Tourists at the Kanbula Geopark in Northwest China's Qinghai Province Photo: VCG

Two geological wonders in China have been designated as ­UNESCO Global ­Geoparks, ­China's National Forestry and Grassland Administration recently announced. These new additions bring China's total number of UNESCO-recognized geoparks to 49, the highest of any country in the world. 

The geoparks, one a high-altitude marvel named Kanbula in Northwest China's Qinghai Province and the other a prehistoric "dinosaur kingdom" named Yunyang in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality, exemplify China's commitment to harmonizing geological conservation with cultural and ecological sustainability. 

Sun Hongyan, an associate professor at China University of Geosciences, told the Global Times that the new additions of UNESCO Global Geoparks in Kanbula and Yunyang are of great significance for the national conservation of natural heritage and the promotion of sustainable development of the local areas. 

Sun, who participated in the application of Qinghai's Kanbula for UNESCO recognition, said that the two geoparks are natural ecological landscapes of international significance. 

More importantly, they offer a way for the public to understand the Earth through the region's geological heritage, deepening awareness of the concept of harmony between ­humanity and nature. 

Leveraging the branding of the geoparks, local communities are encouraged to take part in the parks' construction, management, and development, which in turn promotes science education, economic growth, and employment in the areas. She noted that this is also part of the requirements from UNESCO. 

In 2015, the 38th session of the UNESCO General ­Conference ­approved the "International ­Geoscience and Geoparks Program," establishing the designation of "UNESCO Global Geoparks." 

To qualify as a Global Geopark, a site must possess the ­geological heritage of ­global or international significance, along with abundant natural and cultural resources. Currently, there are 229 UNESCO Global Geoparks worldwide. 

Visual splendor

Nestled on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and spanning roughly 3,149 square kilometers, the Kanbula Geopark boasts striking fiery-red Danxia landforms, towering jagged peaks, hidden caves and emerald lakes. 

Beyond its visual ­splendor, the park's true value lies beneath the ­surface, as it serves as a ­premier ­location for geoscientific research and public science education, the Xinhua News Agency reported. 

Shi Xiaoguang, a Qinghai resident who has visited Kanbula multiple times, told the Global Times that the park is a gift from nature. 

"The Kanbula Geopark is Qinghai's second UNESCO Global Geopark after the Kunlun Mountains. Its vast size enables us to admire its beauty just by walking along the road leading to it," Shi said. 

"Within the park is the coexistence of Danxia landforms and Yellow River landscapes, along with the region's unique Regong culture. They perfectly illustrate the integration of geological, ecological, and cultural elements." 

Shi said that Qinghai has long been at the forefront of protecting the ­environment, but is still ­relatively ­behind some eastern provinces in terms of scientific ­popularization, adding that with the UNESCO ­recognition, efforts in this area will be strengthened.

With many of China's Global Geoparks located in the eastern part of the country, the western Kanbula, the first geopark centered around ethnic Tibetan culture, and Yunyang will play a role in promoting the balanced development of geoparks across China, said the professor. 

A view of dinosaur fossils at the Yunyang Geopark in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality Photo: IC

Fueling tourism

In stark contrast to Kanbula's highland grandeur, Yunyang Geopark in Chongqing's Three Gorges area unveils a prehistoric saga, according to Xinhua. 

The 2014 discovery of dinosaur fossils by a local youth initiated years of excavation that has uncovered the world's largest Jurassic fossil wall, measuring 150 meters in length and 6 to 10 meters in height.

Covering ­approximately 1,124 square kilometers, Yunyang Geopark is renowned for its rich dinosaur fossils and dramatic karst landforms. 

The fossils found here are of global scientific importance, as they contribute valuable insights to the evolutionary history of dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period, particularly in its early phase. 

A local official surnamed Zhang, who participated in the application of UNESCO Global Geopark, told the Global Times on Thursday that Yunyang stands apart not just for its striking geology but for the ethnic Tujia culture that breathes through its valleys and cliffs.

Beyond preserving its geological assets, Yunyang is actively weaving heritage into modern education. 

Local schools now offer hands-on classes in traditional Tujia crafts such as root carving and brocade weaving, and have even incorporated Tujia ethnic dance into physical education routines - ensuring cultural continuity from an early age.

In collaboration with academic institutions, the geoparks have the responsibility of promoting the ­inheritance of local culture and integrating it with education and tourism to boost regional economic growth, Sun said. 

As part of a broader vision for cultural­ tourism, Yunyang Geopark also plans to introduce dinosaur-themed ­attractions and promote ­inter-provincial travel experiences. 

Working alongside more than 60 scenic spots across Sichuan Province, ­Chongqing and Hubei Province, the park aims to boost regional tourism through sporting events such as the Three Gorges cycling tour and beach ­volleyball championships, solidifying its place within the emerging tourism alliance, according to the official.

The Global Geopark brand offers the locals a great opportunity to explore the connection between ­humanity and nature. 

When more people take part in the protection and sustainable use of ­natural heritage, and benefit from it, they gain a deeper understanding of the true value of preserving it, Sun said.