Huaping Nature Reserve lies at the western part of the Five Ridges Mountain Range between Longsheng and Linggui Counties, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. In 1961 the Reserve was established to protect the Cathay silver fir and subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests covering .an area of 15100 hectares. It contains roughly 1000 Cathay silver firs at elevations of 1400 m above sea level.

Cathay silver fir is a relic plant from the Tertiary period and peculiar to China. It generally grows to a height of 20m. with a trunk diameter of more than 40cm. It sports both long and short branches. A line of white spores grows on each side of the leaves' middle vein. forming an elegant contrast with the green of the slender leaves.

The area has a complex terrain. ancient geological features and a warm, wet climate, which support a rich and varied vegetation. In addition to Cathay silver fir there are Guangdong pine, Fujian cypress, long—bracted hemlock, plum—yew and many species of rhododendrons.

The luxuriant forest at the Reserve provides an ideal habitat for a number of rare animals. Macaque. musk deer, bear, tragopan, silver pheasant and giant salamander are outstanding examples of the wildlife.
Scientists have been artificially cultivating the main ' economically valuable plants in the Reserve for years. and Cathay silver fir seedlings have already been successfully cultivated.