Arxan enrolled in UNESCO's Global Geoparks Network

(chinadaily.com.cn)

Updated: 2017-05-08

Arxan National Geopark. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Arxan National Geopark, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, was listed among the Global Geoparks Network during UNESCO's 201st session held in Paris last Friday. Following Hexigten and Alxa, Arxan marks the region's third world-level geopark.

The geopark, in the central Greater Hinggan Mountains, has a land area of 3,653 square meters and features an exceptionally dense concentration of volcanic landforms including volcano clusters, hot springs, volcanic crater lakes and granite hills.

Founded in 2004, The Global Geoparks Network (GGN) is devoted to developing models of best practice and setting high quality standards for territories that integrate the preservation of geological heritage with strategies for regionally sustainable economic development.

This year, UNESCO authorized eight new additions to the GGN which demonstrate the Earth’s biodiversity across the countries of Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Often referred to as "China's Yosemite", Koktokay National Geopark in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region also entered the GGN this year.

There are currently 127 UNESCO geoparks from 35 countries in the GGN.

The crater lake in Arxan National Geopark. [Photo/people.cn]

Volcanic rock formations in Arxan National Geopark. [Photo/people.cn]