On May 30, 2026, Mount Siguniang UNESCO Global Geopark officially held its grand opening ceremony in Sichuan Province, marking its entry into the Global Geoparks Network. Located in Xiaojin County, Aba Prefecture, the park spans an area of 2,764.01 square kilometers and transitions between the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and the Sichuan Basin. Having received its international designation in Paris this April, Mount Siguniang now proudly holds dual world-class titles as both a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site and a Global Geopark. This milestone is set to significantly elevate inbound tourism in Southwest China, drawing international geologists and outdoor enthusiasts to its unprecedented landscape.
The geopark features complex tectonics, unique folds, and flysch deposits, holding the largest number of mountain peaks towering above 5,000 meters on the eastern edge of the plateau. For participants of inbound tourism, the park offers a rare geological window, systematically preserving the evolution from the ancient Paleo-Tethys Ocean to the uplift of the plateau. Beyond its immense scientific value, the region is a global biodiversity hotspot, hosting ancient natural sea buckthorn forests and serving as a sanctuary for endangered species like giant pandas and snow leopards. This natural grandeur is enriched by the deep cultural heritage of the local Gyalrong Tibetan people, blending pristine alpine scenery with vibrant folklore.
The successful opening comes after four years of rigorous preparatory work initiated in 2022, which upgraded the region’s infrastructure, science communication systems, and ecological protection. During the opening ceremony, Mount Siguniang also signed sister-park agreements with other prominent sites to foster cross-regional collaboration. As China continues to optimize its eco-tourism frameworks, this new world-class asset highlights Sichuan’s leading role in ecological civilization.