The first red carbonate-rock stone forest national geopark of China located in Guzhang County of Jishou City, Hunan Province started its soft opening on December 30, 2011.
The geopark may date back to the Ordovician Period of 480 million years ago. The park outstands with its deep caves and miles of red carbonate-rock stones whose color changes with the weather, purplish red in sunny days and brownish red in rainy days.
It is also of high value in geological research, aesthetic appreciation, and travel, with karst typographies, canyons, caves, lakes and waterfalls all gathering here. Folk customs and arts such as original ecological dances “Maogusi” and “hand-waving” are included in the intangible cultural heritage of state level, further adding luster to the park.
Translator: Li Xuan
Source: Hunan Official Web Portal