| 15 |
The People's Government of Shennongjia Forestry District (2021). The 14th Five-Year Plan for the Development of Culture and Tourism in Shennongjia Forestry District (2021-2025). http://www.snj.gov.cn/zwgk/xxgkml/jhgh/202109/t20210927_378…. Accessed 24 February, 2025.
|
| 16 |
UNEP-WCMC (2016). UNEP-WCMC Datasheet_Hubei Shennongjia. Accessed 24 February, 2025.
|
| 17 |
World Heritage Committee (2016). Decision 40 COM 8B.7. Hubei Shennongjia (China). In: Report of decisions of the 40th session of the World Heritage Committee. [online] Paris, France: UNESCO World Heritage Centre. Available at: https://whc.unesco.org/en/decisions/6786 [Accessed 25 November 2020].
|
| 18 |
Xinhua (2024). Population of golden monkeys increases in China's Shennongjia. [online] Available at: https://english.news.cn/20240815/7aaf5e692ee347f087af46b085… [Accessed 24 February, 2025]
|