National Geoparks Network of China

The National Geoparks Network of China was established in 2000 by the Ministry of Land and Resources for the purpose of protecting geological heritage. The first group of 11 national geoparks, including Shilin Stone Forest, was reviewed in October 2000 and approved in March 2001. The second group of 33 national geoparks, including Huangshan, was reviewed in October 2001 and approved in 2002. Similar reviews and approval are generally carried out every year. The 3rd group included 41 national parks (including Wangwushan National Geopark in Henan Province), which were reviewed in 2003 and approved in 2004, and the 4th group included 53 national geoparks (including Taishan National Geopark), which were reviewed and approved in 2005. The 5th group included 44 national geoparks (including Jilin Changbaishan), which were reviewed and approved in 2009. In September 2010, special approval was given to Hong Kong to establish a national geopark. The 6th group of 17 national geoparks (including...