Beekeeping in China - in pictures
Beekeepers tend a stunning array of hives on a cliffside in Shennongjia nature reserve, Hubei province, China
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Hundreds of beehives hang from a cliff 1200 meters above sea level on a mountain in Shennongjia nature reserve.
Photograph: Xinhua News Agency/Rex Features
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The hives are located in a conservation area and are hung on the side of a cliff to imitate the insects’ natural habitat in the hopes of attracting wild bees.
Photograph: Xinhua/Landov/Barcroft Media
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The wooden boxes are balanced on the mountains of the reserve and the beekeeper has to climb on top of them to get to the next one.
Photograph: Xinhua/Landov/Barcroft Media
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According to the Bee World Project, China currently produces half the world’s honey.
Photograph: Xinhua/Landov/Barcroft Media
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The average honey bee makes a mere 1/12 teaspoon of honey in her lifetime.
Photograph: Xinhua News Agency/Rex Features
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Checking the honey.
Photograph: Xinhua /Landov / Barcroft Media
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Shennongjia Natural Reserve was established in 1982 and encompasses three vertical vegetation zones. The reserve also contains a wide variety of medicinal plants.
Photograph: Xinhua News Agency/Rex Features
