Explorer Kyle Obermann adores showing off his off-the-path adventures through photos, and he often likes to ask viewers if they can guess whether the pictures were taken in the USA or China. It’s a challenging question because the natural beauty of these two countries can be easily confused. Obermann, a Texan who has been exploring China’s lesser-known areas for almost a decade, wants to shed light on the country’s lush landscapes that often go unnoticed, hidden beyond the smog. He emphasizes that China boasts the fourth highest number of plant and animal species on the planet.
In an effort to preserve its natural beauty, China recently announced the establishment of five national parks in 2021, with plans to create an additional 44 parks spanning over 1.1 million square kilometers by 2035. Obermann, who has spent years venturing through China’s hidden gems, particularly loves Sanjiangyuan National Park. As the largest national park in China, it is about 13 times the size of Yellowstone and serves as the source of three major rivers: the Yellow, Yangtze, and Mekong. With an average elevation of 4,700m, the Tibetan Plateau offers a unique and unparalleled flora and fauna.
Another favorite of Obermann’s is the Giant Panda National Park, which encompasses around 80 pre-existing nature reserves and houses both wildlife and human settlements. This mountainous region ranges from wet bamboo forests veiled in mist to quaint villages along river valleys. However, managing human livelihoods alongside nature conservation poses a significant challenge in this area.
Illegal poaching remains a concern in China, endangering species such as pandas, snow leopards, and tigers. The establishment of government-backed national parks aims to combat these illicit hunting activities. Obermann recognized the lack of global awareness surrounding China’s natural beauty during his time at Peking University in 2014. This realization sparked his passion for photography and conservation. Collaborating with American nonprofit Conservation International, Obermann gained access to previously restricted nature reserves, an experience that further ignited his fascination with the relationship between the local rangers, villagers, and poachers.
Contrary to popular misconceptions, Obermann argues that China is not just a polluted metropolis but also boasts wild beauty. Approximately 42% of the country is covered in wilderness, yet this aspect is often overlooked due to media coverage focusing on pollution and smog. To protect these precious landscapes and wildlife, raising global awareness is vital.
Looking ahead, Obermann anticipates the announcement of several more national parks in China, including the Gaoligong Mountains National Park, Minya Konka National Park, Qilian Mountains National Park, and Shennongjia National Park. Hiking and adventuring have gained popularity among various demographics in China, and the country’s hiking culture has undergone a significant transformation. Obermann believes that China’s parks are remarkable and is dedicated to promoting their preservation and flourishing for future generations.
To stay updated on Kyle Obermann’s work and adventures, follow him on Instagram @kyleobermann.
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