Sept. 12, 2016 -- 2016 is a crucial year for Hoh Xil Nature Reserve in Qinghai province which is applying for the UNESCO world natural heritage status. The environmental rehabilitation and construction of protection facilities in this reserve have been under way.

In July this year, the Hoh Xil Nature Reserve delegation attended the 40th general assembly of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee. The delegation met with officials of the World Heritage Centre and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), introduced its work progress, and handed out publicity manuals and video clips.

A more thorough report on the ecological protection progress will be presented to the World Conservation Congress in September.

Experts from the IUCN will conduct a field assessment next month and meet in December to give proposals. The official assessment report will be released next year.

The reserve covers an area of 45,000 sq kilometers that encompasses China's largest area of uninhabited land. It is home to several endangered species, including Tibetan antelopes.

By: Tian Guangshan  Liu Qiang