Two Nanyang counties named Most Beautiful Chinese Counties in 2018

Two counties in Nanyang, Xixia and Nanzhao, made it onto the list of "Most Beautiful Chinese Counties in 2018", which was released at the Cultural Achievement & Tourist Brand Summit of the 14th China (Shenzhen) International Cultural Industries Fair (ICIF).

The list, which doesn't consider commercial factors, only looks at a county's tourist resources and natural environment, according to its compiler Zhongyuan Brand Value Research Center. The selection is aimed at discovering the beauty of each county, giving them publicity, and ultimately propelling tourism development.

Located in the heartland of Funiu Mountain, Xixia county is known as the "Green Kingdom", as up to 81 percent of it is forested. It is home to two national 5A-grade tourist attractions – Xixia Dinosaur Relic Park and Laojieling scenic spot, along with four national 4A-grade tourist attractions.

Nanzhao county, sitting to the south of Funin Mountain, boasts a well-preserved ecosystem. Its Baotianman Natural Reserve is a national 4A-grade scenic spot that features over 3,000 species of plants, more than 210 species of terrestrial vertebrates, and over 260 species of butterfly.

Baotianman Natural Reserve is surrounded by green hills. [Photo/nanyang.gov.cn]