Dapan Mountain, located in Pan’an County, Jinhua City, Zhejiang Province, boasts vast lands with sparse population and lush forests. It features over 5,200 peaks of varying sizes, and both its air quality and 99% of river water quality consistently meet the national first-class standards. It was once a secluded paradise for famous hermits in ancient times. The terrain of Dapan Mountain is higher in the east and lower in the west, with the main peak, Dapan Peak, reaching an elevation of 1,274 meters.
A local saying goes, ‘Dapan Mountain ranges connect nine provinces (referring to Hangzhou, Suzhou, Huzhou, Wuzhou, etc.), and its water systems reach five counties (cities) including Tiantai, Xianju, Jinyun, Yongkang, and Dongyang.’ Dapan Mountain is the primary source of four major water systems in Zhejiang Province: Qiantang River, Ou River, Lingjiang River, and Cao’e River. The unique geomorphological features and geological activities of Dapan Mountain have also created two major geological wonders: volcanic lakes and flat stream beds. The Dapan Mountain Nature Reserve primarily focuses on protecting endangered plant and medicinal plant germplasm resources and their native ecosystems. It is a nature reserve that values wild biological germplasm resources; the reserve is home to many precious plants and medicinal plant germplasm resources, making it an important germplasm resource bank for wild plants or their close relatives in eastern China. The area is rich in flora and fauna, with numerous endangered species. The reserve is open all year round, accessible 24/7.
