In Tibetan, Shenzha means in front of a ravine shaped like a leather bellows. It is located in the central Xizang Autonomous Region and western Nagqu, between the Gangdise Range and Siling Tso, the second largest lake in northern Xizang.

Shenzha Nature Reserve was established in 1993 near Shenzha County. It is a true haven for birds, gathering more than 120 bird species and presenting spectacular views. It is also China’s largest and highest-altitude reserve and breeding ground for the black-necked crane, a national first-class protected species.

The reserve sits in a broad lake basin dotted with large lakes in the southern inland area of Qiangtang. Geren Tso Lake inside the reserve covers 476 square kilometers with a water surface elevation of 4,650 meters. Its low mineral content creates an ideal habitat for aquatic organisms and waterfowl. Marsh meadows dominated by large wormwood spread across low-lying lake areas. Together with inland rivers such as Baru Zangbo and Yongzhu Zangbo, they form a well-preserved inland wetland ecosystem, perfectly suited for black-necked cranes. It is the most prominent among China’s seven existing black-necked crane reserves.