Jiuzhaigou in Sichuan province is a World Natural Heritage site. (Photo/Chinanews.com)

China has now opened 11,800 nature reserves, which make up over 18 percent of the country’s territory, according to statistics released during a work conference recently held by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration in Hefei, capital of eastern province Anhui.

90.5 percent of known terrestrial eco-system types are protected thanks to these nature reserves, alongside 85 percent of wildlife species and 65 percent of higher plant communities.

By the end of 2018, China was home to a total of 474 national-level nature reserves, of which 11 were newly established.

The country is home to 13 World Natural Heritage sites, and 4 World Mixed Cultural and Natural Heritage sites, both ranking first worldwide. China also has 37 World Geoparks and 71 national special marine protection areas.

It’s reported that China will strengthen the construction and management of nature reserves in the future.