Hoh Xil covers the northern part of Xizang known as the Qiangtang Grassland, the area south of the Kunlun Mountains in Qinghai, and the regions of Xinjiang bordering Xizang and Qinghai.

Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve is situated in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in southwestern Qinghai, spanning an area of 45,000 square kilometers. The name Hoh Xil derives from the Mongolian language, meaning blue-green mountain ridges. In the Tibetan language, this region is called Aqiong Gongjia.

It ranks among the world’s best-preserved primitive ecological zones, as well as one of China’s largest, highest-altitude nature reserves with the most abundant wild animal resources.

Hoh Xil features an extremely harsh climate and severe natural conditions, making it uninhabitable for humans on a long-term basis. It is therefore known as the Forbidden Zone of Life. Nevertheless, such an environment has created unique living conditions for plateau wildlife, turning the land into a Paradise for Wild Animals.

Note that Hoh Xil (the region) and Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve are two distinct geographical concepts.