The General Office of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) issued a circular (CAST-Ban-Han-Pu〔2022〕No.139) commending outstanding organizers and events of the 2022 National Science Popularization Day. The geology study tour themed Step into Nature, Explore the Earth, hosted by Sanqingshan UNESCO Global Geopark, was honored as an Outstanding Activity of the event.

In recent years, Sanqingshan has prioritized the development of science-focused study tours anchored at its Geopark Museum. By refining study-tour products, optimizing curricula and expanding cooperative promotion, the park develops distinctive geoscience programs and passes on local cultural heritage. It has compiled two editions of the guidebook A Journey to Sanqingshan with Us for preschoolers and teenagers respectively. Richly illustrated with lively texts and pictures, the publication integrates scientific accuracy, informative content, accessibility and fun to help children gain comprehensive knowledge of Sanqingshan. Since its accreditation as a National Science Popularization Education Base, Sanqingshan has fulfilled its public education mandate via diversified outreach initiatives, including World Earth Day campaigns, Cultural and Natural Heritage Day educational programs, discounted summer geopark study tours, International Geodiversity Day events and on-campus science lectures delivered at local schools.

During the 2022 National Science Popularization Day, Sanqingshan collaborated with another 23 domestic UNESCO Global Geoparks and candidate geoparks to roll out a joint series under the theme Welcome the 20th CPC National Congress, Popularize Science for the Future – Learn Geoscience and Understand Our Planet. The joint campaign covered nationwide release of sister-geopark promotional videos, a geoheritage-themed quiz with lucky draws, featured local agricultural product exhibitions and expert science lectures. While advocating scientific spirits and disseminating knowledge on natural resources to improve public scientific literacy, the initiative strengthened cross-promotion among sister geoparks, diversified channels for geopark science education and boosted the nationwide influence of National Science Popularization Day.

Moving forward, Sanqingshan will build on its existing achievements to launch more high-quality, varied science education activities, continuously upgrade the standard and efficiency of its popular science work, and contribute to public awareness of UNESCO Global Geoparks and World Natural Heritage sites.