TianZi Natural reserve

Rebuilding a tropical ecosystem around the orchid

Dans le cadre de son engagement pour la biodiversité, Guerlain œuvre depuis plus de 10 ans à la préservation des orchidées dans leur habitat naturel.

This commitment is exemplified in particular by the support provided to the Tianzi Nature Reserve since 2011, located in Yunnan, China — the native habitat of many orchid species.

Orchid, an iconic ingredient in Guerlain creations

With more than 30,000 species, orchids possess an inestimable biological capital. Queen of tree-dwelling flowers, the orchid can have a lifespan of 100 years and beyond, even in the most hostile environments.

Tianzi, in the south-west of China, is the kingdom of a variety of orchid brimming with an exceptional age-defying power. The destiny of this flower is intrinsically linked to that of its original tropical forest ecosystem in Yunnan.

Explore the secrets of orchid resilience

To explore the resilience secrets of the orchid – the exceptional raw material of the Orchidée Impériale skincare line – Guerlain developed an original research platform named the Orchidarium®.

It encompasses three centres: a fundamental Research Laboratory that explores the age-defying benefits of orchids and an experimental garden, both located in Geneva, Switzerland; and the Exploratory Reserve of Tianzi.

An exceptional reserve
in the heart of Yunnan

Since 2011, Guerlain has supported the Tianzi project, a reforestation and orchid reintroduction programme in one of the flower’s natural birthplaces. The 400-hectare (988-acre) sanctuary aims to restore the original tropical mountain forest ecosystem while supporting local economic development.

A project structured
in two phases, each lasting ten years

The first phase (2011–2021) saw approximately 30 hectares (74 acres) replanted, with over 2,000 orchids and 4,000 trees planted.

The second phase (2021–2030) aims to plant an additional 30 hectares (74 acres) at a rate of 3 hectares (7.4 acres) per year.

It focuses on strengthening local biodiversity, protecting endangered species, and improving the living conditions of local communities through employment, training, and the production of high-quality products (Pu’er tea, honey, medicinal plants, etc.).

Reintroducing Vanda coerulea,
a rare and endangered species

In 2024, Guerlain launched a specific reintroduction programme for Vanda Coerulea within the Tianzi Reserve. This orchid was the first to be studied by the Maison and lies at the source of the success of the Orchidée Impériale line.

This now-endangered flower plays a vital ecological role in the ecosystems of southern Yunnan. Its reintroduction is scientifically supported by the Department of Ecological and Environmental Sciences at Yunnan University.

Bee School

Raising awareness from an early age