The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is an international organization dedicated to preserving and promoting locations of profound geological significance that chronicle Earth's history, its evolutionary journey and its climatic shifts. Globally, China leads the way with 49 UNESCO-recognized geoparks.
A mountain steppe in the Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark in Shaanxi Province (GAO WENXIN)
Earth's evolution museum
A geopark sprawling 1,074.85 square kilometers, Qinling Zhongnanshan chronicles the tumultuous past of our planet and the continental collision and amalgamation that have sculpted China's landmass.
Remarkably, Cuihua Mountain, located inside the geopark, features a landslide volume of 300 million cubic meters, ranking third globally, and the largest single collapsed rock in China, with a volume of 89,640 cubic meters.
Glaciers have carved distinctive landforms throughout the geopark, including the U-Shaped Valley, with clear glacial striations and sapphire-like cirque lakes. These glacial remnants hold high scientific value and create the geopark's magnificent, rugged landscape.
The geopark's spectacular landscape is also a colorful canvas for human activities. It bears the imprint of the Lantian Man, who utilized stone tools and harnessed the power of fire, igniting the earliest flames of civilization. Their fossils were found at the site of the Lantian Man in Lantian County, Shaanxi in the 1960s. A research team dated the fossils to 1.63 million years ago, making them the oldest Homo erectus fossils in northeast Asia. The site offers valuable resources for paleoanthropologists studying early humans in China.
(COURTESY OF QINLING ZHONGNANSHAN MANAGEMENT CENTER)
Ecological treasure trove
The Qinling Mountains stand as a natural boundary between north and south China. The mountains stretch from warm to cold temperate zones, resulting in rich biodiversity. It is home to over 3,100 plant species including national treasures such as gingko trees, Shensi fir trees and Kingdonia uniflora, an endangered perennial herb. The geopark's wild animals include some of China's most iconic species, such as snub-nosed monkeys, crested ibises, giant pandas and takins. The flora and fauna offer picturesque views.
The ecological significance of the geopark extends beyond its species diversity; it functions as a critical ecological regulator. The extensive forests act like the region's "green lungs" and play a crucial role in moderating Xi'an's climate. Additionally, rivers such as the Heihe, which originates here, serve as invaluable water sources for Shaanxi's Guanzhong Plain.
Civilization veins
At the foot of the Qinling Mountains, sounds of Qinqiang Opera fill the air and delicate paper-cutting art draws inspiration from the geopark's flora and fauna. A celebrated form of Chinese opera, Qinqiang Opera is deeply rooted in Shaanxi and its surrounding northwestern provinces and autonomous regions. Local celebrations, such as the Mountaineering and Bauhinia festivals, showcase traditional customs and the geopark's rich culture. Traditional farming techniques used in the area reflect a profound philosophy of living in harmony with nature.
Now, the geopark is becoming a dynamic window for sharing Chinese culture with the world. The Qinling International Juvenile Geoscience Campsite is particularly instrumental, bringing young people from across the globe to the geopark, who immerse themselves in traditional Chinese culture.
Science popularization
Qinling Zhongnanshan has established a comprehensive science education system, serving as a vital platform for disseminating geological knowledge and fostering enthusiasm in science.
The geopark offers a wide range of geological science popularization programs featuring vibrant activities. Over 10 types of popular science publications have been released, including photography albums, promotional leaflets, maps and bilingual popular science books for children, catering to a wide range of audiences. To showcase Qinling Zhongnanshan's geological splendor, the geopark has also developed distinct emblems, theme songs, promotional videos and short films. The ongoing third upgrade and revision of the geopark's Chinese and English websites, along with the creation of a virtual digital museum, enable the public to explore the geopark remotely. During popular science festivals and school breaks, engaging courses and volunteer service activities are organized.
This commitment to public education is underpinned by robust scientific research. Generations of scientists, exemplified by academicians like geologist Zhang Guowei, have dedicated themselves to researching the Qinling Mountains, establishing a systematic framework for researching orogenic belts in the region. Orogenic belts are vast areas of Earth's crust formed during mountain-building events where tectonic plates converge, leading to compression, uplift and folding. The geopark fosters collaborations with numerous universities and research institutions, drawing a large number of scientists and students for geological surveys and research. These scientific endeavors not only advance the field of geology but are also translated into engaging and accessible popular science content, offering the public insights into the latest scientific discoveries.
Coexistence and development
The establishment of the geopark has brought new opportunities for the development of surrounding communities. The geopark has developed tourism products such as study tours and homestays, helping the residents of local communities to increase their incomes. Today, in the villages at the foot of the Zhongnanshan Mountains, distinctive homestays are arranged in an orderly manner and the farmhouses are full of guests, all thanks to the development dividends brought by the geopark.
The geopark has also attracted a large number of young people to return to their hometowns to start businesses, adding impetus to local rural revitalization efforts. These young people combine modern management concepts with local culture, open homestays with local flavor, develop distinctive cultural and creative products, and organize study tours.
While developing tourism, the geopark always adheres to the principle of "protection first," achieving both ecological protection and economic development. Education programs are increasing environmental awareness among the geopark's residents, who now participate in the protection of geological relics and the ecological environment.
International cooperation
As a member of the GGN, Qinling Zhongnanshan is integrated with the global geological protection community. It adheres to the GGN guidelines, fostering long-term international cooperation through funding contributions to the GGN and sister park relationships with 14 other geoparks. These partnerships enable the exchange of protection experience through personnel exchanges, technology sharing and joint expeditions.
Qinling Zhongnanshan's international presence is growing. It regularly participates in key conferences, advocating Chinese viewpoints on geological heritage protection and sustainable tourism development. For five years, it has co-organized Asia-Pacific Geopark Week and World Earth Day activities together with other domestic geoparks. These events, including online lectures and offline study tours, create a vital Asia-Pacific exchange platform for geological sciences and conservation.
Qinling Zhongnanshan, a geopark showcasing Earth's evolution and Chinese civilization, aims to become a world-leading geopark in the future.
