“A Natural Volcano Museum with every volcanic landscape that one expects to find”
Celebrating Earth Heritage
Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark is situated in the middle-north part of Heilongjiang Province, the People’s Republic of China. The UNESCO Global Geopark is 380 km from Harbin (the capital city of Heilongjiang Province) in the South, 230 km from Blagoveshchensk, a Russian open port city in the North.
Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark boasts geological and geomorphological diversity. The UNESCO Global Geopark comprises geoheritages of Cambrian, Cretaceous and Quaternary. The UNESCO Global Geopark mainly is composed of fourteen young and old volcanoes which erupted in different periods, five lava dammed lakes, many cold mineral springs formed from volcanic eruptions and extensive lava plateaus. Wudalianchi possesses undamaged typical volcano geology and geomorphology and is regarded by geologists as a “Natural Volcano Museum” and a “Living Textbook on Volcanoes”. The rich combination of these well-protected diversified natural resources makes Wudalianchi a renowned scenic volcano and aqua paradise for sightseeing as well as convalescence.
Sustaining local Communities
Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark has a strong educational plan. The UNESCO Global Geopark signed the agreement on the establishment of a long-term scientific research and teaching practice base with Jilin University and Nanjing Center of China Geological Survey. Six professional geology tour guides were appointed to conduct science knowledge classes for students. The UNESCO Global Geopark regularly organizes environmental education themed activities for students.
The UNESCO Global Geopark has set up science education services and facilities at the Tourist Center and Museum which include the UNESCO Global Geopark knowledge corner, touch screen display, library, small classes for rock knowledge and mineral water laboratory. Geological knowledge and tourist information are also available on the website. Interpretation panels, exhibition boards, advertising materials, printing and publications have been redesigned.
The UNESCO Global Geopark takes measures to protect the environment through improving the vegetation, purifying water quality and strengthening the monitoring. Boardwalks are paved in the important geoheritage areas to decrease visitors’ impact.
Since the establishment of Wudalianchi UNESCO Global Geopark in 2004, travel agencies have increased from 5 to 22 in the region, and restaurants have substantially increased to more than 170. The number of people engaged in the tourism industry is over 500. The income of local community has increased.
