From June 19 to 22, the Executive Bureau of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (GGN) dispatched two experts, Nickolas Zouros (Greek) and José Brilha (Portuguese), to conduct a field evaluation of Sanqingshan's application for UNESCO Global Geopark status. Through on-site inspections of the scenic area and briefings on related work, the two experts gained an in-depth understanding of Sanqingshan's abundant granite geology and landforms as well as its biodiversity, and spoke highly of the protection and management of the area's resources.
On the morning of June 20, the two experts visited the Fenshui Exhibition Center of Sanqingshan, watched a documentary on Sanqingshan's application for UNESCO Global Geopark status, listened to work reports, and discussed issues related to the application with relevant personnel. Vice Mayor Zhu Yinjian delivered a speech, briefly introducing the geological and geomorphological features of Sanqingshan and the measures taken for the protection and management of the scenic area.
Subsequently, the two experts spent two days following a route from the Giant Python Viewing Platform to the Goddess of the East, Yutai (Jade Platform), Yixiantian (Narrow Sky), Xixiagang, the West Coast Plank Road, Sanqing Fudi (Sanqing Blessed Land), Fengmen (Wind Gate), Yuling Temple, to Tianyuan Muge (Pastoral Song). Along the way, they inspected Sanqingshan's granite geology and landforms, ecological environment, biodiversity, Taoist cultural heritage sites, and local community tourism development projects, while listening to briefings from accompanying personnel on the current status of Sanqingshan's management and protection.
On the afternoon of June 21, the two experts visited Xikeng Community, where they inspected schools, community facilities, museums, and other sites to learn about the participation of local residents in the protection, management, and development of the Sanqingshan Geopark. A feedback meeting was subsequently held at Jinchen Villa. The two experts stated that the field evaluation of Sanqingshan left them deeply impressed by its breathtaking natural landscapes, diverse geological landforms, and effective protection and management measures. They expressed the hope that more documentation and academic evidence could be provided to fully explore, demonstrate, and highlight the value and distinctive features of the Sanqingshan Geopark, thereby adding greater weight to its application for UNESCO Global Geopark status. It is reported that the two experts will soon compile a comprehensive evaluation report to be submitted to the forthcoming UNESCO Global Geopark Council meeting for discussion, which will ultimately determine whether Sanqingshan is designated a UNESCO Global Geopark.
It is understood that Sanqingshan officially launched its application for UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2005. At the recommendation conference for UNESCO Global Geopark applicants held in Beijing in January 2010, Sanqingshan stood out from dozens of competing candidates to become China's sole nominee for UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2012.
