Terraced fields in Luotian county. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Rich resources

The main way that locals have gotten involved in the park's development is through offering tourism-related services, such as restaurants, accommodation and activities. Liu said there has been a rapid increase in the area's tourism industry, expanding residents' incomes and improving the park's facilities.

There are dozens of scenic spots and cultural sights, such as the Philosopher's Peak of Tiantangzhai in the geopark's main peak area. The rock face has eroded extensively, now looking like a wise sage gazing into the heavens. Visitors must take a cable car and then walk up to the peak, earning the breathtaking views over the park with every step as they walk by thoroughly exposed granite that dates back 124 million years.

Paradise Lake, or Tiantang Lake reservoir and wetland park, is another key attraction. So named for its beauty, it is also known as the 'bright pearl' of Dabieshan Geopark. It has many functions, mainly flood protection, electricity generation and aquatic breeding. It covers 1,100 hectares with a clear, winding shoreline and many natural mountain water landscapes.

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