The Maolan National Nature Reserve covers 21,285 hectares of karst forest in the hills surrounding the Libo scenic zones, and together with the Libo karst landscape it forms the UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2007. The forest here is the largest intact karst forest in Asia — subtropical broadleaf woodland growing on and between limestone towers, with species diversity that includes over 1,600 vascular plant species, 300 vertebrates, and numerous endemic invertebrates that have evolved in isolation within the karst systems.
The reserve is less visited than the scenic zones because it requires more effort: the main entrance is outside the tourist shuttle system, and the trails are longer and less well-maintained than the scenic zone boardwalks. This is also why it is worth visiting if you have an extra day and want to see the karst landscape without the tour group infrastructure. The forest in the reserve shows how the scenic zone areas would look without the paths, the barriers, and the shuttles — which is to say, more overwhelming but less photogenic.
Access to the reserve requires a separate ticket and is usually by private vehicle or hired motorbike taxi from Libo town. A local guide is advisable for longer trails.