To all officials and citizens of Zanhuang County:
Zanhuang Geopark is located in the southwestern part of our county, covering four townships—Zhangshiyan Town, Xuting Town, Yuantou Town, and Huangbeiping Township—with a planned total area of 451.6 square kilometers. It serves as the core carrier for our county’s bid to establish a UNESCO Global Geopark. The park features China’s unique red‑cliff long‑wall sandstone landform and the world’s largest natural echo wall. Within its boundaries, two geological heritage sites—the Zanhuang Complex and tectonic suture zone, and the full‑life‑cycle Zhangshiyan landform—hold global value, showcasing outstanding geological resources that are a precious asset belonging to every citizen of Zanhuang.
The bid to establish a Global Geopark is a shared aspiration of all our people and a major opportunity to advance our county’s strategy of “prospering through tourism.” Geological heritage is non‑renewable, and our ecological landscapes require the guardianship of everyone. To solidly advance the Global Geopark application, protect our rare geological heritage, disseminate geoscientific knowledge, and promote the integrated development of culture, tourism, and education, we hereby issue the following initiatives to all officials and citizens of the county:
I. Embrace the principle of conservation first, and strive to be guardians of our ecological home.
Firmly establish the concept of “ecological priority and green development.” Fully recognise the exceptional value of geological heritage, and internalise the protection of geological resources and the preservation of our lush mountains and pristine waters in both mind and deed. Conscientiously care for the rock formations, landform landscapes, forests, and vegetation within the park—do not arbitrarily chisel, carve, illegally excavate, or damage geological outcrops and rock specimens. Actively support the construction of infrastructure and tourism facilities in the geopark, and take an active part in the ecological development of our hometown. Transform our unique geological resource advantages into drivers that increase local income and well‑being, achieving a win‑win outcome between geological heritage conservation and a better quality of life for our community.
II. Take the initiative to learn geoscientific knowledge, and strive to be ambassadors of popular science.
The Zhangshiyan landform and the Zanhuang Complex hold the evolutionary code of the North China craton over the past 2.5 billion years—they are a natural science classroom right at our doorstep. We hope that all officials and citizens will proactively learn about geological science, visit the geopark frequently to appreciate the wonders of nature, and enthusiastically share the geological stories of Zhangshiyan with family, neighbours, and visiting tourists, spreading the principle that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” Actively support geological research surveys, science exhibitions, knowledge lectures, and other activities, encouraging more people to revere nature and respect geological heritage, so that geoscientific knowledge reaches every household.
III. Contribute to the deep integration of culture and tourism, and strive to be builders of our hometown’s development.
Our county’s geo‑tourism resources are closely intertwined with its local history and culture. The spectacular peaks, deep valleys, seas of clouds, and colourful forests create a distinctive landscape identity. We welcome all officials and citizens to actively engage in the development of the cultural tourism industry—based on local resources, tap into native cultural connotations, participate in developing special cultural tourism products, and showcase Zanhuang’s charm in catering, homestays, and local creative goods. Conscientiously maintain the environmental hygiene and public order of scenic areas and the geopark, treat visitors with civility and friendly service, tell the story of Zanhuang’s landscapes, and together enhance the cultural sophistication and external image of our county’s geo‑tourism.
IV. Support the growth of the study‑tour industry, and strive to be facilitators of educational field practices.
The geopark is a natural laboratory for scientific research, field studies, and hiking expeditions. We hope that all officials and citizens will understand and support the development of study‑oriented tourism, and cooperate with research teams in carrying out on‑site scientific investigations and outdoor practical activities. Encourage families to bring young people to the geopark for parent‑child study tours, allowing them to closely observe rock formations and landforms and gain insight into the Earth’s evolutionary history. Join forces to build distinctive science‑popularisation study routes, foster new hotspots for tourism consumption, and boost the high‑quality development of the county’s cultural tourism industry.
V. Jointly protect our natural heritage, and strive to be practitioners of civilised conduct.
Geological heritage, once damaged, can never be restored; protection requires sustained, long‑term effort. We call on every citizen of Zanhuang to start with themselves and start small—visit civilly, cherish the rocks and stones, refrain from inscribing or defacing, and do not randomly collect rock or mineral samples. If you witness any act that damages geological heritage or destroys the ecological environment, promptly offer a gentle admonition or report it to the relevant management authorities. Let everyone participate and shoulder responsibility, guarding with dedication the geological treasures that nature has bestowed upon us.
Every mountain and every rock tells a story of history; every landscape and every vista embodies a wealth of value. The bid for a Global Geopark cannot succeed without the participation and dedication of every person in Zanhuang. Let us join hands to protect the magnificent mountains and waters of Zanhuang and its billion‑year‑old geological imprints, safeguard this precious natural heritage, polish the “golden brand” of Zhangshiyan, and contribute our own strength to Zanhuang’s bid for a Global Geopark and its pursuit of green, high‑quality development!
Zanhuang County Forestry Bureau
August 28, 2026