Abundant Fauna and Flora Resources

Located in an area with high-elevation mountains, the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture has rich animal and plant resources. Various plant communities in Cangshan, Laojun, Wubao, Jizu, and Baotai mountains as well as other nature reserves remain in their primitive state. These mainly refer to the pine, fir, katus, oak, nanmu, Manchurian catalpa, poplar, and other arbor trees which come out in different species. For instance, the fir in Jizu Mountain is composed of Keteleeria fortunei, Cryptomeria fortunei, Taxus chinensis, and other species. The forests are roamed by deer, muntjac , blue sheep, mustang cattle, wild boar, fox, and other wild animals. Wubao Mountain in Yunlong County features Muntiacus crinifrons, lesser panda, giant swan, leopard, alpine snow cock, and other rare animals under state protection.

        The Dali area abounds in flowering plants. All the eight major flowering plants of Yunnan Province including camellia, azalea, yulan magnolia, fairy primrose, lily, gentian, and integrifious poppy can be found in their natural habitats or are cultivated in Dali. There are 41 azalea species growing from the foot up to the snow-covered slopes 4,100 meters above sea level on Cangshan Mountain. Their blossoms vary in shape and in 16 colors including red, white, yellow, and purple. Some of the species are unique to Cangshan Mountain. Dali has a long history of camellia cultivation. There are more than 40 species including hentiangao, songzike, zipaoyudai, and jiuxinshibaban. When the camellia blooms in late winter and early spring, the blossoms add another touch to Dali’s enchanting scenery. Lily, also a famous flowering plant in Dali, varies in species. In recent years, lily raising has become an occupation and many experts in flower raiding have appeared. Take Li Yinglong, a Bai lily raiser in Eryuan County. He is known in and outside of China for the unique lily species he keeps and won 15 gold medals in succession at the China Lily Expositions. Twelve of the species he bred were included in the China Famous Lily Directory.