Yesanpo Geopark

Yesanpo Geopark

Yesanpo is located on the “step” where the North China Plain rises to the Shanxi Plateau, at the junction of the Taihang Mountains and the Yanshan Mountains. The Juma River cuts through the mountains in this area, creating a landscape of majestic mountains and beautiful scenery. In 1988, it was listed as a National Key Scenic Area by the State Council. On November 6, 2001, Yesanpo’s Hundred Valleys (Baili Gorge) was rated as a 4A-level tourist attraction by the National Tourism Administration. In August 2003, it was approved as a Provincial Geopark by Hebei Province. In January 2004, it was designated as a National Geopark by the Ministry of Land and Resources, and in November of the same year, it was approved as a National Forest Park by the State Forestry Administration. In September 2006, it was recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark. In May 2009, it was designated as a Popular Science Base for Land and Resources by the Ministry of Land and Resources, and in December of the same year, it was named a National Popular Science Education Base by the China Association for Science and Technology. In January 2011, the Yesanpo Scenic Area was rated as a National AAAAA-level Tourist Attraction by the National Tourism Administration.

The unique tectonic setting of Yesanpo Geopark is situated at the northern end of the Zijingguan Deep Fault Zone. Multiple intense tectonic movements and magmatic activities have left behind a historical tapestry, resulting in rich, diverse, and distinctive geological heritage. Highlights include the Baili Gorge Structural-Erosional Barrier Valley and granite fault valleys in the main scenic area, as well as the mysterious Yugu Cave Springs. These features are typical, rare, and systematic, representing the classic characteristics of the North China intraplate orogenic belt. In addition, Yesanpo boasts complete stratigraphic relics, with clear unconformity surfaces, and a full range of rock types including intrusive rocks, volcanic rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks. Notably developed structural features such as joints, faults, and folds stand out prominently, while landform relics—including mountain planation surfaces, river terraces, and various mimicry landforms—are abundant. There are also disaster-related geological relics, among others. It serves as a vivid geological textbook and a natural geological museum. It encapsulates 3 billion years of geological and tectonic evolution in the North China region, making it an ideal location for scientists studying new global tectonics and intraplate orogenic belts, a perfect site for student fieldwork, and a dynamic classroom for science education.

Yesanpo Geopark is located at the northern end of the Zijingguan Fault Zone, which is the northern branch (main deep fault) of the Taihang Mountain Deep Fault Zone. This area experiences the most intense fault activity, the largest-scale magmatic activity, and is the epicenter of volcanic eruptions, making it one of the most typical regions of the Mesozoic-Cenozoic intraplate orogenic belt. Equally noteworthy is that although the park is compact, it contains a comprehensive array of geological heritage resources, featuring a full range of types including stratigraphic, structural, rock, and landform features, all of significant importance. In particular, the types, origins, and evolution of the geological heritage in the three main scenic areas are predominantly controlled by faults and joints, with tectonic factors playing a dominant role. Especially remarkable is the 52.5-kilometer-long Structural-Erosional Barrier Valley of Baili Gorge, which integrates uniquely shaped erosional phenomena—an exceptionally rare sight.

Yesanpo Geopark combines perilous mountains, beautiful waters, peculiar caves, unusual springs, lush forests and flowers, as well as cultural and historical relics, all embodying a naturally pristine beauty. It integrates rich geological heritage, stunning natural scenery, and profound cultural and historical landscapes, offering exceptional aesthetic value. It is one of the best geoparks for tourism, leisure, fitness, and expanding scientific knowledge.