Field Trips
实地考察
2. Bubeng Field Station & Wantianshu Lowland Rainforest Canopy Ecology
Practical Information
Dates: Available on July 3 2026
Duration: Full day
Departure time: 08:00
Travel time from Jinghong: Approx. 2 hours each way
Difficulty level: Moderate (forest terrain and canopy access)
Estimated return time to Jinghong: approx. 20:00
Fee: USD 90 per person (approx. RMB 600)
Fee includes
• Round-trip transportation
• Scientific guiding and interpretation
• Canopy access and research infrastructure coordination
• Lunch
• Dinner
Estimated return time to Jinghong: approx. 20:00
Scientific Lead
XTBG Scientific Coordination Team
Scientific Lead
XTBG Scientific Coordination Team
Academic Focus
This flagship excursion provides an in-depth exploration of lowland tropical rainforest ecosystems in southern Yunnan, with emphasis on canopy ecology, forest dynamics, and long-term ecological monitoring. Participants will engage with both cutting edge research infrastructure at the Bubeng Field Station owns by XTBG and canopy-level ecological perspectives within Parashorea chinensis-dominated rainforest systems. Bubeng is located close to the borders with Laos with typical tropical Asian physiognomy forest dominated by Parashorea chinensis.
Scientific Highlights
Iconic Old-growth lowland Asian tropical rainforest structure
Dominance of Parashorea chinensis (Dipterocarpaceae family) in regional forest systems
XTBG managed Forest-Geo Permanent forest dynamics and monitoring plots
Forest biomass and carbon research initiatives
Modern Canopy crane-based ecological observation station
On-site comparison of vertical forest stratification structure
Site Context
The Bubeng Field Station represents one of the most intact lowland Asian tropical rainforest research sites in China, located near the northern edge of tropical Asia. The surrounding rainforest landscape provides critical habitat continuity and supports long-term biodiversity monitoring programs conducted by XTBG.
Together, these sites offer complementary perspectives on forest structure, canopy processes, and conservation science within a broader Asian tropical landscape context.
What participants will experience
Participants will be divided into two rotating groups to ensure optimal engagement and safety:
• Group A– Morning at Bubeng Field Station; afternoon in the Wantianshu rainforest canopy system
• Group B– Morning in the Wantianshu rainforest canopy system; afternoon at Bubeng Field Station
At Bubeng, participants will explore permanent forest plots and research infrastructure under scientific guidance from XTBG ecologists. Subject to operational conditions, small groups will access canopy-level observation through the forest crane system. A visit to Bubeng ecological station will enable you to witness the breathtaking vegetation of natural forests in tropical China.
Within the Wantianshu rainforest, participants will walk along an elevated canopy access structure, enabling direct observation of upper forest strata, canopy architecture, and microclimatic gradients. Wantianshu Scenic Area is a breathtaking tourist spot composed of natural forest dominated by Parashorea chinensis. At scenic area, while contemplating the natural beauty of the vegetation, visitors can also experience walking through a canopy walkway (500 meters long) at 60 m high, meaning walking through the canopy of Parashorea chinensis.
Photos: Zhang Peng
