Construction Process

Zhangye geopark was approved as provincial geopark in 2008. In 2014, Zhangye National Geopark Administration formed and the park opened formally in 2015. Since 2010, with specific guidance of Land and Resources Ministry and Gansu Provincial Land and Resources Department, we have actively set up organizations to carry out infrastructure construction work such as park geological heritage protection, geoscience research, popularization of scientific knowledge and tourism development in accordance with the requirement of Geopark construction. First, We establish Geopark Management Organization and built an independent geopark website, actively carry out scientific research of geopark. Second, the geological heritage in the park has been effectively protected. We completed the demarcation work of the geological park, delineated different levels of geological heritage protection areas, and formulated protection measures according to the protection requirements of different levels of protection areas. We also built database integrates geological relics protection, geological attractions in park and geological heritage landscape resources, embedded boundaries of park and protection area, made park location maps, scenic maps and commentary board, set guiding signs such as traffic signs and environmental warnings. We entrusted China University of Geosciences to shot Zhangye National Geopark Propaganda film, compiled a clear and intuitive Geopark Science Guide and Map, and planned the scientific research and travel routes. Thirdly, the construction of venues and facilities for popularization of science and tourism services was completed. One main monument and four deputy monuments of the national geopark were built successively. Invest 130 million yuan to build a 7300 square meters geological park which integrates the geological exhibition, scientific research, tourism promotion, training and education, entertainment. The types and formation process of geological relics in the park, rich tourism resources in Zhangye, and other geographic knowledge are displayed to tourists in all directions and from various angles. 270 million yuan has been invested to build an tourist reception center and four modern intelligent parking lots covering a total area of 145,000 square meters, which can accommodate nearly 2,000 vehicles of various sizes. The electronic system can monitor the number and distribution of real-time tourists in the scenic area. Fourth, infrastructure was further improved. Up to now, a total of 300 million yuan has been invested in and around the scenic spot and complete the road network of 30 kilometers, including 13.8 kilometers of fast passage from 312 national highway line to colorful hilly park and 8 kilometers of landscape avenue within the park. More than 40 kilometers of water supply and drainage pipe network, strong and weak electric pipe network were laid, realizing the full coverage of water, electricity, network and communication signals in the scenic spot. Fifth the service system is increasingly optimized, the tourism service industry around the scenic spot has developed rapidly. The cultural tourism town with the theme of photography, integrating accommodation, catering, entertainment, shopping, cultural experience, leisure and vacation, has been planned and built, named colorful town. And there are 22 key tourism projects such as Hexi respectively folk village, Hexi folk cultural tourism expo park, the Chinese peony culture tourism garden, with total investment of 3 billion yuan, were built too. It improved the overall service level of the scenic spot and extended the tourism of the geopark industry chain. Sixth, economic and social benefits have become increasingly prominent. According to statistics, the total rural economic income and the per capita net income of farmers in Nijiaying Township, where the colorful hilly park is located, have increased more than 12% for the third consecutive year, and the per capita annual income of residents has increased by nearly 20,000 yuan. The construction has effectively promoted the rapid development of local tourism and related industries.

Zhangye Geopark, in accordance with the purpose of establishing Geopark, closely combines the protection and development of geological relics, combines the establishment of Geopark with local economic and social development, especially the employment of community residents. It emphasizes the close combination of development and utilization of geopark, geological research and popularization of geosciences, promote the protection with development, and promote the community economic development through the geological park construction.

At present, the management institutions and functional departments of the park, professional talents and other systems have gradually improved, management work has been carried out in an orderly manner, and active work has been continuously carried out to strengthen geological conservation, popularize geological science knowledge, and develop geological tourism. Zhangye Geopark has a clear and unified boundary. After efforts to build infrastructure, public transportation, sign interpretation system, information and environmental education, and geological heritage protection, it has already established the conditions for geological conservation work. In several aspects, it has laid a solid foundation for joining the global Geopark Network.

First, Zhangye Geopark has completed the survey of geological relics, natural and human resources, is actively carrying out the plan of geological scientific research and popularization of geological science, and has initially built the database and monitoring system of geological parks to protect precious geological relics resources. The Geopark has actively promoted geological heritage scientific research and popular science programs. Through the existing tourist information centers, geological museums, geological science corridors, geological trails, scientific research bases, etc., the geology science education has been carried out to the public indoors or in the wild, the public's understanding of geological relics and the natural environment has been improved.

Secondly, there are various types of geological sites in zhangye geopark, which are characterized by systematicness, typicality, rarity and beauty. The landscape of animal and plant resources is integrated with the landscape of human history. On this basis, geopark establishes perfect infrastructure and sign system, which makes it more convenient for tourists to get close contact with the marvelous workmanship of nature and feel the harmonious coexistence between human and earth.

Third, with the development of tourism and the increase of propaganda, the popularity of Zhangye geopark has been greatly improved at home and abroad. The development of geopark promotes the development of tourism in Zhangye and improves the living standards of local residents. It is a key step to achieve sustainable development in Zhangye. Therefore, the government and the public actively support the declaration of the UNESCO Global Geopark in Zhangye. The successful declaration of Zhangye UNESCO Global Geopark will further promote the natural conservation work in Zhangye and the economic development of the areas around the Geopark, and serve as a good model for economic growth and natural conservation.

Fourth, at present, Zhangye Geopark has signed sister agreements with 5 geological parks. In the future construction, Zhangye Geopark will continue to rely on the geopark network platform to promote the common development of the entire network, share the experience of geological heritage protection, geological science education and geological tourism development, and improve the management level of the geological park.