Longyan UNESCO Global Geopark offers a geological record of tectonic evolution in southeast China covering a period of approximately 300 million years. The geopark’s abundant geological heritage includes the Meihuashan granitic complex, the Guanzhaishan red bed sedimentary rocks and the Zijinshan super-large porphyry-epithermal copper–gold deposit.

Home to the densest natural forests of West Fujian, the geopark displays rich biodiversity. The forest coverage of Meihuashan Mountain reaches 95.4%. It is described locally as the “Mother Mountain of the Fujian Province”. The geopark is home to endemic animal and plant species, including the Panthera tigris amoyensis (South China tiger) and the rare Taxus chinensis var. Mairei (Chinese Yew).

Longyan is the birthplace of the Hakka culture. Many unique traditions endure to the present day, including the “You Da Long”, where locals dance in a large dragon formation, the “Zou Gu Shi”, where locals wear traditional clothes and take part in a carnival, and the art of woodblock printing. The Peitian Landscape Roundhouses display the architectural style of the Hakka culture, arranged compactly along long cobbled streets.

Danxia landform, Longyan UNESCO Global Geopark, China

Peitian, an ancient village in Longyan UNESCO Global Geopark, China

Danxia peak clusters in Longyan UNESCO Global Geopark, China