China’s UNESCO Global Geoparks: A Complete A-Z List!

What the definition of a UNESCO Global Geopark?
According to UNESCO,” A UNESCO Global Geopark is a unified area with a geological heritage of international significance”. These special areas are designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to promote the conservation of Earth’s geological heritage, raise awareness about geology, and foster sustainable development through community involvement and education!
If you would like to read more About UNESCO Global Geoparks please click here to see an article where we delve deeper into the topic and answer some frequently asked questions about these beautiful parks.
Cover image is of the Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark

How Many UNESCO Global Geoparks Are There in China?
Currently, as of August 2023, there are 41 UNESCO Global Geoparks in China. The sheer amount of parks China holds is made even more impressive when you consider that in the entire world, there are only 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks!
Does China have the most UNESCO Global Geoparks in the world?
Yes, China is home to the most UNESCO Global Geoparks in the world! As we previously mentioned China is home to an impressive 41 UNESCO Global Geoparks.
With there currently being only 195 of these UNESCO Geoparks on our planet it means that China holds roughly one out of every six UNESCO Geopark in the entire world!


List Of all the UNESCO Global Geoparks in China!
With those questions out of the way, we will now move on to our complete A-Z list of all 41 UNESCO Global Geoparks in China.
- Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark
- Arxan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Dali-Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Dunhuang UNESCO Global Geopark
- Fangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Funiushan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Guangwushan-Nuoshuihe UNESCO Global Geopark
- Hexigten UNESCO Global Geopark
- Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
- Huanggang Dabieshan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Jingpohu UNESCO Global Geopark
- Jiuhuashan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark
- Leiqiong UNESCO Global Geopark
- Leye Fengshan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Longhushan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Lushan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Mount Kunlun UNESCO Global Geopark
- Ningde UNESCO Global Geopark
- Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Sanqingshan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Shennongjia UNESCO Global Geopark
- Shilin UNESCO Global Geopark
- Songshan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Taining UNESCO Global Geopark
- Taishan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Tianzhushan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Wangwushan-Daimeishan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark
- Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark
- Xingwen UNESCO Global Geopark
- Yandangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Yanqing UNESCO Global Geopark
- Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Yuntaishan UNESCO Global Geopark
- Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark
- Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark
- Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark
- Zigong UNESCO Global Geopark
What is the most famous UNESCO Global Geopark in China?
The honour for that prestigious title would have to go to Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark. This magnificent place of towering sandstone pillars that has wowed humans since ancient times has gone by many different names over the years, but currently its most commonly known name is simply “Zhangjiajie National Forest Park”.

Conclusion
In conclusion, China is home to a vast and diverse range of geological wonders, and its many UNESCO Global Geoparks are a testament to this fact!
In addition to their geological significance, these Geoparks also play an important role in promoting sustainable development and tourism. By encouraging people to learn about and appreciate the natural world, these Geoparks help to create a more sustainable future for all.

Image attribution
If you are interested in learning more about China’s geological heritage, I encourage you to visit one of its many UNESCO Global Geoparks. I can guarantee you will be amazed by what you see!
All information in this Article and list was sourced directly from UNESCO, you can check out their official website here.