China Races to Build World's Largest National Park System by 2035

As of November 2025, China is making significant strides in establishing the world's largest national park system. The country has set an ambitious goal to create 49 national parks by 2035, a plan that is already well underway.

In 2021, China launched its first five national parks, which combined cover more than 88,000 square miles of protected land. These parks are home to almost 30% of China's most important wildlife species, including habitats for endangered big cats, rare primates, and thousands of pandas. Over the next decade, China's national park footprint is expected to expand to more than 270 million acres, dwarfing the size of the entire U.S. National Park System.

The impact of these new parks is already evident. Wildlife populations that were once in decline have started to rebound. Tibetan antelope numbers have increased from fewer than 20,000 in the 1980s to more than 70,000 today, while the Hainan gibbon population has grown from 35 to 42 individuals. Even wild leopards have seen a boost, with their numbers rising from 42 to 80. Officials credit much of this recovery to the parks' focus on restoring natural ecosystems and limiting human activity in core areas.

While the parks have strict conservation zones, they also offer opportunities for eco-tourism, allowing visitors to catch glimpses of China's diverse wildlife. Local communities are being encouraged to participate in park management and develop sustainable businesses, further integrating conservation and economic development.