China, home to a vast array of terrain, boasts every kind of landscape on this planet (except for fjords), from deserts and mountains to karst formations and river basins. This wonderful aspect of the country continues to cement its global leadership in geological conservation. At the 221st session of UNESCO’s Executive Board, held in Paris, two Chinese sites—Kanbula National Geopark in Qinghai Province and Yunyang Geopark in Chongqing—were recently officially designated as UNESCO Global Geoparks, bringing China’s park count total to 49 out of the 229 Geoparks recognized worldwide.
Located at the intersection of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Loess Plateau, Kanbula National Geopark is renowned for its spectacular Danxia landforms, rich sedimentary structures, and well-preserved records of ecological evolution spanning the past 38 million years. The park is also a sanctuary for wildlife, including musk deer, pheasants, and rare bird species such as the Chinese monal and larks.
Beyond its geological significance, Kanbula is steeped in Tibetan cultural heritage. The name, “Kanbula,” is derived from Tibetan and means “Home of the Kham People.” Local legends speak of sacred waters, celestial beings, and mythological tales, all woven into the natural landscape. Visitors can even admire the clearest waters of the Yellow River flowing through the park.
Situated in southern Yunyang County, Chongqing, Yunyang Geopark spans 1,124 square kilometers in the core area of the Three Gorges Reservoir region. It is globally renowned for housing the world’s longest Jurassic dinosaur fossil wall, stretching an astonishing 18.2 kilometers. These fossils provide critical insights into the evolution of dinosaurs during the Middle Jurassic period and are considered a major scientific asset.
With 49 UNESCO Global Geoparks now under its belt, China leads the world in preserving geologically significant landscapes. Ready to explore? From north to south, a Geopark awaits to inspire your next journey.
Cover image of Yunyang Geopark via Instagram/@china_says.
