Che Tao - Mu Cang Chai Species Habitat Conservation Area is located more than 30km from the district center, hidden in the thick fog on the winding roads through the mountains, creating a magical and mysterious beauty, attracting anyone who sets foot here.
This place is located in the communes of Che Tao, Nam Khat, Pung Luong, Lao Chai, De Xu Phinh, with a total area of over 20,290 hectares.
The reserve is an arc formed by a mountain system from 1,700 - 2,500m high, surrounding Che Tao commune and the headwaters of Nam Chai river, this is the protective forest area of the Da river system basin.
Located on the majestic Hoang Lien Son mountain range, Che Tao forest is considered the most beautiful primeval forest because it is still quite intact with many species of broadleaf and coniferous trees and rich vegetation with 788 species of higher plants.
Along with that are over 3,000 naturally growing po mu trees, mainly concentrated in Che Tao commune, most of which are over 100 years old, some trees have a diameter of over 2m, of which over 1,000 trees have a diameter of 1-1.8m, height of 15-20m.
In particular, on the eastern mountain top, there is a valley nearly 1km2 wide, very flat, mixed subtropical broadleaf and coniferous forest with some dominant tree species such as ironwood, frangipani, re huong, Lao oak with a diameter of 2 - 3m.
In addition, there are also 221 species, 162 genera, 61 families of terrestrial vertebrates; including 53 species of mammals, 130 species of birds, 26 species of reptiles, 12 species of amphibians...
In particular, this place also has some herds of pure black gibbons and many other rare species of animals and plants that are strictly protected by the Party Committee, government and people.
According to the Head of the Forest Ranger Department of Mu Cang Chai District, Tran Xuan Duong, the individuals of the po mu and ironwood trees that were discovered a long time ago have great historical value.
"Because it is hundreds of years old, it is very useful for preserving genetic resources, studying the past environment, and studying the cultural features of this place," said Mr. Tran Xuan Duong.
