China is planning to create the world’s biggest national park system, aiming to be even larger than the one in the United States. Though China only started building national parks in 2021—nearly 150 years after the U.S. began its system—it now plans to have 49 national parks by the year 2035. These parks will cover 272 million acres, an area bigger than Texas and nearly three times the size of the U.S. National Park System.
This development is part of China’s major move to protect nature, support wildlife, and boost tourism. It is also making Daily news highlights worldwide as a big step toward environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Key Points:
- China plans to create 49 national parks by 2035.
- The parks will cover 272 million acres—larger than Texas.
- Five parks have already opened, protecting animals like the Giant Panda, Siberian Tiger, and Asian Elephant.
- The parks are also helping local economies and preserving cultural heritage.
China’s National Parks So Far
China has already opened five national parks, covering about 57 million acres. These parks include tropical forests, high mountains, wetlands, deserts, and glaciers. They are not only home to rare animals but also protect China’s natural beauty and old traditions.
The government says these parks are also boosting tourism and bringing new jobs and money to rural areas. Chinese people are starting to explore these natural wonders more and more, though foreign tourists still mostly visit cities like Beijing and Shanghai. But this is expected to change as China continues to build and promote these nature-based tourist attractions.
5 Amazing National Parks in China
1. Giant Panda National Park
This park protects over 1,900 wild giant pandas. It stretches across Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi Provinces and is about 6.6 million acres wide. Visitors can see pandas climbing, eating, and playing, especially between April and October.
Travel tip: Fly into Chengdu and take a two-hour bus ride. It’s best to explore this park with a guided tour.
2. Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park
This park covers 3.5 million acres near Russia and North Korea. It helps save endangered animals like the Amur tiger and Amur leopard by removing fences and connecting forest areas.
Travel tip: Fly into Yanji from Beijing or Shanghai and take a 3-4 hour bus ride. Guided tours offer chances to see these conservation efforts up close.
3. Sanjiangyuan National Park
This is China’s largest national park, covering 47 million acres—bigger than the state of Florida. It includes mountains, lakes, glaciers, and wetlands. It’s also the source of three major rivers: the Yangtze, Yellow, and Mekong.
Travel tip: Fly into Xining or Golmud and visit between May and September for the best experience.
4. Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park
Located on Hainan Island, known as the “Hawaii of China,” this park covers 1 million acres of lush forest. It is home to one-third of China’s reptile species and the rare Hainan gibbon.
Travel tip: Fly into Haikou or Sanya, then take a short bus or taxi ride. Try whitewater rafting in the Wuzhishan Grand Canyon.
5. Wuyi Mountain National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its red cliffs, bamboo rafting, tea gardens, and ancient temples. It spans over 316,000 acres and is popular for photos on social media due to its unique Danxia landscape.
Travel tip: Visit for hiking, rafting, and cultural experiences in Fujian and Jiangxi Provinces.
China’s Environmental and Cultural Goals
Experts say China’s new parks are not just about nature. They also help:
- Protect endangered species and rare plants.
- Preserve ancient culture and traditional villages.
- Create jobs and help poor areas earn money through tourism.
- Teach people about protecting nature and history.
In Breaking News, China’s national parks have already helped increase the populations of over 200 rare animals and 100 endangered plants, according to a May 2025 report.
China is also making sure these parks meet international standards for conservation. Unlike older nature reserves, these new parks follow IUCN rules, which means no people can live inside them, and tourism is carefully managed.
With this ambitious plan, China is showing the world that it is serious about protecting the planet. It is not only saving animals and forests but also giving people the chance to explore the country’s incredible natural beauty. As part of the Daily news highlights, China’s new park system is likely to become a global model for combining ecology, tourism, and cultural preservation.
