Jiuhuashan UNESCO Global Geopark

“A Model Site of Integration of Geo-landscape and Culture”

Celebrating Earth Heritage

Jiuhuashan, which translates to “Nine Glorious Mountains”, is a UNESCO Global Geopark located in the Qingyang County of China’s Anhui province. Four of these mountains hold sacred Buddhist temples at their peaks, some dating back to the fifth century CE. The geopark covers an area of 139.7km2 with a peak elevation of 1,344.4 m. Within this geopark, there are 57 geosites, including 44 geosites of educational significance, three geosites of international significance and nine of national significance. The park is dotted with distinct composite granitic massif and large-scale fault-block granitic landforms which emerge above the area’s subtropical vegetation. The mountain range was formed due to the collision between the Eurasian and Pacific plates. Thanks to the abundant precipitation, these mountains are also a major source of fresh water that feeds into the Yangtze River system. Jiuhuashan Geopark is an example of how a large granitic fault-block landforms produce high peaks and oddly-shaped rocks. The dramatic peak-hill-basin complex has influenced the Geopark’s subtropical ecosystems and biodiversity, and are symbolic within this region’s unique Buddhist and Huizhou culture. The mountainous scenery is highly impressive when seen from one of the 99 peaks in this mountainous area. The peaks are formed along the 14 ridges in the area. The area also contains many waterfalls, deep pools, ancient caves and overhanging cliffs. Many of the temples are hidden in areas of dense forests, and can be a wonderful surprise to find along the region’s many pathways.

Characteristics

Designation date
2019
Country(ies)
Transnational
No
Area (ha)
13,970
Population
43,000
Density
125