Longmenshan Tectonic Geology National Geopark, Sichuan

This geopark is located in the Longmenshan area near Mianzhu in Pengzhou, Sichuan Province. It covers an area of 251 km² and became a national geopark in 2001. The main geological heritage includes nappe tectonics (‘flying peaks’), glacial boulders, stratigraphic profiles, fossils, various tectonic features associated with nappe tectonics, mountains and valleys, hot springs, mineral water, granite peaks and earthquake sites. Longmenshan therefore has very rich geodiversity. Additional attractions include the primeval forests, streams, waterfalls, clouds, sunrises and flammules. The region is home to giant pandas, red pandas, wildebeests, golden monkeys and the three living fossils: sycamores, metasequoia, and ginkgo.