10 Most Scenic National Parks in India

10 Most Scenic National Parks in India

10 Most Beautiful India National Parks Scenic

1. Bandhavgarh National Park

Bandhavgarh National Park is situated at Vindhya hills in Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh. It consists of a core area of 105 km² and a buffer area of 437 km². The topography varies between steep rocky hills, tropical forest, meadow valleys, woodlands and the dense Sal forest, and making the park one of the most dramatic landscape in the country. Bandhavgarh National Park is well known for the highest density of the Royal Bengal Tigers population and one of the most important wildlife conservation area in India. The park was the former hunting preserve of the Maharaja of Rewa and at present is a famous natural hub for White Tigers. White Tigers, now a major attraction around the world's zoos, were first discovered in Rewa, not far from here. Apart from the wildlife, the park also consists of a millennium old fort and a famous declining statue of Lord Vishnu that enhancing the tourist attraction of Bandhavgarh National Park.

2. Valley of Flowers National Park

The famous Valley of Flowers with the largest concentration of various species of wild flowers is located in Uttarakhand, a northern state of India bordered by Tibet and Nepal on north and east. This beautiful high-altitude Himalayan valley that has been acknowledged as such by renowned mountaineers and botanists in literature for over a century and in Hindu mythology for much longer. Its ‘gentle’ landscape, breathtakingly beautiful meadows of alpine flowers and ease of access complement the rugged, mountain wilderness for which the inner basin of Nanda Devi National Park is renowned. Valley of flower is splashed with colour as it bloomed with more than three hundreds different beautiful flowers, taking on various shades of colours as time progressed. The valley was declared as a national park in 1982, and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2005. The locals, of course, always knew of the existence of the valley, and believed that it was inhabited by fairies.

3. Jim Corbett National Park

Jim Corbett National Park, the oldest national park of India established in 1936, covers an area of more than 500 km² in the Himalayan foothills. It is well known for its varied wildlife, and as the site for the launching of Project Tiger. Other wildlife animals found in this park includes the elephant, chital, sambar, nilgai, gharial, King Cobra, muntjac, wild boar, hedgehog, common musk shrew, flying fox, Indian Pangolin, and nearly 600 species of birds. The park also contains more than 400 species of flora and dense moist deciduous forest mainly consists of sal, haldu, pipal, rohini and mango trees. A perfect ecotorism destination which receives thousands of visitors every year. The park also offers variety of activities, such as wildlife, elephant, jeep and open bus safaris, birdwatching, fishing and angling to give tourists an enjoyable and unforgettable experience while visiting the Jim Corbett National Park.

4. Desert National Park

Desert National Park is located near the town of Jaisalmer in Rajasthan state of West India and exemplifies the unusual ecological biodiversity of the renowned Thar desert, the only desert of India. Its fragile and unique ecosystem supports different and unusual various forms of life in form of wildlife species. All these plants and animals can be seen widespread in the Desert National Park, which is the biggest park of India in terms of wildlife. The park is situated very close to India-Pakistan border and is an excellent example of diverse wildlife. Located in the most hot and humid temperature zone area, this land can be witnessed with rugged mountains, cracked land, salt lake bottoms and sand dunes, still is a perfect place to explore birds (especially the Indian Bustards), reptiles and many other animals. Tourists can also enjoy the adventures camel or jeep safari on the sand dunes, which gives an unforgettable experience.

5. Great Himalayan National Park

Great Himalayan National Park is located in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh, a beautiful district with snow-capped mountains, ice glaciers, river valleys, alpine forests and steep cliffs. The park is surrounded on three sides by towering peaks of Himalayan mountains, offering the most eye landscapes in the world. It spreads over an area of 754 km² and lies between an altitude of 1,500 m to 6,000 m. The area is home to many different species of wildlife along with more of alpine flora is one of the best example of Himalayan ecosystems which remains undisturbed. To protect the alpine, subtropical forest, glaciers, temperate, and the endangered wildlife species, this area has attained the status of a national park in 1984. The glaciers available in this park is the main source of four rivers namely Tirthan, Sainj, Parvati and Jiwa Nala, flowing from East to West and mingling into Beas river. Due to its bewitching beauty, mega biodiversity and unique flora and fauna, the park becomes one of the favourite destination and draws lot of tourist attention.

6. Kudremukh National Park

Kudremukh National Park is located in Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Chikmagalur districts of Karnataka states. It encompasses an area of 600 km² and lies at an elevation of 1,894 m above sea level. The park is covered with thick hilly forests, mostly evergreen and semi evergreen on western portion. The plantations of Eucalyptus, Casuarina, Acacia auriculiformis and Grevillea robusta can be witnessed here in plenty. While on the northern and eastern sides, the park is surrounded by coffee and tea plantations. Its high annual rainfall, humid climate and tremendous water retention capacity of the shola grasslands and forests has resulted in the formation of thousands of perennial streams in the region converge to form three major rivers, Tunga, Bhadra and Nethravathi. All these man-made forests and natural beauty has made Kudremukh one of the most scenic national parks of India.

7. Hemis National Park

Hemis National Park, a high altitude park, is located in the eastern Ladakh region of the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It includes the catchments of three wonderful valleys, Markha, Sumdah and Rumbak, which drain into the Indus River. It is named after the hundreds of years old Hemis Gompa, a famous Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The park was initially founded in 1981 by protecting the Markha and Rumbak catchments, an area of about 600 km². Later, it was enlarged twice in 1988 and 1990 until 4,400 km², the largest national park in India. This magnificent park comprises of hard limestone mountains. All around the place one can see enormous white colored rocks. The peaks range from about 3,300 m to 6,420 m. These rocky cliffs provide a unique view with captivating beauty. Dry alpine pastures are present in sheltered locations and grass growth is relatively rapid during the summer season after the melting of the snow. The most prominent animal found here is Snow Leopard which has given this park, a status of Snow Leopard Capital of India.

8. Periyar National Park

Periyar National Park and Tiger Reserve is situated within the confines of the Western Ghats in the Idukki district in Kerala. This park is one of the most captivating wildlife parks in the world and also one of the largest and finest wildlife reserves in India. The Periyar National Park is surrounded by an artificial Periyar lake. This lake was formed by the Mullaperiyar Dam across the Periyar river and covers an area of 55 km². This lake, which initially led to the submersion of large tracts of forestland, however became an excellent wildlife sanctuary. In 1978, Periyar was declared as a tiger reserve under the Project Tiger. Periyar National park covers an area of 777 km², out of which 360 km² are covered by thick evergreen forest. The boat cruise on the lake is the best way to view the wildlife in the reserve. 

9. Kaziranga National Park

Kaziranga National Park, one of India's finest national parks established in 1974, is situated in Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, the gateway to the fabulous North East of India, home to several endangered species, especially the famous Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros. Kaziranga, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was protected since the early 1900s upon the initiative of Lady Curzon. This 430 km² park is a unique habitat, where much of it lies in the floodplain of the mighty Bhramaputra River and is flooded every year. The wet grassland is characterized by ox-bow lakes or known as beels, caused when the flood waters retreat, and elevated flats called chapories where animals shelter during floods. Today many artificial chapories are build with the help of the Indian Army. Though the landscape of much of Kaziranga looks pancake flat, on closer approach one realizes that most of this flatness is in fact elephant grass, which may grow up to fifteen feet in height.

10. Gangotri National Park

Gangotri, another famous national park of Uttarakhand, offers majestic beauty of coniferous forests and grandeur of glacier world combined with lush green meadows. The park covers an area of 1,553 km², including the upper catchment of Bhagirathi River, falls in Himalayan region lies between an altitude of 1,300 m to 7,000 m. At the lower elevation, the park is covered by Himalayan subalpine conifer forests, while the Himalayan alpine shrub and meadows at higher elevation. The vegetation found here mainly consist of chir pine, deodar, fir, spruce, oak and rhododendrons. There are 15 species of mammals and 150 bird species have been recorded in this area. Apart from its wonderful flora and fauna, thousands of visitors come here each year to witness the Gomukh (terminus glacier), which is source of Ganges River and the untouched, captivating beauty of the Gangotri National Park.

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10 Great National Parks in Indonesia

10 Great National Parks in Indonesia

10 Great Ecotourism Indonesia National Parks

1. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park

Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park is one of the most famous national park and also a popular tourist destination because of its beautiful mountain landscapes and fascinating volcanic cones. It was established in 1982 and spanning an area of 503 km² in East Java, about 53 km from Malang town. The different of this national park is the only Indonesia's conservation area that has a sand sea, the Tengger Sand Sea, across which is the caldera of an ancient volcano from which several new volcanic cones have emerged. This unique feature covers a total area of 5,250 hectares and located at an altitude above 2,100 m. Mount Bromo is one of the volcanoes that sits inside the massive Tengger caldera and surrounded by sand sea. It is easily recognised by its white sulphurous smoke constantly plume from the crater inside. Within the park Mount Semeru is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia, where a huge cloud steam and smoke belched from the crater for every 20 to 30 minutes, sometimes interspersed with ash and stones. Although Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park may described as one of the most dangerous area in Indonesia, but it is still visited by thousands of visitors each year.

2. Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park was declared as a World Heritage site and a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986, after six years of establishment. The park is situated within the Lesser Sunda Islands and consists of the three larger islands of Komodo, Rinca, Padar and 26 smaller islands creating a total surface area of 1,817 km². The islands are not only house the world famous and endanger species of Komodo Dragon, the world's largest lizard, but also feature a dramatic wild savannah landscape with patches of forest especially on the southern hills of Komodo and Rinca Islands. Furthermore, these islands are also surrounded by beautiful white and red sand beaches, blue lagoons teeming with diversity of marine life and some of the most spectacular underwater scenery in the world that entice divers and guests from around the world. Komodo National Park indeed a perfect holiday location due to its beautiful deserted beaches, hiking trails, great wildlife, various forms of coral reefs and also many interesting water activities.

3. Tanjung Puting National Park

Tanjung Puting National Park is located on the island of Borneo, south of Kalimantan, Indonesian. The park covers an area of 4,150 km² and consists of dryland dipterocarp forest, peat swamp forest, heath forest, mangrove, coastal beach forest, secondary forest and rivers. It was originally formed by Dutch in 1930s to protect the orangutans and proboscis monkey. In 1977, the park was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and later the government of Indonesia announced it as a national park in 1982. Other animals such as gibbons, macaques, Borneo clouded leopards, sun bears, wild boars, porcupines, and Sambar deer also can be found here. Reptiles, birds, fishes, amphibians and insects which are no exception as part of the animal species in this park too. Due to the area is rich in biodiversity and several important ecosystems, the Tanjuug Puting National Park is a perfect ecotorism destination. Many local tour agents also offer several boat tours to bring visitors a closer view of the wildlife and fascinating tropical rainforest, and a visit to the orangutan rehabilitation center is a must for those who comes to this national park.

4. Bunaken National Park

The Bunaken National Park was officially established in 1991 and is among the Indonesia's first growing system of marine park which is situated in Manado Bay, north of Sulawesi Island. The park consists of five islands; Bunaken, Manado Tua, Montehage, Nain and Siladen, and covers a total surface area of 890.65 km² where the majority is marine habitat and only 3% is terrestrial. The surrounded area is very rich in coral ecosystem and dominated by fringing reef and barrier reef corals. Hundreds of coral species are recorded in this park. Beside the wide variety of coral species, the deep, clear and warm waters around the islands assist the reproduction of plankton, seagrasses and sponges as food and shelter for small fish. Oceanic currents rich in food and nutrients sweep past the area, these attract an abundance of marine life ranging from big pelagics to tiny critters. With the presence of these features, a solid marine and coral ecosystem formed. Each year, thousands of divers, underwater explorers and photographers from every corner of the world come to witness and enjoy the natural beauty of the Bunaken's underwater world.

5. Ujung Kulon National Park

Ujung Kulon National Park is one of the most remote national park in Indonesia. It is located in the extreme southwestern tip of Java Island on the Sunda shelf, includes the Ujung Kulon peninsula and several offshore islands and encompasses the natural reserve of Krakatoa. Due to its remote and isolated location, and difficult to access, Ujung Kulon remains as a native forest and untouched wilderness. It's largest remaining lowland tropical rainforest ecosystem together with the awesome Krakatau volcano and some good beaches with intact coral reefs have become one of the most rewarding national park in Java. In 1991, the park was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and presents some fine opportunities for jungle trekking, canoeing, snorkeling and diving. Ujung Kulon is best known as the last refuge in Java for the one plentiful one-horned rhinoceros which is critically endangered. The number is estimated in 60 and the chances to see them are slim. Beside the rhinoceros, the park also home to many species of mammals, primates, reptiles, amphibians, birds, fishes, insects and hundreds species of flora where some of them are considered as rare. A visit to this amazing tropical rainforest is worth it especially for those who likes the natural flora and fauna. 

6. Gunung Rinjani National Park

Gunung Rinjani National Park is one of the best place for mountain trekking in Southeast Asia where the Indonesia's third highest mountain, Mount Rinjani (3,726 m) sits in the center of the park. Thousands of mountain climbers, adventurers, explorers and travellers around the world come to challenge the Mount Rinjani in order to witness its beautiful mountainous landscape, massive crater, crescent shaped sulfur lake under the crater and new born small volcano formed in the lake. Furthermore, the lush forests sprinkled with waterfalls around the slopes of mountain have also increased the overall natural beauty of Mount Rinjani. This fascinating national park spans an area of 413.30 km² is situated on the island of Lombok and lies within a major bio-geographical transition zone (Wallaceae) where the tropical flora and fauna of Southeast Asia meets that of Australasia.

7. Gunung Leuser National Park

Gunung Leuser National Park is the second largest and the most diverse national parks in Sumatra Island. It covers an area of 7,927 km² in the northern tip of the island. The park encompasses a large portion of Bukit Barisan Mountains, known for its steep, almost inaccessible mountainous terrains. The altitude ranges from beach area in Kluet (South Aceh), to 3,381 meter on top of the Mount Leuser (Southeast Aceh). The breathtaking Alas River cuts the park into an eastern and western half, where your tropical thirst for adrenaline will be captivatingly fulfilled. It also embraces various ecosystems which is a cluster of various nature reserves and forests such as mangroves, beach and swamp forest, lowland rainforest, moss forest, and up to sub-alpine forest. Around 130 species are identified in this national park, including the most famous Sumatran orangutans, the mysterious Sumatran tigers, endangered elephants and rhinos, Siamang monkeys, macaques, clouded leopards, reptiles, fish, and around 325 species of birds. Almost every adventurer who has visited and experienced the Gunung Leuser, surely would not feel any disappointment. Because it is far more than just a great adventure to the last zoo you visited.

8. Lorentz National Park

Lorentz National Park is the largest national park in Indonesia as well as Southeast Asia where the park encompasses a total area of 25,056 km² in Papua Province. It is the only nature reserve in the Asia-Pacific region to contain a full altitudinal array of ecosystems ranging through marine areas, mangroves, tidal and freshwater swamp forest, lowland and montane rainforest, alpine tundra, and equatorial glaciers. Due to the park is located at the meeting point of two colliding continental plates, the area has a complex geology with on-going mountain formation as well as major sculpting by glaciation. At 4,884 m, Puncak Jaya (formerly Carstensz Pyramid) is the tallest mountain between the Himalayas and the Andes. Beside that, the area also contains fossil sites, which record the evolution of life on New Guinea, a high level of endemism and the highest level of biodiversity in the region. A perfect location for adventurers, explorers and researchers because Lorentz National Park still contains many unmapped and unexplored areas, and also many species of plants and animals as yet unknown to Western science.

9. Kerinci Seblat National Park

Kerinci-Seblat National Park is the largest protected area in Sumatra Island, covering a total of 13,791 km². Much of the national park comprises montane and hill forests, some still virtually unexplored. The park is an ASEAN Heritage site and since 2004, it was listed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site. Kerinci Seblat is recognized as one of the most important reserves in the world for conservation of wild tigers and as a global hotspot for biodiversity. It is famous for its wealth of species where more than 375 species of birds, 86 species of mammal, including elephants, bears, tapirs, and Sumatran clouded leopard, 8 species of primate and 4,000 species of flora have been identified within this park. With the discovery of Muntiacus montanus, the park now has four species of deer and two species of mouse deer, with many local reports of more species remaining to be discovered, including the fabled orang pendek, a primate which has been observed by scientists but not yet scientifically validated.

10. Kelimutu National Park

Kelimutu National Park famous for it’s colored crater lakes. It is still a puzzle for both scientists and locals how the lakes gained its color and eventually change from time-to-time. The color of the three lakes are red, blue and white which eventually turns into black-brown, light green and black. The former red and blue lakes where separated by 200 centimeters wall of earth and located side-by-side while the former white lake is located to the west. This unique natural phenomenon is located on the island of Flores, covering an area of 50 km², the smallest national park of Indonesia declared in 1992. The Kelimutu National Park not only consists of lakes but also mountains, Mount Kelibara as the highest peak and Mount Kelimutu, and also various species of birds, plants and endangered animals. It is one of the best tourist attraction in Indonesia where the visitors may enjoy the surrounding breathtaking views with a cooler climate other than the three unique crater lakes.   

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10 Most Beautiful National Parks in New Zealand

10 Most Beautiful National Parks in New Zealand

10 Most Beautiful Places National Parks New Zealand

1. Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park (established in 1952) is a vast, remote wilderness and the heart of Te Wāhipounamu - South West New Zealand World Heritage Area which was recognised by UNESCO in 1990 as an area of outstanding natural value. The park gains renowned as the home of Mitre Peak and the Fiords of Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Also well know are the Great Walks (the Milford Track, Routeburn Track, and Kepler Tracks). Southwest New Zealand is one of the great wilderness areas of the Southern Hemisphere. It is an area where snow-capped mountains, rivers of ice, deep lakes, unbroken forests and tussock grasslands produce a landscape of exceptional beauty. Some of the best examples of animals and plants, which were once found on the ancient super-continent of Gondwana, still exist here. The park spans an area of 12,500 km² is the largest National Park in New Zealand and administered by the Department of Conservation.

2. Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park covers an area of 225 km², is the smallest national park in New Zealand. This national park is located in the stunning Tasman Bay region at the top of the South Island, and the nearest towns are Motueka, Takaka and Kaiteriteri. With subtropical weather, turquoise waters, sheltered inlets, secluded beaches of golden sand and famous Abel Tasman Coastal Track has made it become one of the most popular tourists destination. Sea kayaks and coastal track walks are the most popular activities while visiting to the Abel Tasman National Park where visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this picturesque piece of coastline.

3. Westland / Tai Poutini National Park

Westland / Tai Poutini National Park (established in 1960) is located on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It stretches from the majestic Southern Alps down to the rugged west coast and encompasses stunning glaciers and a vast range of bird life. There are over 60 glaciers within the park boundary including the famous Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, which are the only glaciers in the world to flow down to temperate rain forest. The park has been designated world heritage status. Rare and endangered bird species live in the park including the crested grebe (kotuku) at Lake Mapourika and the Okarito brown kiwi (rowi) in lowland forests. The park is 127,541 hectares in size. 

4. Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

The Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park is located in the central part of the South Island. It is a harsh land of ice and rock where the glaciers cover most of the area. These glaciers have helped shape the park's landscape include five major valley systems, namely Godley, Murchison, Tasman, Hooker and Mueller. The Tasman Glacier is the New Zealand's largest and longest glacier which is clearly visible from the main highway at the entrance of the park. There are 19 peaks over 3,000 m, including of course New Zealand's highest mountain, Aoraki / Mount Cook (3,754 m). The park is also part of Te Waipounamu - South Westland World Heritage Area in recognition of its outstanding natural values.

5. Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is the oldest national park in New Zealand, and also the forth oldest in the world which was established in 1887. Home to three of the world’s most active live volcanoes, Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe, Tongariro National Park covers 796 km² of the North Islands volcanic plateau, creating an environment rich in beauty, history and geological fascination. The park is a dual World Heritage site, protected for both its natural and cultural significance. Herb groves and beech forests give way to barren tussock-dotted desert and stark grey lava flow mountains slope away from their snowy peaks to broad plateaus where hot springs steam and bubble. Beside the breathtaking views, Tongariro National Park also provides a range of adventures through all seasons. Two of New Zealand’s largest ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa, are on the magnificent slopes of Mount Ruapehu and skiing and snowboarding here has the added attraction of fun on an active volcano.

6. Arthur's Pass National Park

Arthur's Pass National Park was established in 1929 as the first national park in the South Island and the third in New Zealand. It's a popular destination for tramping, skiing and mountaineering, located in the heart of the Southern Alps. Its high mountains with large scree slopes, steep gorges and wide braided rivers, straddles the main divide of the South Island – between Canterbury and the West Coast. It’s a park of contrasts, with dry beech forest in the east, luxuriant rain forest on western slopes, and a historic highway and railway running through the middle. The mountains around Arthur's Pass contain some very challenging terrain and the tracks are often very steep. Amongst the fourteen national parks, the Arthur's Pass National Park is the most dangerous in  New Zealand.

7. Nelson Lakes National Park

Nelson Lakes National Park is located in the north of the South Island of New Zealand. The park covers 1,020 km² of the northern most Southern Alps. It offers several peaceful and charming environments including tranquil beech forest, craggy mountains, clear streams and two beautiful lakes Rotoiti and Rotorua. It is renowned for its magical honeydew beech forests, which feed a variety of native birds. The Department of Conservation is actively working in the park to create a pest-free sanctuary that will support greater numbers of kaka, kakariki and bush robins, as well as giant snails and native bats.

8. Te Urewera National Park

Te Urewera National Park spans 212,672 hectares, and lies between the Plenty and Hawkes Bay. It is the largest national park in North Islands and the fourth largest in New Zealand which was established in 1954. Te Urewera National Park has the largest forested wilderness left on the North Island. To the south of the park there are two of the park’s famous treasures – Lake Waikaremoana is noted for its scenic shoreline and waterfalls, and there is a smaller lake, Waikareiti. A huge landslide created these over 2000 years ago, which blocked the path of the river, creating the lakes. Beside the scenic environments, the park has some interesting things to do including a visit to the Aniwaniwa Museum which shows a lot of natural and cultural history of the area. The visitors can also do the most popular Lake Waikaremoana Track walk which is considered one of New Zealand's Great Walks.

9. Whanganui National Park

The Whanganui National Park is situated between the towns of Wanganui and Taumarunui in the central North Island of New Zealand. It was established in 1986 and covers an area of 742 km². It has an immense lowland forest, beautiful valley and many native plants and bird species include tui, kereru, fantail and tomtit. The centrepiece of the national park is the Whanganui River, one of the great waterways of New Zealand. The river starts in the Tongariro volcanic range and meanders all the way down to the Tasman Sea at Whanganui. The most popular activity in this national park is kayaking along the river which provides a great opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of flora and fauna.

10. Egmont National Park

Egmont National Park is on the western coast of New Zealand's North Island. It was established as a national park in 1900 and covers an area of 33,534 hectares. Here the volcano Taranaki (or Mt Egmont as it is also known) rules supreme standing tall above the surrounding landscape. Beside it are two volcanoes of an earlier era: Kaitake and Pouakai. In good weather it is a challenging climb for the fit and well prepared. For those wanting a more relaxing experience there are beautiful walks through verdant forest to waterfalls, wetlands and excellent viewpoints. Standing as it does in isolation from other mountains it is one of the best parks from which to get an elevated view of another New Zealand – the rural heartland.

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10 Most Spectacular National Parks in China

10 Most Spectacular National Parks in China

10 Most China National Parks Spectacular Places

1. Jiuzhai Valley-Huanglong National Park 九寨沟-黄龙寺

Jiuzhai Valley is locally known as Jiuzhaigou (Chinese for “Nine Village Valley”). It is a National Park located in the Min Shan mountain range, Northern Sichuan in South Western China. It is also best known for its fabled blue and green lakes, spectacular waterfalls, narrow conic karst land forms and its unique wildlife. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992; the park joined the Man and Biosphere Conservation Network in 1997 and has also received IUCN, Green Globe and ISO 14,001 accreditation.

Huanglong is a scenic and historic area in Songpan County North-West of Sichuan. Located in the southern part of the Minshan mountain range, 150 km North-West of Chengdu, this beautiful National Park features with colorful pools formed by calcite deposits, diverse forest ecosystems, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and hot springs. Huanglong is also home to many endangered species including Giant Panda and Sichuan Golden Snub-nosed Monkey. Being a special nature reserve of the world, Huanglong Scenic Area was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1992.

2. Guilin-Lijiang River National Park 桂林漓江

The Lijiang River is the cream of Guilin also the pearl in Chinese natural scenery. Meanwhile, Lijiang River scenery spot is the biggest in scale and most beautiful karst area, which intoxicate the numerous poets and literary men and renowned in the country. The Lijiang River located at the eastern of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Its rises in Mt. Maoer – the First Peak of South China, where is a fairy land with thick forest, fresh air and wonderful ecological environment. In 1982, Guilin-Lijiang River Scenic Area was listed into National Park of China initiatively, and the same time was authorized the national 5A level tourist scenic zone by national tourism administration.

3. Huangshan Mountains National Park 黄山

Huangshan Mountains National Park is located in southern Anhui Province with an area of 250 km. Its landscape is famous for its“four wonders”- amazing peaks, spectacular rocks, featuring pines, and a sea of clouds. Mt. Huangshan boasts 72 peaks, over 1,000 m above sea level. The pines on the mountain are tall and have spectacular shapes. The famous 1500-year-old Welcoming Guests Pine and See-Guest-Off Pine have become a symbol of Mt.Huangshan for being hospitable. Mt. Huangshan has over 200 misty and cloudy days each year. The vapors coagulate to produce a sea of clouds. As the clouds cover the mountain, they make you feel you are in fairyland. In 1990. Mt. Huangshan was listed as the world cultural and natural heritage.

4. Three Parallel Rivers National Park 三江并流

The Three Parallel Rivers National Park, namely the Jinsha, Nujiang and Lancang Rivers, form together in an unmatched natural miracle, a geographical accident of the Himalayan orogeny that began 40 million years ago. Originating on China's Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the three rivers are the upper reaches of the well-known Yangtze, Mekong, and Salween rivers. They flow 170 km from north to south, through the high mountains and ranges of Yunnan Province-the Dandanglika, the Gaoligong, the Nushan, and the Yunling-side by side without converging. The shortest distance between the Lancang and Jinsha rivers is 66 km; the Lancang and Nujiang rivers come to about 19 km of one another. In the 1980s, an official from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) found the three rivers running in parallel on a satellite map around 98-100 east longitude and 25-29 north latitude.

5. Wulingyuan (Zhangjiajie) National Park 武陵源(张家界)

Wulingyuan (Zhangjiajie) National Park, one of the most fantastic natural park in China, lies in the west of Hunan province. This marvelous natural phenomenon is more than 400 km² around and dominated by more than 3,000 narrow sandstone pillars and peaks, many over 200 m high. Between the peaks lie ravines and gorges with streams, pools and waterfalls, some 40 caves, and two large natural bridges. In addition to the striking beauty of the landscape, the region is also noted for the fact that it is home to a number of endangered plant and animal species. In 1992, the United Nations granted her the ''World Natural Heritage'' honor.

6. Stone Forest of Lunan National Park 路南石林

Stone Forest of Lunan National Park is located at 120 km southeast of Kunming. These fascinating stones was formed millions of years ago after the sea water receded and tectonic movements caused deep fissures to occur in the rock, which was then further by erosion processes. The stone forest consists of thousands of narrow, weirdly-shaped rocks towering up to a height of between 5 to 30 m, scattered over an area of more than 26,000 ha, but only 80 ha of this area is open to visitors. 

7. Mount Sanqing National Park 三清山

The Mount Sanqing Shan is a renowned Taoist Mountain situated 80 km north from Yushan, Jiangxi Province of  China with an outstanding scenery. It is now classified as a National Park under state protection. Mount Sanqing is famous for its three peaks: Jujing Peak, Yuhua Peak, and Yuxu Peak, which resemble the three gods worshipped in Taoism. The main peak, Yujing Peak, is as high as 1,817 m above sea level. On Mount Sanqing there are also rocks of various shapes and a number of Taoist buildings such as pavilions, gates, palaces, halls, and other buildings. It has become an attractive place for tourists.

8. Mount Tianzhu National Park 天柱山

Mount Tianzhu National Park (literally Heaven pillar mount) is located 20 km northeast of Qianshan County, Anqing City in Anhui Province. One of the famous sites is the Mystery Valley. It is a maze-like valley formed by the rocks falling from the mountain. The valley has 53 caves, which form a very complicated maze. Tianzhu Mountain has a total area of 333 km², and its main scenic zone covers 82.46 km². There are 45 peaks, 17 ridges, 18 cliffs, 22 caves, 86 grotesque rocks, 18 waterfalls and 17 springs. With towering pines, grotesque rocks, running waterfalls and springs, and canyons, secluded caves, defiles and ancient mountain strongholds, the mountain resort combines the features of both Huangshan Mountain and Lushan Mountain, imposing and tranquil.

9. Mount Lushan National Park 庐山

Mt. Lushan National Park is situated in Jiangxi, south of China. The park covers more than 780 km², and has over 90 mountain peaks. The tallest of these is Hanyang Peak, which reaches to the awesome height of over 4,800 ft. Mt Lushan is famed for its steep inclines and jaw-dropping ravines. There are twelve scenic areas in Mt Lushan National Park, including flower paths, lakes, and springs that have been marked out as especially breathtaking. Wulao Feng, at 4,700 ft above sea level, consists of five peaks, and is known for the great views hikers are rewarded with once they reach the top and can look over the forests in the foreground, and the distant mountains.

10. Mount Qomolangma (Everest) National Park 珠穆朗玛峰

Mt. Everest or Mt.Qomolangma National Park is a new development National Park in Tibet, China covers an area of 5,000 km². The 8,848 m (29,028 ft) world highest peak, snow capped throughout the year, massive glaciers and seracs feature a thrilling splendor. The peak has been a holy climbing attraction for world's mountaineers. In recent years, more and more mountaineers start from the Everest Base Camp, near to the Rongbuk Monastery, trying to conquer the world's highest peak while tourists trek to the foot of the peak to enjoy its beauty. Around the National Park, there are another four peaks above 8,000 m high, including Mt. Makarluh, Gosanthain, Zhuoyo, Shishabanma and other 14 peaks above 7,000 m, which form an amazing picture of Mt.Everest Natural Scenery Area with jokuls, peaks groups, and mountain waves.

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10 Largest National Parks in Australia

10 Largest National Parks in Australia

10 Largest Australia National Parks

1. Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is situated between the Wildman and East Alligator rivers, 200 km east of Darwin, Northern Territory. The largest National Park in Australia, covers an area of 19,804 km². One of the World Heritage Site that is a unique archaeological and ethnological reserve which has been inhabited continuously for 50,000 years covering almost the entire catchment of a major tropical monsoonal river system. It is a unique example of a complex of ecosystems, including tidal flats, floodplains, lowlands and plateaux, and provides a habitat for a wide range of rare and endemic species of plants and animals. In addition an immense range of cave paintings, rock carvings and archaeological sites record the skills and way of life of the region's inhabitants, from the hunter-gatherers of prehistoric times to the present Aboriginal inhabitants still living there provide an outstanding record of human interaction with the environment over tens of thousands of years.

2. Lake Eyre National Park

Lake Eyre National Park covers an area of 13,488 km² and is located in South Australia, 697 km north of Adelaide. The park contains both the North and South sections of Lake Eyre which is the largest salt lake on the continent of Australia, and also the lowest point in Australia which is 15 m below the sea level. The area is considered one of the harshest environments in Australia; it is remarkably transformed when occasionally it fills with water. Then, it is home to fish and a multitude of waterbirds. Camping is permitted; permits are available at the National Parks and Wildlife office in Port Augusta or the William Creek store.

3. Jutpurra National Park

Jutpurra National Park (formerly known as Gregory National Park), the second-largest National Park in Northern Territory, is an impressive 12,882 km² of ranges, gorges, sandstone and escarpment. Monsoon rainforest, eucalyptus and tall, arid grasses contrast with distinctive boab trees. The park features spectacular range and gorge scenery and significant traces of Aboriginal culture, European exploration and pastoral history.

4. Rudall River National Park

The Rudall River National Park (now called Karlamilyi National Park), rich in aboriginal culture and with an abundance of wildlife is 12,837 km², is the largest national park in Western Australia. It is also one of the most remote places in the world. The park is 420 km from Marble Bar and 260 km from Newman. Access is difficult and the public are not encouraged to visit the park as the conditions are rough and there are no facilities by way of fresh water supplies, signage, park ranger services, camping facilities or picnic areas, and neither the mining companies nor the Aboriginal communities have stores of food, water or fuel for travellers.

5. Simpson Desert National Park

Bordered by South Australia and the Northern Territory, the Simpson Desert National Park is the largest National Park in Queensland, covers an area of 10,120 km² and is a suitable destination for 4WDs only. For those interested in remote desert camping, this park should be put in the first choice. Red sand dunes carpeted with spinifex and broken intermittently by valleys spotted with wattles and scrub create a most wonderful Australian scene. Inhabited more than 180 species of birds, including the Eyrean grasswren, and numerous mammals and reptiles live in the park.

6. Witjira National Park

Witjira National Park covers 7,700 km² of gibber, sand dunes, stony tablelands and floodplain country on the western edge of the Simpson Desert in the far north of South Australia, 987 km north of Adelaide. It is truly spectacular country with vast landscapes including many areas of considerable archaeological, biological and geological interest. The attraction of the Dalhousie mound springs, combined with some delightful camping spots and upgraded visitor facilities, make Witjira one of the most popular and famous Desert Parks. The springs are home to unique species of fish such as the Dalhousie goby and other rare aquatic life.

7. Kosciuszko National Park

The 6,904 km² of Kosciuszko National Park include the highest peaks of Snowy Mountains, which are rarely alpine in character. They include Mount Kosciuszko, at 2,228 m the highest mountain in Australia. The park is popular as a recreational area all year round. The snow lies for months in winter, allowing most kinds of winter sport and activity to take place. In summer the fascinating variety of its flora and fauna attracts bush walkers, climbers, anglers and water sport enthusiasts.

8. Alpine National Park

Alpine National Park at 6,606 km² is the Victoria's largest and protects our highest mountains and varied alpine environments. Extensive snowfields are the primary winter attraction; the warmer months bring stunning wildflower displays and opportunities for bushwalks and four wheel driving. Enjoy varied and beautiful summer wildflowers, and discover a whole range of other plants and animals, all adapted to cope with climatic extremes. The Alpine National Park has the greatest range of flora and fauna of any national park in Victoria.

9. Murray-Sunset National Park

Murray-Sunset National Park, covers an area of 6,330 km²  is Victoria's second largest national park and contains four designated wilderness zones. Discover the park's vast open spaces, isolation, abundant wildlife and colourful spring wildflowers. The park is one of the few remaining semi-arid regions in the world where the environment is relatively untouched and is home to Victoria's largest flower, the Murray Lily, and Australia's rarest bird, the Black-Eared Miner. Explore diverse habitats, including billabongs and floodplains near the Murray River, grasslands, native pine woodlands, Mallee covered dunes, saltbush flats and Pink Lake.

10. Karijini National Park

Previously known as the Hamersley Range, Karijini National Park is the second largest National Park in Western Australia which covers 6,274 km² and is a whopping 1,600 km from Perth. It is a truly beautiful region of the country and a highlight for many travellers, with its distinct brick-red canyons, gorges and rock pools. The walking and hiking here is particularly good, with Oxers Lookout presiding over Hancock, Joffre, Red, and Weano gorges being particularly humbling.

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