Beijing is currently one of the world's most surprising capitals when it comes to urban biodiversity. Behind the skyscrapers and busy thoroughfares lies a mosaic of ecosystems, plant species, and conservation projects. These are changing the face of the city and the perception of nature in a metropolitan context.
Beijing, capital of biodiversity
Over the past decade, Beijing has invested in restoring natural habitats, creating ecological corridors, and expanding urban green spaces. Today, 151 types of natural and semi-natural ecosystems have been identified in the municipality, spread across mountains, plains, wetlands, rivers, and city parks, demonstrating a landscape far richer than one would expect from a megalopolis.
According to the latest White Paper on Biodiversity, 7,121 species of wild plants and animals live within the Beijing area. UA number that places the capital among the most vibrant urban areas nationwide. This achievement is the result of targeted interventions on air quality, water management, and soil protection, which have favored the return of sensitive species and the emergence of new ecological balances.
The key role of the National Botanical Garden
The green heart of this transformation is the Beijing National Botanical Garden, recognized as China's first national botanical garden. Over 18,000 plant species are preserved here, including nearly 1,000 rare or threatened species, through scientific collections, themed greenhouses, and vast outdoor gardens that serve as an open-air "gene bank.".
The National Botanical Garden is not only a place of scenic beauty, but also a center for advanced research on conservation, ex-situ reproduction, and the reintroduction of endangered species into the wild. At the same time, it plays a fundamental educational role. Exhibitions, guided tours, and events dedicated to families help citizens and tourists understand the value of biodiversity and the importance of more sustainable lifestyles.
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A green city model to follow
Beijing's experience demonstrates that even a large capital city can become a haven for biodiversity if environmental protection is integrated into urban planning policies and citizen services. The combination of peri-urban protected areas, botanical gardens, linear parks along waterways, and neighborhood green spaces creates an ecological network that supports both human well-being and the conservation of thousands of species.
For those who visit the city and the zoo, Discovering this green side means experiencing a different kind of tourism, made up of strolls through tropical greenhouses, botanical trails, and birdwatching in humid parks, far from the usual itineraries. For other global metropolises, Beijing offers a concrete example of how biodiversity can become not only a natural heritage to be protected, but also a driver of quality of life, environmental education, and economic development linked to sustainable tourism.