Hoh Xil(kekexili) Nature Reserve

The fairyland Hoh Xil (Kekexili), literally meaning 'fair maiden' in Mongolian, is located in the northwest of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, between the great Tanggula Mountain and Kunlun Mountain. It is the largest uninhabited area in China, being the third in the world, and also the last virgin land on the earth.

The land is at a high altitude of over 5,000 m. (16,404 ft.) on average, without any shield in the surrounding. It is attacked by the chill and strong wind all the year round. Due to the atrocious weather, the area is not fit for human habitation, whereas, it becomes the paradise of hardy wild animals. Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve is one of the largest and richest nature reserves in China. There are a total of over 230 species of wild animals here, many of which are under the national key protection. Tibetan antelopes, called 'Pride of Hoh Xil', are a special species of China, being the first-class national protected animals, and also the endangered ones that are prohibited to trade by the international law. For the protection of wild animals in Hoh Xil, the Tibet Railway is built on the bridge 3 - 4 m. (10 C 13 ft.) high, while special passages for the wild animals are channeled under the bridge according to their migration habits.