Taining UNESCO Global Geopark

Taining UNESCO Global Geopark

Taining UNESCO Global Geopark is recognized as a National Geopark and a science education base.

Fujian Taining UNESCO Global Geopark is situated in Taining County, Sanming City in the northwest of Fujian Province, covering an area of 492.5 square kilometers, of which 252.7 square kilometers feature Danxia landforms. It comprises four scenic zones — Shiwang, Dajin Lake, Baxian Cliff, and Jinrao Mountain — along with the Taining Ancient Town touring area. The park is primarily known for its typical youthful Danxia landforms, complemented by various geological relics such as volcanic rocks, granite formations, and structural landforms, making it a comprehensive geopark. It has been designated as a National Key Scenic Area, a National 5A-level Tourist Attraction, a National Forest Park, a National Geopark, and a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit, among others. On February 11, 2005, UNESCO approved Taining Geopark as part of the second group of Global Geoparks.

The region boasts pristine ecological conditions. Magical and exquisite water-based Danxia landscapes, serene and profound canyon meanders, numerous mysterious Danxia caves, bizarrely shaped peaks and pillars, as well as rugged granite landform features, all blend within an ancient and rustic natural ecosystem to form a unique natural scenery system. Geologists vividly describe it as a "Grand View Garden of Emerald Waters and Danxia Mountains" and a "Museum of Canyons and Caves." Experts from UNESCO have hailed it as a "model for China’s geoparks."

Taining Ancient Town has a long history and enjoys the reputation of being the “Ancient Town of the Han and Tang Dynasties, the Ming-Qing City of the Song Dynasties.” It once witnessed the remarkable feat of “two top imperial examination scholars from opposite riverbanks, four successful candidates in the highest imperial examinations from one family, and nine candidates who passed the provincial exam in a single alley.” Historical figures such as Zhu Xi, Yang Shi, and Li Gang once traveled here, studied nature, and lectured. The county houses the national key cultural relics protection unit — the Shangshu Mansion Complex — the best-preserved example of Ming Dynasty residential architecture in China’s Jiangnan region. The locally distinctive Meilin Opera, rich in local flavor, has been awarded the title of “The Finest Troupe under Heaven” by the Ministry of Culture. Taining is also a revolutionary base area and one of the 21 Soviet counties designated by the Central Committee. The city contains revolutionary historical sites such as the former residences of [figures], Red Army Street, and the former headquarters of the Eastern Army. Its rich cultural heritage makes it a great destination for travelers seeking ancient traces and exploring history.

Dajin Lake: A Hundred Miles of Lake and Mountain, a Spiritual Crown of the World

Danxia mountains and emerald waters combine perfectly at Dajin Lake: the majesty and elegance of the mountains, the clarity and serenity of the water; the union of masculine vigor and feminine grace, the harmony of boldness and delicacy. The lush green and sapphire-blue lakes merge seamlessly with the crimson rock formations stretching for dozens of kilometers. Danxia cliffs jut into the heart of the lake, while clear waters penetrate deep into the mountain's core. Sheer cliffs often cave inward to form rock chambers, and streams frequently cascade down into waterfalls. The lake reflects the grandeur of the peaks, while the peaks enhance the depth of the lake. Particularly breathtaking are wonders such as Ganlu Rock Temple, the Waterborne One-Line Sky, the Enchanted Valley Maze, the Heavenly Buddha Statue, and natural cliff carvings, along with cultural landmarks scattered along the shores such as cliff temples, fishing villages, mountain hamlets, ancient tombs, and passes. Together, they create a rare and spectacular water-based Danxia landscape in China, leaving visitors in awe. Contemporary Chinese scholar Cai Shangsi called it “the finest lake and mountain scenery in the world.”

Shangqing Stream: Myriad Wonders Hidden in the Valley, Infinite Beauty Filling the Gorge

With its wild, serene, strange, and delightful character, Shangqing Stream forms a world-rare thousand-year-old pristine canyon meander landscape. Shangqing Stream uniquely captures natural beauty and elegance. Its charm and appeal can be described as the most beautiful among beautiful sceneries. Drifting along it, you are constantly faced with thrilling moments, yet quickly soothed by astonishingly beautiful views, keeping your journey balanced on the edge between adventure and beauty. As one of the most beautiful drifting experiences in China, people often say that rafting on Shangqing Stream is a moment of life epiphany and a spiritual journey.

Zhaxia Grand Canyon: Lush Valley and Mysterious Caves, a Geological Gallery

Travel through Zhaxia and comprehend the symphony of life and nature across the Earth’s ancient timeline. Interpret the hundreds of millions of years of transformation depicted in the “Danxia Cave Museum” and the “Grand Canyon Gallery” in just half a day of leisure — a quick read of the grand tome that is Taining UNESCO Global Geopark. This place is a gathering of valleys, where countless gullies converge into Zhaxia: there are valleys as flat as streets, alleys as deep as lanes, and canyons as sheer as lines. It is also a kingdom of plants, where vibrant Danxia cliffs are draped with vines and shaded by bamboo forests offering fresh “forest breath.” The pristine environment nourishes this otherworldly natural geological museum. The benevolent love the mountains, hence a thousand-mile journey begins with a single step. As the saying goes, after returning from Huangshan, one does not need to see other mountains; after returning from Zhaxia, one does not need to see other valleys.