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

Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark
Zhangjiajie 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.

  1. Alxa Desert UNESCO Global Geopark
  2. Arxan UNESCO Global Geopark
  3. Dali-Cangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
  4. Danxiashan UNESCO Global Geopark
  5. Dunhuang UNESCO Global Geopark
  6. Fangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
  7. Funiushan UNESCO Global Geopark
  8. Guangwushan-Nuoshuihe UNESCO Global Geopark
  9. Hexigten UNESCO Global Geopark
  10. Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
  11. Huanggang Dabieshan UNESCO Global Geopark
  12. Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
  13. Jingpohu UNESCO Global Geopark
  14. Jiuhuashan UNESCO Global Geopark
  15. Keketuohai UNESCO Global Geopark
  16. Leiqiong UNESCO Global Geopark
  17. Leye Fengshan UNESCO Global Geopark
  18. Longhushan UNESCO Global Geopark
  19. Lushan UNESCO Global Geopark
  20. Mount Kunlun UNESCO Global Geopark
  21. Ningde UNESCO Global Geopark
  22. Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark
  23. Sanqingshan UNESCO Global Geopark
  24. Shennongjia UNESCO Global Geopark
  25. Shilin UNESCO Global Geopark
  26. Songshan UNESCO Global Geopark
  27. Taining UNESCO Global Geopark
  28. Taishan UNESCO Global Geopark
  29. Tianzhushan UNESCO Global Geopark
  30. Wangwushan-Daimeishan UNESCO Global Geopark
  31. Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark
  32. Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark
  33. Xingwen UNESCO Global Geopark
  34. Yandangshan UNESCO Global Geopark
  35. Yanqing UNESCO Global Geopark
  36. Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark
  37. Yuntaishan UNESCO Global Geopark
  38. Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark
  39. Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark
  40. Zhijindong Cave UNESCO Global Geopark
  41. 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”.

Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark
Zhangjiajie UNESCO Global Geopark

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.

Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
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.

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