The National Forestry and Grassland Administration recently released the first batch of Model Cases of Featured Ecotourism Destinations, which include 20 cases nationwide. Hunan's Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark was among those selected.

Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark Museum. (Photo provided by Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark)

Located in the heart of the Wuling Mountains, the Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark covers an area of 2,710 square kilometers and boasts 91 precious geological sites. They include the "Golden Spike"—the global stratotype section for the Cambrian System—and the world's largest Ordovician red stone forest, earning it the reputation as a "living archive" of Earth's evolution. The park also features rich biodiversity and profound cultural heritage, and is home to 44 traditional Chinese villages and 28 national-level intangible cultural heritage items. The Miao ethnic group's "Ganqiu" festival has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Hence, the park serves as a model of the integration of geological wonders, biodiversity, and ethnic culture.

Ordovician red carbonate rock forest—Red Stone Forest. (Photo provided by Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark)

In recent years, Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture has adhered to the principle of prioritizing eco-environmental protection and green development. Guided by the Regulations on the Protection of Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark, 100% of its core geological heritage sites remain intact, and the forest coverage rate exceeds 80%. By innovating models for the integration of culture and tourism, the autonomous prefecture has developed core scenic areas such as Aizhai-Shibadong-Dehang Grand Canyon. These attractions welcome over 250,000 study tour arrivals annually, while boosting local livelihoods through ecological development and creating nearly 100,000 jobs.

Aizhai Bridge. (Photo provided by Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark)

Moving forward, Xiangxi Prefecture will continue to further elevate the prestige of the Xiangxi UNESCO Global Geopark, striving to establish a national model for distinctive ecotourism and to contribute Xiangxi's efforts to the upgrading of the province's ecological and cultural tourism industry.

责编：黄思婷

一审：黄思婷

二审：王柯沣

三审：秦慧英

来源：湖南日报·新湖南客户端