China hopes to get one of its state-level scenic zones listed on the world natural heritage, in order to better protect and make long-term use of precious natural resources in the zone, located in the southwestern province of Yunnan.

The zone, where the Lancang, Nujiang and Jinsha rivers run side by side for more than 170 kilometers, covers an area of over 34,000 square kilometers.

The scenic zone is home to many rare and precious animals and plants and has a range of high mountains, deep valleys, snow-capped peaks, glaciers, highland wetlands and fresh water lakes.

China has recently submitted an official application to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to put the zone on the world natural heritage list.

With rich natural sources and unique folk culture of 14 ethnic groups, the scenic zone has attracted a great number of scientists, adventurers and travelers over the years.

Yunnan province has stepped up its efforts to protect the natural forest and curb soil erosion in the area.

News from Yunnan Province

China's Largest Park to Be Built in Yunnan

An area in northwest China's Yunnan Province, where three rivers run side by side for more than 170 kilometers, is to be turned into the country's largest scenic park.

More Protection Effort for World Heritage Site

The government of the Naxi Autonomous County of Lijiang in southwest China's Yunnan Province will invest 180 million yuan to protect the ancient town of Lijiang.

Yunnan Invests Nearly 0.2 Billion Yuan in Protecting Ancient Town

The work of protecting the Lijiang Ancient Town - a World Cultural Heritage recently received another huge financial support. The ancient town protection and infrastructure program of Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County, which draws 0.18 billion yuan investment, was recently approved by the relevant department.

( People's Daily February 4, 2002)