Pangquangou National Nature Reserve of Shanxi Province straddles the border between the northwest of Jiaocheng County and the northeast of Fangshan County. It lies in the middle section of the Lüliang Mountains. Classified as a wildlife nature reserve, it focuses on protecting the brown eared-pheasant, a rare bird endemic to China, as well as its habitats.

As a national nature reserve, Pangquangou Scenic Area safeguards forest ecosystems and wild animals, with priority given to brown eared-pheasants and secondary forests of larch and spruce in North China. It forms the core part of Guandi Mountain National Forest Park and stands as a rare oasis on the Loess Plateau.

Pangquangou boasts distinct scenery all year round. In spring, mountains are covered in greenery and filled with floral fragrance; in summer, vast sea of clouds stretches endlessly; in autumn, frosted red leaves blaze like fire; in winter, the whole land is wrapped in snow. There are ten peaks above 2,000 metres in elevation. The main peak, Xiaowen Mountain, rises to 2,831 metres, the highest summit of the Lüliang Mountains. The reserve enjoys a temperate semi-humid climate, with vegetation including cold-temperate coniferous forests, cold-temperate mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests, and temperate mixed broad-leaved forests. The primitive ecological system remains intact.

The brown eared-pheasant, a national Class I protected species living here, features gorgeous plumage and is known for being bold and aggressive. In China, this species can only be found in Pangquangou and Luya Mountain Reserves in Shanxi. Together with giant pandas and golden monkeys, it is honoured as a national treasure and designated as the provincial bird of Shanxi Province.

Major natural scenic spots include: Sunrise over Cloud Summit, Longquan Waterfall, Glowing Bijia Peak, Verdant Dusk at Wenyuan, Ancient Pagoda Pines, Auspicious Mist at Heavenly Gate, Lion Peak in Sunset Glow, Phoenix Watching the Pagoda, Suffering Stone Pig, Wind-Moved Rock and Immortal Cave. "Auspicious Mist at Heavenly Gate" refers to the unique view after summer rains, when clouds drift above the forest canopy and blend with the sunset.

On the watershed between Jiaocheng and Fangshan stands a hexagonal pavilion with yellow glazed tiles, stately and elegant. A horizontal plaque inscribed with "Verdant Dusk at Wenyuan" hangs beneath the eaves. Not far from the foot of Yunding Mountain (2,670 metres above sea level), three tall pine trees stand in a straight line, shaped just like ancient pagodas. Pine cones swaying in the wind resemble wind chimes hanging on towers. Locally known as "Ancient Pagoda Pines", they form a beautiful contrast with Longquan Waterfall.

Xiaowen Mountain rises on the northern edge of the reserve. Facing south towards the sun, it is also called Nanyang Mountain. With an altitude of 2,831 metres, it is the highest peak of Guandi Mountain and the tallest mountain within the reserve, famous for its North China larch forests.

According to Records of Yongning Prefecture compiled during the Kangxi reign (1661–1722): "Emperor Xiaowen (Yuan Hong) of the Northern Wei retreated to this mountain during his mourning period for his mother, hence the mountain got its name." An ancient stele left by Emperor Xiaowen is well-preserved on the mountain with legible inscriptions, possessing extremely high historical value. The stele forms a unique attraction here: the Ancient Xiaowen Stele.

Address: Pangquangou Town, Jiaocheng County, Lüliang City, Shanxi Province Telephone: 0358-3595120