Located in the east of Qinling Muntain Range crossing the three counties of Chang'an, Zhashui and Ningshaan, the Shaanxi Niubeiliang Nature Reserve was set up 1988. Covering an area of 16,500 hectares it is primarily for the protection of takin the precious and rare wild animal born only in China.

In the Reserve, the forest vegetation is well-preserved at a covering rate of up to 96 percent.

There are the following major species of trees: Mountain poplar, Huashan pine, Chinese pine, larch, Chinese fir, spruce, etc. Besides, there are various species of herbs, under—tree bushes and high mountain meadows on the ridge and peak platform of the mountains. Proper forest vegetation and luxuriant high mountain meadow are suitable for takins to live and multiply.

The Reserve is also rich in animal resources. According to a survey made in 1981, there are a mass of over 70 takins. Other wild animals under the key national protection are serow, green sheep, blood pheasant, wood musk, etc.