Inside China's national parks as wildlife rebounds

China's national park system is staring to deliver.

Ecosystem quality is improving, flagship species are bouncing back and local communities are reaping green development fruits, according to the National Forestry and Grassland Administration.

The first-group national parks have restored habitats across the Yangtze, Yellow and Lancang river sources, and linked 13 isolated giant panda populations.

Tibetan antelopes have surpassed 70,000.

Siberian tigers have grown from 27 to 72, while Amur leopards from 42 to 115.

The Hainan gibbon population now stands at 44 individuals across seven family groups.

Multiple new species including Megophrys godzilla have been discovered in Wuyishan National Park.

For eco‑benefit initiatives, authorities have kept improving ecological compensation mechanisms to let local communities share the dividends of conservation efforts.

Conservation is also helping communitites.

Some 50,000 residents have been hired as ecological rangers, earning $1,400‑$2,800 a year.

Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park has leveraged its rich natural resources to push its gross ecosystem product to $29.22 billion.

Wuyishan's new scenic byway, connecting more than 30 natural and cultural landmarks, has generated over $8.4 million in annual local revenue, a model for balancing protection with growth. (Cover via VCG)