A Unique Wall of Beehives—China's Only Wild Bee Sanctuary (5 photos)
In the Shennongjia National Nature Reserve, located in China's Hubei Province, 700 hives are nestled on a rock face at a tremendous altitude. Wild bees, almost extinct in other regions of the country, live here. Beekeepers must climb steep slopes to harvest honey, but this is the only way to preserve this unique bee species, which is on the verge of extinction. 
Beekeeping has existed in China since the 2nd century CE. About half of the world's honey comes from here. However, over 80% of the local wild bee populations have disappeared. Scientists believe the main reason for their extinction was the introduction of European honeybees (Apis mellifera). As a result, Chinese beehives began to be attacked by new infections, disrupting the mating rituals of local bees. 
The Chinese honeybee (Apis cerana cerana) is now considered an endangered species, which is why the cliffside hives in the Shennongjia National Nature Reserve are among the most protected natural sites in the country. 
The so-called "Wall of Hives" is a unique bee sanctuary consisting of 700 wooden boxes attached to a sheer rock face over 1,200 meters above sea level. The wooden hives were attached to the cliff face to provide a home for local wild bees. They have become home to thousands of this rare insect species. 
To reach the upper hives, beekeepers use the lower ones as steps. Climbing to the top of the cliff is only possible with a rope. Although this is no easy task, it is the only way to protect the bees from bears, who come here in search of honey and can destroy the hives. The hives' high elevation prevents wild animals from reaching the delicacy. 
The Shennongjia National Nature Reserve is particularly suitable for beekeeping because it straddles several climate zones—subtropical, temperate, and cold temperate. With approximately 1,300 plant species growing here, it's a true bee paradise.
There are many species of bees in nature, including some quite unusual ones. Vulture bees, which live in North and Central America, feed on carrion but produce high-quality honey.
