IUCN Green List The Bogda Component of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage site

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The Bogda Component of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage site
新疆天山世界自然遗产地（博格达片区）

First Listed

2025

Area
387.389km²

Why is it Green Listed?

The Bogda Component of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage (China) showcases the world’s most representative integrated natural landscapes of mountain ecosystems in the temperate arid zone, distinguished by exceptional landscape diversity and unique natural beauty. The heritage site encompasses a quintessential vertical zonation of mountain ecosystems in the temperate arid zone, epitomizing the spatial distribution patterns and evolutionary dynamics of arid mountain ecosystems.

It stands as an outstanding example for studying the succession of biological communities in arid mountain ecosystems under global climate change. The site harbors remarkable biodiversity, serving as the most critical habitat for numerous rare, endangered, and endemic species in Central Asian mountain regions. It prominently exemplifies the biological evolutionary process in which warm-humid floristic elements were gradually replaced by modern xeric Mediterranean floristic elements, highlighting the region’s transition in plant biogeography.

Key Achievements

Conservation

The Bogda Component of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage Site embodies the principle of “Protection First, Scientific Utilization, Community Win-Win”. Through institutional innovation, technological empowerment, and multi-stakeholder collaboration, it safeguards Outstanding Universal Value (OUV) while offering a Chinese approach to sustainable governance of global alpine ecosystems:

Integrated conservation of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, and glaciers has been achieved. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and AI technologies, ecological data, tourist flows, and patrol records are consolidated to enable “intelligent management”. Long-term monitoring stations for meteorology, atmospheric conditions, and water quality have been established. Multi-factor integrated monitoring equipment deployed across different elevation gradients of vertical natural belts captures: Temperature & Humidity, Wind Speed/Direction, Atmospheric Pressure, Rainfall, Total Solar Radiation, Soil Temperature/Moisture, Soil Conductivity. This quantifies climate change impacts at varying gradients and predicts future species migration trends and habitat shifts under climate change, providing primary data for conservation management. Consequently, the originality and integrity of the heritage site’s ecosystems are maintained, with continuous improvements in:Species conservation rates,Population growth, Biodiversity enhancement,Forest coverage increased from 35% (2013) to 39% (2024). New species records include:385 vascular plant species,3 fish species,34 terrestrial vertebrate species,9 insect species,Wildlife habitats continue to expand.
Environmental Education & Cultural Outreach Operates three public education venues: Bogda Heritage Exhibition Center Eco-Education Base Impression Gallery and cultural facilities (Queen Mother of the West Studio, Cultural Corridor). Promotes heritage values through study tours and integrates Kazakh/Mongolian traditional ecological culture into conservation advocacy. Media coverage (2024): 126 national-level reports 141 regional-level reports
Regulated Ecotourism Implements booking systems and e-guides; digitally caps daily visitors at 25,800. Designs low-impact routes (boardwalks, designated viewpoints) and prohibits core-zone entry to minimize human disturbance.

Good governance

The Bogda Component of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage Site is zoned into no-construction areas, restricted-construction areas, and display areas based on ecosystem functions, conservation objectives, and Outstanding Universal Value (OUV), with an external buffer zone. Scientific protection, zoned control, and differentiated management are implemented.

Following the Convention Concerning the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, its Operational Guidelines, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Regulations on Tianshan Natural Heritage Conservation, the Bogda Component Management Plan was formulated. It defines conservation targets and operational requirements, supporting holistic stewardship.
A three-tier vertical management system operates under the Xinjiang Tianchi Administrative Committee, which centrally coordinates communities, enterprises, and stakeholders. Key features include: Synergistic management with adjacent protected areas Advanced equipment and highly educated personnel (high female representation) Judicial-administrative measures against illegal core-zone entry: Courts issued Judicial Protection Orders; 9 entities signed a joint management pact.
A competitive concession mechanism governs tourism services (transportation, catering). Tourism revenue funds ecological protection, with 2024 income reaching ¥1.565 billion (18% year-on-year growth), enabling regional sustainable development and human-nature harmony.
A collaborative governance framework (government-led, multi-department coordination, township engagement, public participation) integrates community co-management into township responsibility lists. Aligned with central policies, this clarifies jurisdictional mandates between Bogda and surrounding townships, embedding heritage conservation duties into local governance systems.

Community benefits

The Bogda Component of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage Site transforms ecological value into community well-being through a conservation-development synergy. This preserves World Heritage integrity while advancing rural revitalization and ethnic unity, offering a Chinese model for community co-governance in global natural heritage sites:

Leveraging Ecotourism: Developed hot spring wellness, ski resorts, ethnic culture exhibitions, and rural tourism, diversifying livelihoods beyond traditional herding. Residents transitioned to: 83 heritage rangers (2024) 366 tour guides/drivers/instructors reducing over-reliance on natural resources.
Heritage-Branded Development: Tianshan Tianchi Folk Culture Park: China’s Most Charming Leisure Village Hua’ergou Village: China’s first 1,000-mu Xanthoceras sorbifolium tea plantation Shanpo Village: National Key Village for Rural Tourism.
Regional Economic Integration: 2024 tourists: 3.13 million (10% growth) Resident disposable income: 12 consecutive years of growth since 2013 World Heritage inscription, rising from ¥13,798 (2013) to ¥29,865 (2024).

Site Attributes

WDPA ID

N/A

Size

387.389km²

Designation(s)

World Natural Heritage

IUCN Category

V - Protected Landscape/Seascape

Year Established

2013

Marine Protected Area

Marine Area

N/A

Area of no-take

N/A

Types of Fishery Permitted

N/A

Governance Type

Federal or national ministry or agency

Site Agency

Xinjiang Tianchi Administrative Committee

Site Manager

HE Xianglan

Application

10.01.2025

EAGL Evaluation

29.07.2025

GL Committee Submission

24.08.2025

EAGL Chair

Diqiang Li

ASI Reviewer

Wenwei Xia

Site Summary

1. Natural Values

MONITORING OF VALUES

THRESHOLDS OF SUCCESS

CONDITION OF VALUES

SUMMARY OF TRENDS AND RESULTS

1.Exemplary complete mountain vertical natural zones.

1. The forest coverage rate reaches 38.96%, with the species composition, quantitative characteristics, spatial configuration, and environmental relationships within Bogda World Natural Heritage site's glacier-forest-wetland-grassland-desert ecosystem remaining in a natural state. This fundamentally preserves its original state and integrity.

1. The integrity and authenticity of the temperate arid zone mountain vertical natural belts remain free from human disturbance, with forest coverage sustained at over 35%.

1. Through integrated conservation and systematic governance of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands, deserts, and glaciers, comprehensive measures have been implemented. These include ecological restoration, artificial rehabilitation, grazing prohibition (rotational grazing), zoned management of the heritage site, scientific monitoring, and regulated human activities. These actions continuously preserve the integrity and authenticity of the complete vertical natural belts in the arid zone.

2.Biodiversity.

2. Documented populations within the heritage site include: Snow leopard (Panthera uncia): 6–10 individuals Tianshan wapiti (Cervus elaphus songaricus): 1,000–2,000 individuals Schrenk's spruce (Picea schrenkiana) stands: 7,400 hectares Snow lotus (Saussurea involucrata) communities: 15%–25% total coverage.

2. Rare Wild Fauna and Flora： Snow leopard (Panthera uncia): ≥4 individuals Tianshan wapiti (Cervus elaphus songaricus) ≥200 individuals Schrenk’s spruce (Picea schrenkiana) stands: ≥5,000 hectares Snow lotus (Saussurea involucrata) communities: ≥15% total coverage All associated habitats for these species remain fully intact.

2. Leveraging its unique geographical location and rich natural environment, a Biodiversity Judicial Conservation Base has been established. Sustained measures within the heritage site—including grazing prohibition, rotational grazing, and ecological restoration—have steadily improved ecological conditions. Populations of Tianshan wapiti (Cervus elaphus songaricus) and snow leopard (Panthera uncia) continue to grow. Schrenk’s spruce (Picea schrenkiana) stands and snow lotus (Saussurea involucrata) habitats remain well-protected, with stable community structures.

2. Ecosystem Service Values

MONITORING OF VALUES

THRESHOLDS OF SUCCESS

CONDITION OF VALUES

SUMMARY OF TRENDS AND RESULTS

1.Air Purification.

1. Ambient air quality meets the standard of ≥98% annual days rated "Excellent" or "Good," with average negative oxygen ion concentrations exceeding 2,000 ions/cm³ and PM2.5 concentrations ≤15 μg/m³. In 2023, the Tianshan Tianchi "All-Electric Scenic Area" project was awarded the national Golden Bridge Award for Sci-Tech Services in Agriculture, Rural Areas and Farmers.

1.Ambient air quality (AQI) with ≥95% annual days rated "Good" or better.

1. Through continuous ecological restoration and conservation efforts:Forest coverage within the heritage site has increased. Green transportation and residential heating systems have been implemented. Human activities have further reduced pollution emissions. No industrial or mining enterprises exist within the site. Air quality is significantly higher than surrounding areas. In 2024, ≥98% of days met "Excellent/Good" air quality standards. Air quality demonstrates a steady improvement trend.

2. Water Purification

2. Surface water bodies within the Bogda Component of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage site currently achieve 100% Grade II water quality standards, demonstrating consistent improvement while maintaining stability compared to pre-2018 levels. In 2022, the site was recognized by the Ministry of Water Resources as a High-Quality Development Exemplary Case for National Water Conservancy Scenic Areas. In 2024, the Sangong River and Tianchi Lake within the heritage site were designated as Model Rivers and Lakes by the Water Resources Department of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

2.Surface water quality meeting Grade II standards, as defined by the ecological and environmental authorities.

2. Within the Bogda Component of Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage site:Zero industrial or mining operations,90.9% designated as no-construction zones (primarily uninhabited areas).Enhanced conservation measures and heightened environmental awareness ensure increasingly effective water protection.Water quality maintains continuous improvement, consistently meeting Grade II or higher standards.Total phosphorus controlled at 0.01-0.1 mg/L.Water quality has evolved from historical Grades III-IV to current Grades I-II.

3. Cultural Values

MONITORING OF VALUES

THRESHOLDS OF SUCCESS

CONDITION OF VALUES

SUMMARY OF TRENDS AND RESULTS

1.Sacred mountain culture and national intangible cultural heritage.

1. All natural and cultural heritage areas are incorporated within the Bogda Component, achieving initial integration of nature and culture with effective conservation and transmission. In 2024:Recognized as a "Tourism-Promoted Ethnic Exchange Model Site" by the Xinjiang Department of Culture and Tourism;Selected as an "Innovative Case for Intangible Heritage-Tourism Integration" by the China Scenic Areas Association;The locally produced micro-drama Love Like Tianshan’s Eternal Snow was included in the sixth batch of recommended titles under "Travel with Micro-Dramas" by the National Radio and Television Administration.

1. As a sacred mountain in eastern Xinjiang Tianshan, Bogda integrates landscapes, habitats, species, ethnic traditions, and Taoist culture. It preserves the cultural integrity of the Queen Mother of the West, Kazakh folklore, and blessing rituals. Historical sites like the traditional Queen Mother Temple and Fushou Taoist Temple have been restored. Natural and intangible cultural heritage are effectively conserved and transmitted.

1.Strengthened natural conservation and cultural heritage utilization have enhanced protection, transmission and utilization of the Bogda Component and national intangible cultural heritage. Via the "Management Plan for Xinjiang Tianshan World Natural Heritage Site (2022–2026)" and local cultural initiatives—like the Queen Mother of the West’s "Peach Banquet Festival," "Queen Mother Forum," "Yaochi Celestial Street" development, and "daytime heritage visits + nighttime cultural experiences" economic models—Bogda will become a world heritage site where alpine ecosystems and multicultural traditions coexist harmoniously, supporting holistic ecological protection and scientifically sustainable cultural transmission.

2.Nature education and scientific research culture.

2. In 2021, the Tianshantianchi Scenic Area was designated as an Off-Campus Practice Education Base for Primary and Secondary Schools by the Xinjiang Department of Education.In 2024, the "Fly Explorer" facility within the heritage site was recognized as a High-Tech Immersive Dome Flight Education Base by the Xinjiang Department of Culture and Tourism.Also in 2024, the Wujiang Hot Springs within the heritage site were certified as a Health and Wellness Tourism Demonstration Base by the same department. During 2024, the Bogda Component received 2.1 million visitors participating in natural and cultural education programs.In the first half of 2025, the heritage site recorded 1.16 million tourist visits.

2. Nature education facilities, field study bases, and forums on natural/Queen Mother culture research enhance Bogda’s visibility through media campaigns.

2. With expanded new media promotion and improved nature education venues, study tour activities at the Bogda Component have grown in types and quantity. Statistics show around 2 million annual visitors receive natural and cultural education in recent years, with a 10% yearly increase.

Conservation Summary

DECISION
At least 80% of the EAGL members approved to recommend the site for inclusion on the IUCN Green List.

The one EAGL member, who voted against, indicated that the site needs to continuously explore threshold indicators for the core value of protected areas, and establish tiered targets and ranges for these indicators.