Daliu Grassland
Subtitle: An Untouched Sanctuary: Discovering Daliu Grassland, East China's Last Primordial Prairie
I. A Landscape Born of Vision and Care
Nestled approximately 3.5 kilometers west of Daliu Town in Nanqiao District, Chuzhou City, Anhui Province, lies a remarkable and serene expanse known as Daliu Grassland. Accessible via a 36-kilometer journey on the S311 provincial road, this vast grassland covers over 8,000 acres (more than 5,300 hectares). Its origins are deeply rooted in modern Chinese history, tracing back to the 1950s when it was established as the largest pasture in eastern China under the direct personal guidance of Premier Zhou Enlai. Initially serving as a breeding base for New Zealand sheep, this pastoral legacy has endured, shaping the land's character for decades.
II. The Unique Ecological Tapestry of Daliu
A. A Botanical Treasure What truly sets Daliu Grassland apart is its pristine ecological state. It is recognized as the only original, ecologically intact natural grassland in the entire East China region. The land remains an uncultivated virgin territory, a pure sanctuary untouched by large-scale development. This status is upheld by the presence of a special resident: the nationally protected Grade II grass species known as Chinese lawngrass (Zoysia sinica) or "Zhonghua Jielü Cao," which carpets the terrain.
B. A Harmonious Ecosystem The grassland exists in perfect harmony with its surroundings. Encircled by tens of thousands of acres of lush forests, it is part of a greater ecological network. Just over 10 kilometers away lies the stunning Huangfu Mountain National Forest Park and Nature Reserve. Significantly, the Qingliu River, a secondary tributary of the mighty Yangtze River, finds its source within this very watershed. This interplay of prairie, forest, and water source creates a biodiverse haven that feels both ancient and nurturing—often described metaphorically as a mother with rolling mountain ridges for arms, cradling all life within.
III. Experiencing the Multifaceted Beauty
A. A Symphony of Senses Daliu Grassland presents a captivating blend of visual grandeur and profound tranquility. It combines the rugged, expansive feel of northern steppes with the delicate, lush greenery typical of southern meadows. The landscape is punctuated by two reservoirs, gleaming like brilliant pearls set upon an emerald-green velvet cloth. Here, the cacophony of modern urban life—the concrete, the noise—fades into oblivion. Visitors are invited to lie back on the grass, close their eyes, and be enveloped by a natural symphony: the chorus of frogs, the melodies of birds, and the whispering wind. This auditory tapestry fosters a deep, instinctive connection with the natural world.
B. Vistas and Vitality Ascending to the highest points of the pasture rewards the visitor with breathtaking panoramic views. The vast openness inspires a sense of boundless freedom and mental clarity, often stirring a visceral urge to shout aloud, offering a powerful release from the accumulated pressures of daily work and life. This is a landscape that engages the spirit as much as the senses.
C. A Living, Productive Pasture Importantly, Daliu remains a working, natural pasture. This active agricultural life adds to its authentic charm. Herds of cattle and sheep drift leisurely under vast skies of white clouds and brilliant blue, accompanied by the distant calls of herders. Within the grassland, two crystal-clear ponds attract various birds, from playful, unnamed species to elegant egrets that might swoop unexpectedly past visitors. Adjacent to the grasslands, hundreds of acres of chestnut orchards and tea plantations thrive. Autumn brings bountiful chestnuts hanging from branches, while spring renews the tea gardens with vibrant green leaves and delicate fragrances.
D. Seasonal Bounties Throughout the seasons, the grassland, surrounding forests, and orchards yield a variety of edible wild plants and mountain delicacies. For the discerning visitor, a timely trip can offer the unexpected reward of foraging for these natural treasures.
IV. Practical Information and Responsible Visitation
A. Accessibility and Atmosphere Despite its untouched feel, Daliu Grassland is conveniently accessible via a winding cement road that leads directly to the area. As a productive pastureland, it has consciously avoided formal tourism development, meticulously preserving its original ecological beauty. This very quality has made it an increasingly popular retreat for residents of fast-paced metropolitan areas like Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hefei. On weekends and holidays, the once-quiet grassland and nearby town gain a lively, bustling atmosphere from the influx of visitors and vehicles, yet the essential character of the place remains.
B. A Collective Duty of Care 1. Preservation of a Fragile Heritage The most critical note for any prospective visitor is an appeal for conscious and respectful tourism. As East China's sole primordial grassland, Daliu is an irreplaceable fragment of natural heritage. Its existence as a "pure land" is fragile.
2. Guidelines for Visitors It is the collective responsibility of all who enjoy its splendor to protect it. This means adhering to principles of "leave no trace," refraining from any activity that could damage the turf or pollute the environment, and showing utmost respect for the local flora and fauna. Loving this grassland translates into actively protecting every single blade of its precious grass.
Contact: 13956302168 Opening Hours: All day, every day (Monday through Sunday, January 1 to December 31).