At the height of summer in July, the slopes of the Xiaowangjian State-owned Ecological Forest Farm in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province are painted with striking patches of orange-red—the famed Shandan lilies are in full bloom.  

Known scientifically as Lilium pumilum, the Shandan is also called the slender- leaved lily or wild lily. In places like Inner Mongolia, it is known as "Sarilang." It is native to Hebei, Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces, as well as Northeast China, and also grows in Russia and North Korea. 

The Shandan bears vivid orange-red flowers with petals that curl back and are typically spotless—this is its main distinction from the tiger lily, which has purple-black spots. The plant is delicate and slender, growing 15 to 60 cm tall, with thread-like, bright green leaves. Its peak bloom period falls between July and August, and it is reputed to be "the most beautiful mountain flower in the Qinling Mountains." It thrives in well-drained and slightly acidic soil, enjoys plenty of sunlight, is highly cold-resistant, and grows wild on grassy slopes or forest edges. Its bulbs have both medicinal and culinary uses, known for moistening the lungs, soothing the mind, and nourishing yin, making it a valuable wild resource that serves as both a food and medicine. 

Shandan lilies mostly grow naturally on sunny slopes at elevations between 800 and 2,600 meters. They have not only high ornamental value but also high ecological value. Their dense, fine root systems make them highly effective at soil stabilization and slope protection. As a rare native herb endemic to the Qinling Mountains and a locally protected wild plant, they serve as a key ecological indicator of ecological health in the region. Their flourishing over large expanses  signals improvements in the local forest environment and biodiversity. 

Thanks to years of consistent, rigorous management and ecological restoration, the wild Shandan's growing environment within the Xiaowangjian Forest Farm has continued to improve. Natural regeneration has steadily increased, and the population size, distribution range, and overall vitality have all shown marked improvement. The blooming Shandan lilies not only add vibrant beauty to the Qinling region's lush landscapes but also testify to the forest farm’s sustained efforts in biodiversity conservation and in strengthening the ecological security barrier of the Qinling Mountains.  

(Source: Xi'an Forestry Bureau)