Set up in 1981, the 20,100 hectares Peony Peak (Mount Mudan)Nature Reserve lies at the southeastern part of Mudanjiang City, Heilongjiang Province, ten km only from urban district. It was developed as a sanctuary of forest ecosystems.

Some 9 million years ago once a great lake lived here, an eruption made it basalt volcanoes. Over a long and gradual process of weathering and erosion, the volcanoes were turned into a highly complex mountainous terrain. The highest peak (Peony Peak) towers 1111 m above sea level.

500 species of higher plants grow in the area. Korean pine, Chinese spruce, Faber fir, Manchurian walnut, Manchurian ash, brake, magnoliavine and lily are some commercially important plants.

The forests harbour many varieties of wildlife, including over 30 species of mammals such as Siberian tiger, musk deer, red deer. and over 170 species of birds such as swan. wild goose, golden eagle. 400 species of insects have made their home here.