China's first red carbonate-rock national geopark unveiled in Guzhang

China's first red carbonate-rock stone forest national geopark, located in Guzhang county of Jishou city, Hunan province opened on Dec 30, 2011.

The geopark dates back to the Ordovician Period, 480 million years ago. The park impresses with its deep caves and miles of red carbonate-rock stones that change color with the weather The stones look purplish red on sunny days and brownish red on rainy days.

With karst geography, canyons, caves, lakes and waterfalls all gathering here, this geopark is of high value in geological research and for aesthetic appreciation and tourism. Folk customs and arts such as original ecological dances "Maogusi" and "hand-waving" are intangible heritages and further add luster to the park.