China's national geopark network expands

Five new national geological parks have been formally designated in China, the overseas edition of People's Daily reported.

With these five parks, located in Hubei, Guangxi, Tibet and Sichuan, the total number of national geological parks in China has increased to 219.

The five places were singled out for their unique geomorphologic landscapes and abundant ecological resources.

Du'an Subterranean River National Geopark in Du'an Yao autonomous county in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, for example, has a typical karst landscape, featuring a subterranean river and dozens of karst fensters in the area.

Qingchuan Earthquake Remains National Geopark in Guangyuan, Sichuan province, which experienced the Wenchuan earthquake in 2008, is distinctive for its earthquake-induced barrier lakes, ground fractures and landslides.