In an announcement that underscores China’s geological splendor, two spectacular landscapes—Kanbula in Qinghai Province and Yunyang in Chongqing—have been officially designated as UNESCO Global Geoparks. The recognition, granted during the 221st session of UNESCO’s Executive Board in Paris on April 10 (local time), elevates China’s total number of UNESCO-listed geoparks to 49, cementing its position as the global leader in geological heritage preservation.
Kanbula UNESCO Global Geopark: Where Tibetan Plateaus Meet Artistic Legacy
Location: Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai
Area: 3,149.34 sq km
Perched at the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, where China’s first and second topographic tiers converge, Kanbula is a living atlas of Earth’s history. Its layered terrain preserves three critical geological epochs, with the Triassic Deep-Sea Sedimentary Strata of the Longwu River offering an internationally revered “textbook” for studying the evolution of the ancient Tethys Ocean.
Geological Marvels:
A rare trifecta of ultramafic rock formations in Longwu Gorge, fiery Danxia landforms, and the serpentine majesty of the Yellow River.
A natural laboratory for tectonic shifts, ocean-to-continent transformations, and climate studies linked to the Yellow River’s ancient mega-landslides.
Cultural Tapestry:
The park intertwines its geological drama with the vibrant Regong Art (a UNESCO Intangible Heritage) and the traditions of Qiang and Tibetan cultures. This synergy of “geology-ecology-humanity” creates a holistic conservation model, making Kanbula a rare destination where high-precision earth sciences meet immersive cultural journeys.
Information:
Location: Jianzha County, Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province
Getting There:
To reach this remote wonder, private charter vehicles are highly recommended due to limited public transport infrastructure.
Important Notice for International Travelers:
Qinghai Province currently requires foreign visitors to obtain prior approval for entry. To apply, contact the Qinghai Provincial Foreign Affairs Office in advance:
Tel: +86 971 823 4029 / +86 971 823 9746
Plan ahead—applications may take several weeks to process.
Yunyang UNESCO Global Geopark: Dinosaur Chronicles & Karst Mystique
Location: South Yunyang, Chongqing (Three Gorges Reservoir area)
Area: 1,124.05 sq km
Step into a Jurassic realm at Yunyang, home to an 18.2-kilometer “Fossil Wall of Dinosaurs“—the world’s largest single-site Jurassic dinosaur fossil cluster. This paleontological treasure trove fills critical gaps in dinosaur evolution, tracing Asia’s Jurassic giants through impeccably preserved fossils.
Natural & Cultural Highlights:
The Longgang Tiankeng, a colossal karst sinkhole shrouded in mist and mystery.
Rare biodiversity, including leopard cats and the newly discovered Yunyang Palmated Frog.
A cultural mosaic blending the iconic Zhang Fei Temple, the ancient Panshi City fortress, and Tujia ethnic traditions.
Yunyang’s unique synthesis of dinosaur heritage, karst landscapes, and living history creates a narrative where Earth’s geological saga converges with human ingenuity.
Information
Address: 271 Dayan Road, Yunyang County, Chongqing
Website: https://www.yunyanggeopark.com/?lang=en
Why It Matters:
These designations not only celebrate China’s geological diversity but also amplify global efforts to protect dynamic landscapes where science, ecology, and culture coexist. For travelers, they promise uncharted adventures—from decoding prehistoric secrets to wandering through kaleidoscopic cliffs and time-honored villages.
