From July 30 to August 2, 2023, a delegation of seven people from the Xiangxi UGGp visited the Alxa Desert UGGp for a study tour. During this visit, an amicable sister-geopark relationship was established between the two geoparks.
Xiangxi UGGp is located in the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hunan Province, China, covering an area of 27,100 square kilometers. The geopark is characterized by its global Cambrian Series standard stratigraphic sections—Guizhang Stage and Paibi Stage "Golden Spike," the world's largest red carbonate rock forest, and spectacular plateau-canyon groups, making it a highlight for geological heritage tourism. It also features typical geological events, ancient glacial climate occurrences, and ancient biological remnants, showcasing a myriad of distinctive geological phenomena. The geopark's geological history comprehensively documents the evolution of the Yangzi Platform and the process of fragmentation and disintegration of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau's edge. Combining the ancient ethnic cultures of minorities with the plateau-canyon landscape and natural ecology, it creates a harmonious and picturesque living environment. These elements together forge the distinctive Wu Ling Mountain ethnic ecological cultural circle, attracting visitors from all over the world.
A delegation from Xiangxi UGGp, led by the company under the guidance of Director Huang Tianbing of the Alxa Desert UGGp Administration, visited the Alxa Youqi (Right Banner) and Ejin Banner. They explored the Badain Jaran Desert, taking in its towering sand dunes and desert lakes. The group also visited the geopark museum, the Haisenchulu granite erosion landscape, the Heicheng (Black City) ruins, Juyanhai, the Juyanhai ecological construction exhibition hall, and the Populus forest, among other sites and venues. They gained a thorough understanding of the achievements and outcomes of the Alxa Desert UGGp in areas such as geoheritage conservation, geopark management, infrastructure construction, scientific research, public education, promotion, learning, and training. During their visit, they signed an agreement at the Alxa Desert UGGp Museum to officially establish a long-term mechanism, further deepening cooperation and exchange. The focus is on strengthening communication and interaction in areas such as geoheritage protection, scientific research, public education, promotion, information construction, and the sustainable development of the geopark. They jointly charted a course for a win-win development, aiming for high-quality growth.
