The site was recognized as a UNESCO International Man and Biosphere Reserve in 1993. It has more than 50 rare plant species, and there are several endangered animal species, including Asian elephants, Indo-Chinese tigers, and gibbons.
The climate of Xishuangbanna is very humid. Because the nature reserve is surrounded by mountains, it’s protected from cold north winds and opened to maritime moisture. Annual precipitation fluctuates from 40 to 80 inches a year.
