From Geopark to Sustainable Development: Heritage Conservation and Geotourism Promotion in the Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark (China)

Mt. Huangshan was ratified as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site and UNESCO Global Geopark in 1990 and 2004, respectively. The Huangshan UNESCO Global Geopark (HUGG) is characterized by peak-valley granite landscape as well as other granite landscapes. Quaternary glacial relics and hydrogeological sites are also found in the geopark. The extraordinary geodiversity together with the ecological resources and profound cultural heritages provides a valuable base for geotourism and geopark development. In the past decade, the geopark has been pursuing efficient management approaches to protect natural and cultural resources and to promote geotourism. As a result, the general public know more about the geopark and the income of local communities is increased. This paper introduces the geoheritage and other resources in the HUGG. It also reviews the conservation measures for different resources. Finally, it summarizes the way by which the geopark popularization was carried out.