application for membership of global geoparks · pdf fileapplication for membership of global...

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Application for Membership of Global Geoparks Network

Name of Applicant: Zhijindong Cave National Geopark

Province: Guizhou Province

Country: P.R.China

Submission Date: September 30, 2014

Annex 2 Geological Heritage of the application

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Contents

1 General Geological Description of the Proposed Geopark ............................................... 1

1.1 Geological Background ............................................................................................. 1

2 Listing and description of geological sites within the proposed Geopark ....................... 3

2.1 Main geological heritage type................................................................................... 3

2.2 Major Characteristics of Geological heritages ....................................................... 3

2.3 Formation and evolution of major geological heritages......................................... 3

3 Details on the interest of these sites in terms of their international, national, regional

or local value .......................................................................................................................... 16

3.1 Introduction on the interest of the main geosites ................................................. 16

3.2 Value and significance of the geosites .................................................................... 19

4 Listing and description of other sites of natural, cultural and intangible heritage

interest and how they are related to the geological sites and how they are integrated into

the proposed Geopark ........................................................................................................... 22

4.1 Biological heritage ................................................................................................... 22

4.2 National Culture Heritage ...................................................................................... 23

Geological Heritage

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Geological Heritage

Geological Summary: Since Late Triassic, under the influence of several intense tectonic movements, the bulge throughout the whole territory of Guizhou province has made it become the land and has gradually raised upwards to form the inland plateau. After that, the regional crust was raised upwards for several times, many dispersive and independent underground rivers and surface rivers have captured and diverted constantly, thus constituting three independent multilayer geomorphic units, namely, Zhijindong Cave, Qijiehe River and Dongfenghu Lake. At the same time many beautiful and precious karst landforms of different shapes and types have been formed. Among which, the caves, gorges, natural bridges and tiankengs are typical representatives and outstanding sceneries in the world geological heritages of the same kind. The elevations of these three geomorphic units reduce successively, with developmental modes transforming from subsurface karst to surface karst gradually, systemically recording the evolution process of karst landform of Guizhou Plateau.

1 General Geological Description of the Proposed Geopark

1.1 Geological Background

(1)Stratum The geopark area is basically covered by sedimentary rocks with the sedimentary

thickness of 2250-2550m, which is divided into 16 official stratum units (Table 1-1). In the exposed stratum of geopark, Yelang Formation and Yongningzhen

Formation of Lower Triassic series dominate, with the total thickness of greater than 300m, and they distribute in the shape of strip piece. They are horizontally separated by coal measure strata of upper Permian series and shale stratum of Triassic System,and are vertically separated by soluble stratum (Huangchunba Member) and unsoluble stratum (Shabaowan Member and Jiujitan Member) of Lower Triassic series, to form distinctive aquiclude structure with coexistence of both horizontal and vertical aquiclude. (2)Regional geological structure

The geopark is located in the north side of Nanling tectonic zone that strikes EW. Within the area,the tectonic line and stratum generally strike NE, the structural deformation of stratum mainly occurred in Yanshan Epoch, and the intermittent bulge is the overall reflection of Neotectonic movement.

Within the geopark area, anticline distributes with syncline in an alternative mode.From Chenjiazhai syncline in the northwest boundary to SE direction,there are Zhijin anticline, Taoshuwan syncline, Diaobian anticline and Lujiadu syncline, etc. Their axis all strike NE-SW, and they are dominant structures and control the movement and direction of regional underground rivers and surface rivers. For example, upstream and downstream of Qijiehe River are respectively controlled by Diaobian syncline and Zhijin syncline.

Faults develop intensively in the geopark area, and many faults,like Qijiehe River fault, belong to primary structure.They are distributed over limbs of Taoshuwan anticline, belong to compressoshear and piezotropy reverse fault, and their strike is in consistent with the folds.Areas of bare rock, fissures are found everywhere, and they primarily strike NEE, NWW, NNE and near SN. Meanwhile, the effluent fissures mainly strike SN, NE and NW..

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Table 1-1 List of Stratigraphic Division in Zhijin Area

Geochronologic unit Lithostratigraphic unit

System Series Name Code and Contact

Relation

Quaternary

system

Holocene series Qh

Pleistocene series Qp

Triassic system Lower

Guanling Formation T1g

Yongningzhen

Formation (T1yn)

Fourth member T1yn4

Third member T1yn3

Second member T1yn2

First member T1yn1

Yelang Formation

(T1y)

Jiujitan member T1y3

Huangchunba member T1y2

Shabaowan member T1y1

Permian System

Upper

Dalong Formation P3d

Changxing Formation P3c

Longtan Formation Second member P3l2

Emeishan Basalt P3β

First member P3l1

Middle Maokou Formation P2m

Qixia Formation P2q

Lower Lianshan Formation P1l

Carboniferous

system Lower

Baizuo Formation C1b

Datang Formation C1d

Cambrian system Lower

Jindingshan Formation ∈1j

Mingxinsi Formation ∈1m

Niutitang Formation ∈1n

Sinian system Upper Dengying Formation Zbd

Note: according to the geochronologic unit (geologic age) table (2001) of China, Qixia Formation and Maokou

Formation belong to Middle Permian series and upper Permian series respectively; however, for the convenience

of research, the old stratum code is to be used, and the following are the same.

(3)Hydrogeology The geopark belongs to bared and semi-bared karst mountainous area, where

karst developes very well and absorptive capacity of atmospheric precipitation is very strong, and atmospheric precipitation is the main supply source of underground water. Most of them directly supplies underground water via surface negative landform such as gorge, depression, sinkhole, tiankeng, vertical shaft and doline, etc., some of them infiltrates through fissures and joints, and forms karst fissure water to indirectly supply underground water.

The temporal surface water, which forms after rainfall, mainly supplies underground water and flows in two circular manners: surface karst water (rain water→surface overland flow→dispersedly flowing along surrounding lowland and depression, or flowing into surrounding karst surface rivers) and underground karst water (rain water→infiltrates and forms karst fissure water→continues infiltrating and supplies underground river (some oozes from wall rock of cave) →underground river →karst surface river).

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At present, the underground water and surface water within the geopark area basically converge at Qijiehe River at first, and then discharge to Liuchonghe River. Liuchonghe River, as the catchment channel of karst underground water within the area, plays a role to discharge almost all the regional underground water and surface water, which is of highly-focused discharge characteristic. Therefore, the whole geopark is equipped with complete supply, run-off, discharge and boundry conditions, and unified karst aquifer, which belongs to a complete hydrogeological unit.

2 Listing and description of geological sites within the proposed Geopark

2.1 Main geological heritage type

Zhijindong Cave Geopark has abundant geological heritages which can be generally classified into 11 categories: karst cave, karst gorge, karst natural bridge, karst tiankeng, karst high fengcong, karst hill, karst cuesta and pictographic mountain, karst hydrology, palaeontological fossil, stratum and rock, tectonic geological heritage, etc. All geological heritages have been developed in the Lower Triassic Series marine carbonatite stratum and distributed intensively in such three karst geomorphic units as Zhijindong Cave, Qijiehe River and Dongfenghu Lake as well, which are relatively independent and integrated on one hand and closely linked to each other on the other hand through Qijiehe River. These geological heritages constitute a comprehensive geopark integrating majestic, typical, beautiful and precious plateau karst landscape and colorful human landscape as well as biological landscape with caves, gorges, natural bridges and tiankengs as its core (Table 1-2).

2.2 Major Characteristics of Geological heritages

Details seen in Table 1‐3.

2.3 Formation and evolution of major geological heritages

2.3.1 Formation and evolution of Zhijin karst

From Paleozoic era 400 million years ago to Mesozoic era 220 million years ago, the region where the geopark is located used to be a vast expanse of sea; after nearly 200 million years' sedimentation and diagenesis, carbonatite stratum with nearly one kilometer in thickness has been formed. Since then, as the Yanshan movement and Himalayan movement happened in succession, regional crust recoiled, and gradually uplifted to form inland plateau, which established the primary profile of this region’s geological structure and plateau karst landform.

During the mid and late early Pleistocene, influenced by further Himalayan movement, regional crust had been bulged once again. The early surface rivers, namely, ancient Xinzhaihe River, ancient Qijiehe River and ancient Miaozhaihe River might have submerged into underground at Xujiazhai Yakou, Jiayandong, and Gouluodong respectively, forming the underground rivers.

Karst hills at one side of Qijiehe River (left) and Zhijin Zhusun

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Table 1-2 Main geological heritage Categories of Zhijindong Cave Geopark Categories

Typical geological heritage site Categories Sub-categories

1-Karst cave

Cave Zhijindong Cave, Leizidong Cave, Swallow Cave, etc.

Cave chamber Guest-Greeting Hall, Talin Palace, Crystal Palace, Hall of Miraculous Mist, Moon Palace, Shiwan Mountain, Water Resort, Banquet Hall, and North Sea Ridge, etc.

Cave secondary sediments

Dripstone Soda straw, stalactite, stalagmite, column, etc.

Flowstone Cave shield, drapery, curtain, stone waterfall, cave flag, and flowstone dam, etc.

Pool water sediments Cave pearl and rim stone, etc.

Synergetic sediments Fusiform,nodular,palmlike draperies, stalagmite and column,etc.

Splashing water sediments

Spherical stalactite, palm slice, nodular body, and handlike stalactite, etc.

Non-gravitational water sediments

Helictites, calcite flower, and anthodite, etc.

Heterogenetic-homomorphic sediments

Moonmilk, cave coral, and crusty substance, etc.

Cave biotic sediment Atherurus macrourus dunghill deposit in Golden Mouse Palace, etc.

Cave mechanic sediments

Cave collapse landscape

Collapsed rock block

Collapsed rock block sediment, Collapsed stalagmite

Natural skylight

Natural skylight

Flowing water alluvial sediments

The clay and gravel stratum distributing inside the subterrane (Golden Mouse Palace-Water Resort-North Sea Ridge) of the second main cave, etc.

Bed rock residue landscape Caviation, Soluble thorn, inverted clint, and lapie, etc.

2-Karst gorge

Formation type of surface river Lujiadu Gorge, Pengjiazhai Gorge, Dahebian Gorge, Huawuji Gorge, and Goudiaoyan Gorge（They are part of Dongfenghu Lake Gorge）, etc.

Formation type of underground river Sanjia Gorge, Gouyaoyan Gorge, Youcaichong Gorge, Hebian Gorge, and Dacaokou Gorge（They are part of Qijiehe River Gorge）, etc.

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Table 1-2 Main geological heritage Categories of Zhijindong Cave Geopark Categories

Typical geological heritage site Categories Sub-categories

3-Karst Natural Bridge

Huge singe-pore (lower layer) Tiangu Natural bridge, Huangtupo South and North Natural Bridge Huge double-pore (lower layer) Xiaotuoluo Natural Bridge Huge double-pore (upper layer) Xiniu Wangyue Natural Bridge

4-Karst tiankeng

Super-large/collapse formation Dacaokou Tiankeng Large/collapse formation Xiaocaokou Tiankeng, Daluoquan Tiankeng, Dachilong Tiankeng Medium/collapse formation Xiaoluoquan Tiankeng Small/collapse formation Xiaochilong Tiankeng and Jiayandong Tiankeng

5-Karst high fengcong High fengcong deep depression in the area from Sanjia to Gouyaoyan and the south area of Zhijindong Cave

6-Karst hill Karst hills on both sides of Qijiehe River and Liuchonghe River 7-Karst cuesta Dazhai cuesta, Lujiadu cuesta, and Dacaokou cuesta, etc. 7-Karst pictographic mountain Qigu Yingbin, Chuantoushan, Dapeng Zhanchi, Guandaoyan, and Sunziyan, etc. 8-Karsthydrologic geoheritage

Underground river Underground river segments of Qijiehe River Surface river Qijiehe River, Liuchonghe River, and Sanchahe River, etc.

9-Paleontological fossil geological heritage Lamellibranchs, ammonoid, brachiopoda, gastropods, and alga, etc.

10- Stratum and rock geoheritage

Stratigraphic section Dazhai Village stratigraphic section, Dacaokou stratigraphic section, Lujiadu stratigraphic section,etc.(They all belong to Lower Triassic Series)

Stratigraphic boundary Observing point of Zhijindong Cave stratigraphic boundary Carbonatite Wormlike limestone, and karst breccia, etc.

11-Tectonic geological heritage

Crustal movement geo heritage Karst denudation surface, multistage cave, double-layer natural bridge, and multistage terrace, etc.

Fault Qimo fault , Huangtufen fault, Sanjia fault(they belong to Regional fault ); triangular facet bluff, and small faults like Gouyaoyan, Youcaichong, and Chuantoushan etc.

Fold Dianhulu anticline, Lujiadu anticline, and Chuantoushan syncline, etc. Tectonic fissure Rock bared areas in the geopark

12-Non- geological geoheritage

Biological heritage Zhijindong Cave secondary primeval forest and wild monkey habitat, Swallow Nest, cherry forest, bamboo fungus hometown of China, etc.

National culture heritage Guanzhai Old Town, Xiahongyan nationality village, Dazhai Village, Tiangu Villa, "Flower Dance Festival" of Miao nationality, "Torch Festival" of Yi nationality, wax printing craft, and Zhijin marmite, etc.

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Table 1-3 Typical Geological heritage Categories and Development Characteristic of Zhijindong Cave Geopark Categories Main development characteristics

I. Karst cave

Zhijindong Cave is located in the southeast of Guanzhai township which is about 23km away from northeast of Zhijin County. It is situated inside the karst hills on slope top of southeast river valley in downstream of Qijiehe River. It has been developing in the strong karst aquifer composed of thick limestone of Huangchunba member of Yelang Formation in Lower Triassic Series and lying in the NWW limbs of Xiahongyan brachyanticline. It was discovered in 1980. Until now, the already explored length is 4215m. It consist of 2 main caves and 4 branch caves, being divided into 4 layers and 47 chambers. All kinds of stalactites develop intensively in the cave. Zhijin Cave group with Zhijindong cave as the core is composed of 16 caves. They are classified to fossil cave and underground river cave, which are mainly distributed in the fengcong at both banks of Qijiehe River and develop in the limestone of Huangchunba Member of Yelang Formation and Yongningzhen Formation in Lower Triassic Series with the actually measured length of 9086m (only refers to the total length of fossil cave, while the length of underground river cave is longer than 4km, see Table 1-4). (1) High elevation, all are located above 950m, which belong to plateau karst cave. (2) Intensive distribution of stratification: Zhijin cave group can be roughly divided into four layers from bottom to the top with obvious rule of development in stratification, which is the result and proof of frequently intermittent uplift during Neotectonics (Figure 1-1). Cave chamber:There are 13 cave chambers within Zhijindong Cave including Miaoling Hall, Shiwan Mountain, etc., and their projected area of cave bottom are all above 3000m2. Of which, there are six chambers with the projected area greater than 10000m2, and Shiwan Mountain (including Moon Palace and Silver Rain Palace) is the biggest one with the chamber area of 46200m2, and the total capacity of Zhijindong cave is about 6,000,000m3 (Table 1-5).

Cave’s secondary chemical sediments

Stalagmite-The abundant stalagmites are main chemical sediments in Zhijindong Cave, which are densely distributed in all places of the cave. Most of them are are grand in size, beautiful and colorful in shape and unique in style. Their morphotypes mainly consist of common shape, helmet shape, hill shape, tower shape, mushroom shape, deodar shape, lampstand shape, torch shape, etc. (Table 1-6) Stone column-The abundant columns are main chemical sediments in Zhijindong Cave, usually developed together with stalagmites and densely distributed in all places of the cave. Most of them are beautiful and colorful in shape and unique in style. Their morphotypes mainly consist of common shape, shield shape, Chinese lute shape, round tower shape, palmlike and fusiform,etc. (Table 1-7) Stalactites-There are lots of stalactites different in sizes and scales hanging at the ceiling of Zhijindong Cave, and most of them are thick at the upper part and slim at the lower part. Their morphotypes mainly consist of common shape (inverted cone shape or rodlike shape), flag shape, curtain shape, shield shape, lung lobe shape, tongue shape, breast shape and phototropic shape, etc. Soda straws have been mainly developing in the Crystal Palace brach cave. They usually develop in certain area with a length of 10 to 20cm, an inner diameter of 2 to 6mm. There are usually water drops hanging at the bottom end, indicating they are still growing. The stalagmite, columns, stalactite and soda straw etc. mentioned above all belong to dripstone sediment. Cave shields relatively develop in Zhijindong Cave with various shapes and different scales. Meanwhile, they usually develop symbiotically with stalactites and stalagmites, and combining to form rare, beautiful, diverse and unique stalactites landscapes, such as shield-shaped columns, stalactites and Chinese lute-shaped columns.

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I. Karst cave

Cave’s secondary chemical sediments

Cave flag and stone belt widely develop everywhere in Zhijindong cave with different shapes and scales; at the same time, they usually develop jointly with other stalactites such as stalactite, stalagmite, shields and curtains, etc.,combin to form colorful stalactite landscape. Stone drapery, curtain, and stone waterfall -The several kinds of sediments all develop in Zhijindong Cave. They are grand with a general height of 15 to 23m (Max over 30m) and width of 10 to 17m (Max hundreds of meters). They have various and beautiful shapes, with helmet shape, fusiform, curtain shape, waterfall shape and peach shape as theirs main shapes. (Table 1-8) Meanwhile, they usually develop jointly with other stalactites ,and combin to form grand and vivid landscape pictures. Flowstone dam and Stone terrace-The two kinds of sediments develop well in Zhijindong Cave, especially the stone terrace and flowstone dam at Water Resort Cave Member of the second main cave. Their contiguous development area is 5300m2, their single development area is very big so that they are relatively rare both at home and aboard. The cave flag, shield, curtain, drapery and stone waterfall, etc. belong to wall flowstone sediment, and stone terrace and flowstone dam belong to bottom flowstone sediment, in a word, they are collectively known as flowstone sediment. Splashing water sediment mainly includes spherical stalactite, palm slice, nodular body, and handlike stalactite, etc. in Zhijindong Cave. They develop everywhere and usually adhere to the surface of other sediments (such as stalagmites, columns, wall flowstones,etc.) and cave wall, so that these sediments shapes are more visual, lively and colorful. Non-gravitational sediment-At present, this kind of sediment mainly includes helictite and stone flower in Zhijindong Cave. They mainly distribute over the rear part of Crystal Palace branch cave. The helictites inside the Crystal Palace develop symbiotically with soda straws and cover a contiguous area of 3000m2. They are white as snow, exquisite, and growing, which is the rare landscape of helictite seldom seen both at home and aboard. Synergetic sediment develops well in Zhijindong Cave, including fusiform drapery, stalagmite, column formed under the synergetic sedimentation of dripping water and flowing water, palmlike column, stalagmite formed under the synergetic sedimentation of dripping water and splashing water. Heterogenetic-homomorphic sediment like moonmilk, cave coral can be found in Zhijindong Cave; and the moonmilk is quite rare in the caves both at home and abroad.

II. Karst gorge

Zhijin Gorge-Dongfenghu lake Gorge and Qijiehe River Gorge in the geopark are collectively known as “Zhijin Gorge”. Qijiehe River Gorge Group is mainly composed of five segments of gorge, such as Sanjia Gorge and Dacaokou Gorge, etc. The length is about 8km, including morphotypes of earth fissure shape, box shape, V shape, and blind valley shape etc. Series of mountains stand on both sides,while the Qijiehe River passes through the Gorge running underground and aboveground alternatively(Table 1-9). Dacaokou Gorge is about 2km long. The gorge presents box shape with steep palisades at both sides. There are Swallow Cave, Xiniu Wangyue natural bridge, Dacaokou Tiankeng/Xiaocaokou Tiankeng, Tiangu natural bridge, etc. along the gorge. The space distribution of Dacaokou Gorge on the whole is “one river, one cave, two natural bridges and two tiankengs”, which is the most beautiful segments of Qijiehe Gorge.

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II. Karst gorge

Dongfenghu Lake gorge group is mainly composed of five segments of gorges such as Lujiadu Gorge, and Huawuji Gorge, etc. with the length of about 38km, which belongs to the valley of Liuchonghe River downstream . The longitudinal shape of most river valleys differs very much:wide in the upper part, being 300-1000m wide and 100-350m deep, which belongs to residual river valley of several early karstification on the whole; narrow in the lower part, being 80-350m wide and 200-500m deep, which includes shapes like box shape, V shape and earth fissure shape, etc. The gorge and the various vegetation and the elusive birds and animals at both sides constitute a natural, beautiful and harmonious ecological environment. This gorge is one of the most beautiful water gorges in Guizhou Plateau(Table 1-10).

III. Karst Natural Bridge

Zhijin natural bridge group with the unique double-layer structure ,which is consisting of five natural bridges, alternatively and successively stretches over Qijiehe River Gorge from southwest to northeast(Table 1-11). Among which, Tiangu Natural Bridge is the most ornamental natural bridge; and Xiniu Wangyue Natural Bridge is a rarely seen huge curve bridge with double-pore both at home and abroad.

IV. Karst tiankeng

Zhijin tiankeng group--Seven collapsed tiankengs at large, medium and small scales are discovered in the geopark, namely, Dacaokou/Xiaocaokou Tiankeng, Dachilong/Xiaochilong Tiankeng, Daluoquan/Xiaoluoquan Tiankeng and Jiayandong Tiankeng, which compose “Zhijin tiankeng group”. They are distributed over an area of 42km2. (Table 1-12)

V. Karst high

fengcong

It is mainly distributed over the north area of the geopark. Peaks are high and precipitous, erected and raised up one after another with great momentum, and the elevation of most peaks is 1350-1650m, some of them are cuestas.The karst negative landform such as depression, valley, doline, sinkhole and tiankeng,etc.develop among all peaks in criss-cross mode. The elevation at bottom is 1350-1500m; the height difference between peak and the depression (valley) is 120-200m.Their bed rock is bared with the gradient of 50-70º.These peaks and negative landforms together make up the typical shape of high fengcong and deep depression landform,which is the typical representative of high fengcong and deep depression in karst plateau area of China.Especially Fengcong is extended from Sanjia to Gouyaoyan and Fengcong is located at south side of Zhijindong cave are the most typical, magnificent and beautiful (Table 1-13).

VI. Karst hill

It is mainly distributed over the slope at both banks of Qijiehe River and Liuchonghe River. The elevation of hills is 1350-1450m at the top. The elevation of depression between hills is 1250-1300m. Many underground rivers and karst caves are developed in this kind of landform area,such as Zhijindong Cave.

VII. Karst Cuesta: It is mainly distributed at both banks of Qijiehe River and Liuchonghe River, and mainly develops in hard carbonate and relatively soft non-carbonate of Lower Triassic Series; the palisades is approximately vertical and the height is 50-90m ; the top of palisades is a broad smooth slope which is stretched over several kilometers,and the slope surface is basically flat with thick weathered layer, and it is usually covered by large area of meadow.The typical cuesta in the geopark includes, Dazhai cuesta, Lujiadu cuesta and Dacaokou cuesta, etc. VIII. Karst pictographic mountain: they are distributed commonly in the geopark, typically including Qigu Yingbin, Chuantoushan, Dapeng Zhanchi, Guandaoyan, Solutional Cap Rocks, and Sunziyan, etc. IX. Underground river- underground river segments of Qijiehe River: Qijiehe River submerges into underground for several times to form four underground river segments whose total length is about 5km.

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X. Surface river

Sanchahe River and Liuchonghe River are regional base level of discharge, and they converge to form Yachihe River-upstream of Wujiang River. After Dongfengba reservoir is filling, the nearby reach at the intersection and a reach of Yachihe River are flooded to form Dongfenghu Lake, and the regional base level of discharge is raised from 870m to 940-970m. Qijiehe River originates from Phoenix Mountain in the southwest of Zhijin Country with the full length of 30 km.Wherein: (1)The upstream,it is also called Qimohe River, not included in the scope of geopark. (2) The downstream (basically in the scope of geopark), it extends towards northeast and runs both aboveground and underground alternatively.Finally it submerges into underground at Dacaokou and converges to Liuchonghe River after flowing towards northeast for 2km.

XI. Palaeontological fossil heritage: fossils like lamellibranch, ammonoid, brachiopoda, gastropod and algae are discovered in the geopark. XII. Stratum and rock geological heritage: many stratigraphic sections of Lower Triassic Series(typically including Dazhai section,etc.) and stratigraphic boundary between Shabaowan Member and Huangchunba Member of Lower Triassic Series(typically including Zhijindong Cave stratigraphic boundary) are discovered in the geopark; at the same time, several typical carbonatite heritages like wormlike limestone and karst breccia, etc. are also discovered. XIII. Tectonic geological heritage (1)Typical crustal movement heritages include: multistage cave and cave with multi-layer structure, double-layer natural bridge, etc. (2) Structure heritages include: small fault zone (like Gouyaoyan fault zone, etc.) and small fold (like Dianhulu anticline , etc.).

Overlord Helmet，Sibling Jade Tree and Three-class Canopy Figure 1-1 Scatter Diagram of Elevation and lamination of Zhijin Cave Group

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Table 1-4 Distribution Characteristics of Main Caves in Zhijindong Cave Geopark

Name of cave Elevation at entrance (m)

Cave Length

(m)

Actually measured cave

height (m)

Development stratum

Development area

Development altitude (m)

Leizidong 1360 131 33 T1y2 Zhijindong

Cave Scenic Area

Above 1350m (the fourth layer cave, accounting for 18.75% of all caves )

Dachilong 1380 80 15 T1y2

Laoshudong (Mouse)

1400 40 36 T1y2

Qijiehe River Scenic Area

Zhijindong 1320 4215 242 T1y2

Zhijindong Cave Scenic Area 1300-1350m (the

third layer cave, accounting for 31.25% of all caves)

Jiayandong 1327 181 24 T1yn1


Huangjiayandong

1350 24 0 T1y2

Maluodong 1300 96 90 T1y2

Xiaoheidong 1300 2482 78 T1yn1

Miaodong 1200 546 16 T1yn1 1200-1280m (the second layer cave, accounting for 12.5% of all caves)

Xiaochilong Cave

1260 185 36 T1y2

Zhijindong Cave Scenic Area

Swallow Cave 1045 420 5 T1yn1


1000-1100 (the first layer cave, accounting for 31.25% of all caves)

Youcaichong Cave

1020 160.5 55 T1yn1

Dacaokou underground river cave

1000 >2km 80 T1yn1

Youcaichong underground river cave

1010 >1km 70 T1yn1

Gouyaoyan underground river cave

1000 >1km 75 T1yn1

Note: Actually measured cave height herein. It only refers to the measured maximum height. Table 1-5 Development Scale Parameters of Main Cave Chambers of Zhijindong Cave

Note: Height and Width refers to Average Height and Average Width. Table 1-6 Main morphotypes and features of stalagmites in Zhijindong Cave

Morphotype Main development features Main Development area Typical geosites

Common stalagmite

They are different in size, and most of them are slim at the upper section and thick at the lower section.

Widely distributed in all places of the cave, large in quantity and common in sightseeing

Gurong Zhenghui, Shihua Douyan.

Helmet-shaped stalagmite

At the lower part is helmet shape, while at the upper part is slender rod shape in different lengths. The difference between two shapes, diameter is up to 7 to 10 times, making it look like the helmet of ancient generals.

It is the treasure and monopoly sightseeing landscape of the cave for its rareness,mainly distributed in the Moon Palace and Crystal Palace

Overlord Helmet, Chuidiao Zhijin, Tangu Lunjin

Cave chamber Length (m) Height (m) Width (m) Area (m2) Capacity (m3) Guest-Greeting Hall 137 55 63 3015 168732 Pipa Palace 156 42 45 6830 273215 Talin Palace 103 36 51 6320 253120 Preaching Hall 267 31 49 15095 442810 Miaoling Hall 301 36 62 28060 982350 Crystal Palace 145 15 31 5610 132100 Hall of Miraculous Mist 103 42 52 6920 293100 Moon Palace 312 53 55 30560 1621500 Shiwan Mountain 175 53 58 15640 912300 Golden Mouse Palace 567 12 13 19210 302150 Water Resort 512 12 32 21080 268540 Mangu Long Corridor 305 12 17 5310 80620 Banquet Hall 213 22 30 8340 193400 North Sea Ridge 302 19 23 7030 150800 In total 3598 -- -- 179020 6074737

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Table 1-6 Main morphotypes and features of stalagmites in Zhijindong Cave

Morphotype Main development features Main Development area Typical geosites

Round stalagmite

They look like round hills, which are thick and grand; there is little difference between their diameter and height, and most of them are large or huge stalagmite.

They are important sightseeing landscapes which widely distributed anywhere in the cave.

Fu-Lu-Shou, Natural Roundness, Silent mountains

Tower-shaped stalagmite

They are of high tower shape with grand scale and can reach more than 40m in the highest position.Their diameter is smaller than their height with the difference about 2-5 times,which are mostly huge stalagmite.

Buddha statue, Yi village in remote mountains,Twin-tower of Zhijin

Fungiform stalagmite

They are small stalagmite and still growing, looking like oyster white mushroom.

They are mainly distributed in Hall of Miraculous Mist, and small in quantity

Deodar -shaped stalagmite

Palm slices of different sizes and scales develop surrounding the surface of stalagmite, makes it look like a deodar standing in the snow.

Widely distributed in all places of the cave

Poxi Qingshen, Silver Rain Tree, Sibling Jade Tree

Lampstand- shaped stalagmite

They look like many quenchless ancient lampstands which is slim in both ends and thick in the middle

Mainly developed in Hall of Miraculous Mist

Ancient lampstand , Overlord’s whip

Torch-shaped stalagmite

They are slim in the lower part and thick in the upper part.

Mainly developed in Guest-Greeting Hall.

World Cup

Common column

They are different in size, and most of them are thick at both ends and slim in the middle.


Shield-shaped column

The symbiosis of shields, stalactites and stalagmites forms special "shield-shaped"column.

Dispersedly distributed over some places of the cave, small in quantity and less common in domestic caves.

Table 1-7 Main morphotypes and features of columns in Zhijindong Cave

Morphotype Main development features Main Development area Typical

geosites

Chinese lute-shaped column

The symbiosis of straight shields, stalactites and stalagmites forms a "Chinese lute-shaped" column, and this is an exception of shield-shaped columns.

There is only one developed in Pipa Palace, which is a treasure and monopoly sightseeing landscape the Cave.

Inverted Pipa

Round tower-shaped column

They like high towers with grand scale, and most columns are thick at the bottom and thin at the top. Most are huge columns.

They are important sightseeing landscapes widely distributed in all places of the cave

Twin columns in temple

Palmlike column Palm slices of different sizes and scales develop surrounding the surface of column, making it look like palm.

One-Line- Sky

Table 1-8 Main morphotypes and features of drapery, stone purdah and stone waterfall in Zhijindong Cave Morphotype Main development features Main Development area Typical geosites

Helmet-shaped drapery

Three helmet-shaped draperies of similar scales hang on the cave wall longitudinally side by side with a height of about 12.6m and width of 15.9m.

It is a monopoly landscape and a treasure of the cave, can only be found in Moon Palace.

Three-class Canopy

Fusiform drapery Looking like fusiform shape, or like a peach,they develop along the cave wall or adhering to surfaces of stalagmites, columns and other stalactites.


They usually develop jointly with other stalactites , and combin to form colorful stalactite landscape ， typically including Picturesque Landscape and Zhijin Window.

Peach-shaped drapery

Curtain-shaped drapery

Looking like many large curtains, theydevelop along the cave wall. In general, the scale is large.

They are important sightseeing landscapes widely distributed in all places of the cave Waterfall-shaped

stone waterfall

Looking like many waterfalls,theydevelop along the cave wall in ladder pattern and in a large scale.

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Table 1-9 Main morphological characteristics of Qijiehe River Gorge Gorge

segment Length (km)

Width (m) Longitudinal gradient(‰)

Gorge form Altitude

difference (m)

Sanjia 1.2 45-65 1.2 Alternate between box shape and V shape

80-300

Gouyaoyan 1.9 20-55 1.5 V-shape and earth fissure shape 120-360

Youcaichong 1.8 20-36 1.6 Box shape and earth fissure shape

110-350

Hebian 0.93 35-55 1.2 Alternate between V shape and box shape

110-310

Dacaokou 2 90-350 1.3 Box shape 120-325

Table 1-10 Main morphological characteristics of Dongfenghu Lake Gorge Gorge

segment Length (km)

Width (m) Longitudinal gradient(‰)

Gorge form Altitude

difference (m)Lujiadu 5.3 110-200 2.6 Box shape and V shape 220-460 Pengjiazhai 9.2 90-170 5.6 V-shape and earth fissure shape 230-520 Dahebian 7.9 80-160 5.3 Alternate between box shape

and V shape 220-510

Huawuji 3.7 80-320m 4.2 210-490 Dongfengba 6.2 210-350 2.2 Box shape 200-480 Goudiaoyan 5.5 90-260 2.5 Box shape 190-490

Note: (1) Altitude difference refers to the altitude difference between the cliff and valley bottom. (2) The data in this table except length data are all data before dam is intercepted to become lake.

Table 1-11 Main development characteristics of Zhijin natural bridge

Name of natural bridge

Develop- ment

Stratum

Height of bridge (m)

Deck thicknes (m)

Height of arch pore (m)

Span of arch pore(m)

Deck width (m)

Bridge arch structure

Develop-ment layer position

Ty Pe

South Huangtupo

Carbonatite of Yongningzhen Formation in Lower Triassic Series, trends towards northwest

165-235 130-175 43 47 165 Single pore

Lower Huge

North Huangtupo

173-245 125-160 53 27 201 Single pore

Xiaotuoluo 136-256 80-180 45 27 226 Double pore

Tiangu 67 70 137 90 65 Single pore

Xiniu Wangyue

157 85-120 55-85 71-105 510 Double pore

Upper

Table 1-12 Main development characteristics of Zhijin tiankeng group

Tiankeng Name

Developm-ent Stratum

Entrance diameter (m)

Entrance area (m2)

Max. Depth (m)

Min. Depth (m)

Total capacity (Mm3)

Level/genetic type

Dacaokou T1yn1

905X370 226800 330 265 55.65 Super-large/ collapsed

Xiaocaokou 325X180 45925 220 205 8.91 Large/ collapsed

Daluoquan T1yn2-4

350X278 78380 220 155 8.32 Large/ collapsed

Xiaoluoquan 336X260 68578 165 127 5.75 Medium/ collapsed

Jiayandong

T1y2

126X60 5935 65 40 0.23 Small/ collapsed

Dachilong 390X262 80211 200 135 8.66 Large/ collapsed

Xiaochilong 116X76 6921 67 48 0.35 Small/ collapsed

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Table 1-13 Characteristic of high fengcong and deep depression karst Landscape of Zhijindong Cave Geopark

Unit Name

Peak Altitude(m)

Depression (valley)

Depth(m)

Other depth(m)

Unit area (km2)

Depression Developmental

rate

Main combinatation form of landform

Area from Sanjia to Gouyaoyan

1400-1650 120-200 doline depth

20-90m 10.21 3.62 Fengcong and

depression (valley) dominates with Fengcong gorge

Mainly consist of plenty of peaks, nine groove shape valleys, 27 depressions and 1 gorge, which is located in the middle and upper reaches of Qijiehe River.

South Area of Zhijindong Cave

1350-1500 110-180 doline depth

35-100m 8.13 5.17

fengcong and depression (valley) dominates

Mainly consist of plenty of peaks, 11 groove shape valleys and 31 depressions, which is located in the middle and upper reaches of early Qijiehe River(i.e. ancient Xinzhaihe River).

Total evaluation

It owns unique ornamental value and aesthetic value of “grand, precipitous, steep, elegant and strange” and as well as high value on scientific research and science popularization, which is the typical concentration development area and epitome of China plateau karst landform and consists of the general background of excellent tourist environment of Zhijindong Cave Geopark.

Note: depression developmental rate (collectively refer to the developmental rate of all karstnegative landforms) =numbers of negative landform like depression/unit area; doline depth refers to the depth of doline.

Subsequently, in the lengthy geological time, regional crust might be raised

upwards for several times intermittently; as a result, the ancient Xinzhaihe River was captured by Zhijindong Cave, and ancient Qijiehe River was diverted along stratum tendency.After being diverted, ancient Qijiehe River captured ancient Xinzhaihe River and ancient Miaozhaihe River. In the meanwhile, all underground riverways, during the processes of headword erosion, capturing, diverting and longitudinal eroding, which often occurred with the accompany of action of partial riverway being raised upwards and roof being collapsed, evolved and developed into negative landforms like new gorges and tiankengs, etc. While partial residual underground riverways might be raised upwards, forming fossil caves, natural bridges and so on: Dachilong Tiankeng and Xiaochilong Tiankeng as well as Leizidong Cave and Zhijindong Cave were formed on the underground riverway of ancient Xinzhaihe River. Daluoquan Tiankeng and Xiaoluoquan Tiankeng were formed on the underground riverway of ancient Miaozhai River; while an 8-kilometer long gorge, Dacaokou Tiankeng, Xiaocaokou Tiankeng and Zhijin natural bridge group with double-layer were formed on the underground riverway of Qijiehe River.

In conclusion, the formation and evolution of Zhijin karst began in the Pleistocene and went through several stages: a stage that surface water ran dispersedly→the initial stage of surface river → submerging into underground and forming underground river, thus beginning its first capturing stage (Zhijindong Cave underground river captured ancient Xinzhaihe River)→stage of ancient Qijiehe River being diverted→stage of Qijiehe River capturing Xinzhaihe River→being collapsed, river running on the surface and subsurface alternatively and natural bridges-tiankengs have been formed; after a series of process of mutual capturing and diverting between surface rivers and underground rivers, three karst hydrogeological and karst geomorphic units which are relatively independent and complete, yet closely linked through Qijiehe River have been formed gradually: Zhijindong Cave Unit, Qijiehe River Unit and Dongfenghu Lake Unit. The above process has systematically and completely revealed that the karst development and evolution process of Guizhou Plateau under different geological and geographical environments since the late Triassic epoch. So Zhijin karst is not only a global reference place to show the mutual

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alternation and development of surface and subsurface karst, but also a typical and rare plateau karst formation and evolution system which is independent and complete in geology, landform and hydrogeology.

2.3.2 Formation and evolution of Zhijindong Cave

In the late early Pleistocene, atmospheric precipitation infiltrated along longitudinal and tensile fissures, dispersing and independently corroding, eroding as well as laterally running along interformational fissure surface and stratification plane to form underground rivers with different development degrees and disperse directions. Among which, some underground rivers began to capture various surface water and other underground rivers, gradually forming the early main riverway of Zhijindong Cave.

Figure 1-2 Schematic Diagrams of formation and evolution of Zhijindong Cave

In the early middle Pleistocene, After Zhijindong Cave underground river captured ancient Xinzhaihe River, its supplementary amount was increased dramatically, and its riverway became deeper, wider and longer; in the late middle Pleistocene, regional crust was bulged, therefore, the riverway of early stage was raised upwards, being formed the 3rd and 4th layer caves, meanwhile, entering the first stage of cave landscape development, which was represented by the formation of many huge stalagmite clusters; at this time, ancient Xinzhaihe River was captured by Qijiehe River, only supplementing to Zhijindong Cave during flood period, so it became underground riverway for flood discharging; about 100,000 years ago, the crust was bulged again, the riverway was raised upwards and formed the 2nd layer cave and entered the second stage of cave landscape development, which was represented by the formation of many long and slim stalagmite clusters and column clusters; from then on, Zhijindong Cave riverway has continued to submerge, forming substratum cave till now, however, it can only be supplemented indirectly by atmospheric precipitation, and the water volume decreases obviously (Figure 1-2).

In conclusion, the formation and evolution of Zhijindong Cave began in Pleistocene, went through different subsurface karst circulation and development

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stages: lateral fissure karst water→underground riverway→capturing surface river (ancient Xinzhaihe River)→underground river in large scale→being raised upwards and formed fossil cave→cave landscape development. After being raised upwards for several times, the original underground riverway gradually formed a 4-layer labyrinth fossil cave system, Zhijindong Cave system; there are complete types of secondary chemical sediments, which are elegant, unique, and huge. The above process represents a kind of unique, systematic and complete evolution process of multi-layer cave and cave chemical sediments formed by the mutual capturing between surface river and underground river, and Zhijindong Cave is one of the best areas for research on paleogeographic environment transition of Guizhou Plateau since Pleistocene.

2.3.3 Formation and evolution of Zhijin Gorge

(1)Dongfenghu Lake Gorge--Typical representative of top-down formation and evolution mode of gorge

Dongfenghu Lake Gorge: when the surface water flows, in order to gain maximum hydraulic gradient, it searches for the best way to reduce its potential energy to the minimum by discharging to a lower erosion basis. This process results that the surface river erodes and cuts downward vertically continuously until it reachs basically the same level as erosion basis. During its supplement, runoff and discharge processes, karst gorge with the height being over its width in terms of size is formed gradually. We call this as top-down formulation and evolution mode of the gorge. (2)Qijiehe River Gorge--Typical representative of down-top formation and evolution mode of gorge

Qijiehe River Gorge: it is a typical gorge developed during the process of Qijiehe River’s development from underground to the surface. The formation and evolution process of Qijiehe River Gorge can be divided into three stages: underground river stage→stage of being exposed on the surface→stage of surface transformation and degradation (Figure 1-2). During these periods, under the joint control and influence of factors like intermittent structure movement in this region, development state of underground river and stability of overlying strata, multi-phase may occur to form gorges with slight shape difference vertically and different ages. At present, Zhijin double layer natural bridge group (it explains that the gorge has experienced at least two processes to be exposed the surface), Dacaokou Tiankeng, Xiaocaokou Tiankeng and the underground river caves at both end of upstream and downstream in the gorge are the direct proof of this geological phenomenon that it develops from underground to surface.

Dongfenghu Lake Gorge and Qijiehe River Gorge represent two development modes with completely different development direction respectively, at the same time, other karst landscapes developing with gorge like fengcong depression, tiankeng and natural bridge, etc. compose the systematic and complete multi-layer karst system. They not only well distribute between each other in space but also develop successively in time and the sequence of development can be traced, thus we can say, it is an excellent and rare demonstration area of karst gorge formation and evolution in the world.

2.3.4 Formation and evolution of Zhijin Natural Bridge and tiankeng

The basic mechanism for the formation of natural bridge and collapsed tiankeng: under the joint control and influence of regional tectonics, strata, continuous karstification and collapse process, overlying strata of underground river is collapsed to form these natural bridges and tiankengs. Its formation and evolution process can

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be divided into three stages: underground river stage→formation stage of natural bridge and collapsed tiankeng→transformation and degradation stage (Figure 1-3).

Zhijin natural bridges and tiankengs with basically same evolution and type,and different age, scale and shape, have been developed under multi-phase function with different object, direction, scale and intensity during different geological periods. Therefore, they are the natural recorders to reflect different development phases of regional hydrogeology system.

Figure 1-3 Schematic Diagrams of formation of Zhijin Gorge (underground genesis) (left)

Figure 1-4 Schematic Diagrams of formation of Zhijin tiankeng-natural bridge (Right)

3 Details on the interest of these sites in terms of their international, national, regional or local value

3.1 Introduction on the interest of the main geosites

The main geosites within Zhijindong cave Geopark are listed within Table 1-14. Basic classification standard: (1)Geological sites (GS)-representing the main geological heritage sites within the geopark. (2)Biologic sites (BS)-representing the main Biologic sites within the geopark. (3)Historical and Cultural sites (CS)-representing the main historical and cultural sites within the geopark. According to the importance level of these sites, classify the sites to the following levels: (1)Internationally important sites (INT) - the sites with international significance. (2)Nationally important sites(NAT) - the sites with national significance, registered and certified. (3)Regionally important sites (REG) - the sites with regional significance, registered and Certified by local agency. According to its value in use, classified as following: (1)Scientific value- selectively enter or carry out scientific research. (2)Educational value- has geological, natural, historical and cultural importance, with educational significance. (3)Tourism value- the sites with tourism value, enlarging the geo-tourism value for the geopark.

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Table 1-14 Value List of Various Geological heritages of Zhijindong Cave Geopark

No. Name of Sites RegionType of the sites

Importance level

Scientifi-c

Educat-ional

Touri-sm

1 Zhijindong cave group

The whole

geopark

GS INT √ √ √ 2 Zhijin Gorge GS INT √ √ √ 3 Zhijin tiankeng group GS TNT √ √ √ 4 Karst high fengcong GS NAT √ √ √ 5 Karst hill GS REG √ √ √ 6 Karst cuesta GS REG √ √ √ 7 Karst pictographic mountain GS REG √ √ √ 8 Multistage karst denudation surface GS REG √ √ 9 Sakura woods BS REG √ √

10 Bamboo fungus hometown of China

BS NAT √ √ √

11 Birds Habitats BS REG √ √ 12 "Flower Dance Festival" of Miao CS REG √ √ √ 13 "Torch Festival" of Yi CS REG √ √ √

14 "Celebration of Wuxian Bodhisattva" of Chuanqing

CS REG √ √ √

15 Wax printing craft CS NAT √ √ √ 16 Zhijin marmite CS NAT √ √ √ 17 Festival lantern CS REG √ √ √ 18 "Song Festival" of Buyi CS REG √ √ √ 19 Zhijindong Cave

Zhijin-dong Cave

Scenic Area

GS INT √ √ √

20 Cave chamber group of Zhijindong Cave

GS INT √ √ √

21 Crystal Palace GS NAT √ √ 22 Talin Palace GS NAT √ √ √ 23 Hall of Miraculous Mist GS INT √ √ √ 24 Moon Palace GS INT √ √ √ 25 Shiwan Mountain GS INT √ √ √ 26 Water Resort GS NAT √ √ 27 North Sea Ridge GS REG √ √ 28 Guest-Greeting Hall GS REG √ √ √ 29 Preaching Hall GS REG √ √ √ 30 Golden Mouse Palace GS NAT √ √ 31 Banquet Hall GS NAT √ √ 32 Overlord Helmet GS INT √ √ √ 33 Fu -Lu -Shou GS NAT √ √ √ 34 Buddha statue GS NAT √ √ √ 35 Silver Rain Tree GS INT √ √ √ 36 Sibling Jade Tree GS INT √ √ √ 37 World Cup GS REG √ √ √ 38 Gurong Zhenghui GS REG √ √ √ 39 Silent mountains GS NAT √ √ √ 40 Yi Village in remote mountains GS REG √ √ √ 41 Twin towers of Zhijin GS REG √ √ √ 42 Poxi Qingshen GS NAT √ √ √ 43 Ironwood Tree blossom GS REG √ √ √

44 Huge tower -shaped stalagmite group

GS INT √ √ √

45 Fungiform stalagmite GS REG √ √ 46 A bright pearl in the palm GS REG √ √ √ 47 Ancient lampstand GS NAT √ √ √ 48 Inverted Pipa GS INT √ √ √ 49 One-Line-Sky GS INT √ √ √ 50 Three-class Canopy GS INT √ √ √ 51 Picturesque Landscape GS INT √ √ √ 52 Zhijin Window GS INT √ √ √ 53 Riyue Tonghui GS NAT √ √ √ 54 Flowstone dam of water resort GS INT √ √ 55 Huge curtain group GS NAT √ √ √ 56 Handlike stalactite GS REG √ √ √

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Importance level

Scientifi-c

Educat-ional

Touri-sm

57 Helictites of Crystal Palace

Zhijin-dong Cave

Scenic Area

GS INT √ √ 58 Moonmilk GS NAT √ √ 59 Qingqing Wowo GS REG √ √ √ 60 Natural roundness GS REG √ √ √ 61 Zhijin Suoluo GS REG √ √ √ 62 Twin columns in temple GS REG √ √ √ 63 Soda straws GS REG √ √ 64 Vertical shield GS REG √ √

65 Atherurus macrourus dunghill deposit

GS REG √ √

66 Natural skylight GS REG √ √ 67 Dachilong Cave GS REG √ 68 Dachilong Tiankeng GS REG √ √ √ 69 Xiaochilong Tiankeng GS REG √ √ 70 Leizidong Cave GS REG √ √ √ 71 Guanzhai Old Town CS REG √ √ 72 Qijiehe River


GS NAT √ √ √

73 Qijiehe underground river segment

GS REG √

74 Qijiehe River Gorge group GS NAT √ √ √ 75 Dacaokou Gorge GS NAT √ √ √ 76 Sanjia Gorge GS REG √ √ 77 Gouyaoyan Gorge GS REG √ √ 78 Youcaichong Gorge GS REG √ √ 79 Hebian Gorge GS REG √ √ 80 Zhijin natural bridge group GS INT √ √ √ 81 Huangtupo South Natural Bridge GS REG √ √ 82 Huangtupo North Natural Bridge GS REG √ √ 83 Xiaotuoluo Natural Bridge GS REG √ √ 84 Xiniu Wangyue Natural Bridge GS INT √ √ √ 85 Tiangu Natural Bridge GS NAT √ √ √ 86 Dacaokou Tiankeng GS NAT √ √ √ 87 Xiaocaokou tiankeng GS REG √ √ √

88 Daluoquan and Xiaoluoquan Tiankengs

GS REG √ √ √

89 Qigu Yingbin GS REG √ √ √ 90 Jiayandong Tiankeng GS REG √ √ 91 Swallow Cave GS REG √ √ √ 92 Dacaokou three-layer cave GS REG √ √ 93 Youcaichong Cave GS REG √ √

94 Fengcong in the area from Sanjia to Gouyaoyan

GS REG √ √

95 Hills on both sides of Qijiehe GS REG √ √ 96 Dazhai Cuesta GS REG √ √ √ 97 Dacaokou Cuesta CS REG √ √ √ 98 Dazhai Village CS REG √ 99 Tiangu Villa CS REG √ 100 Liuchonghe River

Dong- fenghu Lake

Scenic Area

GS NAT √ √ √ 101 Dongfenghu Lake gorge group GS NAT √ √ √ 102 Lujiadu Gorge GS REG √ √ √ 103 Pengjiazhai Gorge GS REG √ √ √ 104 Dahebian Gorge GS REG √ √ √ 105 Huawuji Gorge GS REG √ √ √ 106 Dongfengba Gorge GS REG √ √ √ 107 Goudiaoyan Gorge GS REG √ √ √ 108 Lujiadu Cuesta GS REG √ √ √ 109 Sunziyan GS REG √ √ √ 110 Chuantoushan GS REG √ √ √ 111 Dapeng Zhanchi Cuesta GS REG √ √ √ 112 Guandaoyan GS REG √ √ √

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Importance level

Scientifi-c

Educat-ional

Touri-sm

113 Fengcong at Liuchonghe basin

Dong- fenghu Lake

Scenic Area

GS REG √ √ 114 Hills on both sides of Liuchonghe GS REG √ √ 115 Eyuzui Cave GS REG √ √ 116 Dianhulu anticline GS REG √ √ 117 Lujiadu anticline GS REG √ √ 118 Chuantoushan syncline GS REG √ √ 119 Xiahongyan ethnic village CS REG √ √ 120 Huawuji Old Town CS REG √ √

3.2 Value and significance of the geosites

3.2.1 Zhijin karst is an outstanding example of karst landform evolution in Guizhou Plateau, and one of the most distinctive natural scenery among the world karsts as well as one of areas with important aesthetic value

①Zhijindong Cave geomorphic unit is developed on the basis of Zhijindong Cave underground river, forming a 4-layer labyrinth fossil cave system, namely, Zhijindong Cave system; there are complete types of secondary chemical sediments, which are elegant, unique, and huge, generally belonging to a fossil cave karst geomorphic unit which has already stopped its development. ②Qijiehe River geomorphic unit is developed based on Qijiehe River running underground and aboveground alternatively, and such landforms as fengcong, karst hills, caves, fengcong -gorges, tiankengs and natural bridges are distributed neatly over the river valley or on its both sides in a collaborative symbiosis way, generally belonging to a geomorphic unit which is developing on the surface and subsurface karstification alternatively. ③Dongfenghu Lake geomorphic unit is developed on the basis of surface river-Liuchonghe River and Sanchahe River, and it has deep river valley with great different longitudinal formation, generally belonging to a surface karst geomorphic unit which is still developing so far.

The three geomorphic units have developed beautiful and precious multi-layer karst landform of different shapes and different types respectively, which is the typical concentration development area and epitome of China plateau karst landform. In which, the caves, gorges, natural bridges and tiankengs are typical representatives and outstanding sceneries in the world geosites of the same kind. They are one of the most peculiar natural beautiful scenery and important aesthetic value areas among global karst. Their evolution process has systematically and completely revealed the complex evolution process and rules of Guizhou Plateau karst since the late Triassic epoch. So Zhijin karst is not only a typical and rare plateau karst formation and evolution system which is independent and complete in geology, landform and hydrogeology, but also a global reference place to show the mutual alternation and development of surface and subsurface karst. ④From high elevation to low elevation, Zhijin karst varies with the following rules:

A-The area of depression and relative height difference of landforms increase gradually.

B-Landform: changes from fengcong-depressions in small scale → widely distributed fengcong-depressions and karst hills →fengcong-gorges with the cut depth ranging from decades of meters to hundreds of meters.It can be seen that peaks with

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different heights present themselves in stair-step layer by layer, forming an obvious “layered” mountain landscape.

C-The buried depth of underground water becomes shallow gradually. D-Cave group, tiankeng group, natural bridge group and gorge generally present

themselves successively. Zhijin Karst is the result of erosion and destruction to ancient denudation surface,

and is one of direct evidences for intermittent uplift of Guizhou Plateau since Paleogene as well as a micro record of development and evolution of Guizhou Plateau karst landform under different geomorphic and geographical environments since the late Triassic epoch. It records rich evolution information of regional and global environments, providing good information carrier for restoring environmental evolution of Guizhou Plateau.

3.2.2 Zhijindong Cave is one of the outstanding representative places to reflect the evolution of cave karst and cave chemical sediment, and it is also the most distinctive natural scenery and an important area with aesthetic value among cave karst

①Zhijindong Cave is a show cave with the highest chamber distribution density in the world so far

So far, most caves across the world only develop 1-5 chambers, but only 1-2 chambers with the area larger than 10,000 m2. However, in Zhijindong Cave, there are 13 chambers with the bottom area larger than 3,000 m2, and 6 chambers with the bottom area larger than 10,000 m2. It could be called as the first chamber group of the world. Meanwhile, the “Shiwan Mountain” chamber in Zhijindong Cave is listed as one of the largest 10 chambers all over the world with the projection area more than 25,000 m2 (Rank 8). ②Zhijindong Cave is a show cave with the highest distribution density and richest type of stalactites in the world at present.

The secondary chemical sediments in Zhijindong Cave developed well.There are two kinds of chemical type and mineral composition:carbonate and sulfate,among which, carbonate including calcite, aragonite, hydromagnesite,etc. and sulfate including gypsum,etc. Stalactites such as soda straws, stalactites, stalagmites, columns, draperies, curtains, stone waterfalls, cave flags, cave shields, flowstone dams, palm slices, helictites, fusiform stone, spherical stalactites, calcite flowers, anthodites,etc. could be found in this cave. Stalagmites in helmet shape, hill shape, tower shape, mushroom shape, deodar shape, fusiform and crutch shape,etc.are the most characteristic by their own odd shapes.From different gravitational sediments, such as dripping water sediments, flowing water sediments, splashing water sediments and pool water sediments to non-gravitational sediments, synergetic sediments and superimposed sediments, all types and shapes of sediments that could be found in current scientific classification and nomination could be found in this cave; besides, from macroscopic to microscopic, from surface to subsurface, from ancient to modern times, from carbonate to sulfate, various kinds of sediments also could be found.These different types and shapes of sediments respectively represent different kinds of formation environments.The beautiful and rare shapes, large dimensions, perfect and various mineral crystals, abundant quantities, complete types and dense distribution, all of them make Zhijindong Cave unique all over the world. ③Zhijindong Cave is a show cave owning the most precious morphotype of stalactites in the world at present.

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Firstly, it has various high-and-large or high-but-thin speleothems, which are precious and rare, such as the huge stalagmite group consisting of more than 50 stalagmites with height up to 20m to more than 40m; the stone column with diameter of only 30-70 cm, but height of more than 20m; and the huge stone curtain group with the width and height up to 10m to more than 50m etc.

Secondly, it has a special flowstone dam with the largest area in a single place in the world. The total area of the dam is about 5,300 m2.

Lastly, it has various speleothems which can be called world treasures: “Overlord Helmet”, “Silver Rain Tree”, “Sibling Jade Tree”, “Three-class Canopy”, “Crystal Palace”, “One-Line-Sky”, “Picturesque Landscape”. All of them are unique domestically, also rare abroad.

To sum up, Zhijindong Cave is a show cave with the highest chamber distribution density, and a show cave with highest distribution density, richest type, most precious morphotype of stalactites in the world at present. It owns the systematicness and completeness of evolution of karst cave and is the most distinctive natural scenery and an important area with aesthetic value among cave karst, which stands out from numerous caves listed in the World Geopark internet and World Natural Heritage Directory. It has been highly praised by Feng Mu in his poem, famous contemporary writer and literature critic. His poem goes as below: “Back from the visit to Huangshan Mountain, you have no interest for other mountains. The same is true of Zhijindong Cave”. It has been ranking the first of “The most beautiful cave in China” selected by Chinese National Geography magazine. For this reason, Mr. Salamon, president of International Union of Speleology and French Karst Unions said after his investigation:“Zhijindong Cave is an outstanding model among karst caves. I will recommend it to my friends in Speleology.”

3.2.3 Zhijin Gorge systemically and completely represents two kinds of karst gorge development modes whose develop directions are totally different

Composed of Dongfenghu Lake Gorge and Qijiehe River Gorge, Zhijin Gorge has morphotypes like V shape, box shape, earth fissure shape, blind valley shape, dry valley shape and so on; it is developed under different hydrogeological conditions, such as modern rivers, seasonal gullies and brooks, and underground rivers. Zhijin Gorge has two genetic types: Dongfenghu Lake Gorge developed from surface river (top-down type, i.e. develop from surface to subsurface ), Qijiehe River Gorge developed from underground river (down-top type i.e. develop from subsurface to surface).So far,the geopark is the typical area where two genetic types of gorges have been developing at the same time and in the same area both at home and abroad.It scientifically, systematically and completely reflects the karst gorge shapes and their formation under different lithological, climatic, geomorphological, hydrological and structural conditions as well as different developing stages,and is an excellent and rare karst gorge natural museum across the world.

3.2.4 Zhijin natural bridge and tiankeng systemically record the development and evolution process of karst natural bridge and tiankeng under different geological and geographical conditions and different geologic times

①Zhijin natural bridge group consisting of five natural bridges stretches over Qijiehe River Gorge successively; their nearly a hundred meter’s height and height of

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arch make them be magnificent both in scale and shape. The natural bridge group, which is of double-layer texture(up and down) in general and unique double-pore bridge arc structure in some bridges, is the only huge natural bridge group with double-layer and double-pore structure discovered both at home and abroad so far. Meanwhile, Xiniu Wangyue Natural Bridge is a rarely seen huge curve bridge with double-pore both at home and abroad. ②Composed of 7 tiankengs and located on both sides of Qijiehe River, Zhijin tiankeng group has been developing within an area of 42km2, and has a distribution density of 0.17/km2.So the geopark is one of areas in the world with the highest tiankeng distribution density. Meanwhile, Dacaokou Tiankeng is one of tiankengs with the largest volume in the world.

3.2.5 Zhijin has always been the cradle for reproducing many minorities in the south of China since ancient times

Many cultural heritages, such as the primitive Wenchang Pavilion, Temple of Wealth (National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit) and Guanzhai Old town of Yi nationality, seem to tell a story about its prosperity and mystery in silence.

Colorful minority cultures such as simple and elegant wax printing embroidery, the Zhijin marmite by non-kiln firing, fascinating “Flower Dance Festival” of Miao nationality and “Torch Festival” of Yi nationality are all properly conserved and inherited therein. Besides, there are many well-conserved secondary primary forests, providing a fairyland for wild animals like Stump-tailed macaque, Chrysolophus pictus and so on.

4 Listing and description of other sites of natural, cultural and intangible heritage interest and how they are related to the geological sites and how they are integrated into the proposed Geopark

4.1 Biological heritage

4.1.1 Zhijindong Cave secondary primeval forest

It distributes in fengcong around Zhijindong Cave with an area of 1.3 km2, which is the well conserved secondary primeval forest in the geopark. Among the arborous layer, the common varieties mainly include katus of fagaceae, castanopsis eyrei, C. carlesii var. spinulosa, castanopsis tibetara, E’mei katus, and cyclobalanopsis gracilis. Lauraceae plants commonly include machilus thunbergii, phoebe sheareri gamble, actinodaphne cupularis, manglietia fordiana of magnoliaceae, schima superba of theaceae and Sichuan cleyera japonica thunb. And plants of other families include symplocos sumuntia, elaeocarpus sylvestris, and exbucklandia tonkinensis, etc.

4.1.2 Wild monkey habitat of Zhijindong Cave

Lots of wild monkeys, especially wild monkey groups of stump-tailed macaque (Yunnan snub-nosed monkey) are attracted to live and mulitiply in Zhijindong Cave secondary primeval forest because of the excellent living environment which is composited by forest-cave-fengcong-tiankeng. At present, two groups of wild monkey are discovered, with about 20-30 in each group, therefore, it is a rare wild monkey habitat in karst plateau area of Guizhou province.

Stump-tailed macaque, with the popular name of bear macaque, its Latin name is

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Macaca arctoides, which is Second-class protection animal species in China.

4.1.3 Hometown of bamboo fungus in China

Bamboo fungus, which is also called “flower of fungus” and “plant chicken”, belongs to gasteromycetes, phallales and dictyophora, and a kind of cryptogam fungus parasitizing on the root of withered bamboo. Its form is similarly like net shape dry white snakeskin with bottle-green cap, snowy white columned stipe, pink egg shape volva. On the top of stipe, a round of delicate and while net shape indusium spreads downwards, so the whole thallus looks very beautiful, colorful and rarely precious. It just likes a girl in skirt, so it is also called “fairy with white skirt” and “flower of fungus”.

4.1.4 Sakura woods

Sakura is planted everywhere in the geopark, wherever the depression (valley) at various scale and shape, or on the side of precipice and mountain slope. From March to April every year, the sakuras bloom luxuriantly in pink, purplish red, scarlet and pink-white. The villages at the mountain foot or even the Zhijindong Cave Scenic Area in the mountain slope are covered by the colorful sakura, and the geopark is full of fresh flowery flavor.

4.1.5 Living Things in Caves

A lot of rare animals were found in Zhijindong cave, e.g. diestrammena marmorata, diplopod, cave moth, cave spider and so on, of which, the Five-thorn Guizhou weak spider of Guizhou weak spider genus is a new genus and specie.

4.2 National Culture Heritage

Currently, the minorities living in this geopark include: Miao nationality, Yi nationality, Bai nationality, Buyi nationality, Helao nationality, Shui nationality, Chuanqing people and so on, whose special, strong and rich cultural inheritance characterized the geopark well. There is Guanzhai Old Town, Xiahongyan nationality village， Flower Dance Festival of Miao nationality, Torch Festival of Yi nationality, Celebration of Wuxian Bodhisattva of Chuanqing，wax printing craft, and Zhijin marmite,etc.

4.2.1 Guanzhai Old Town

It is the ancient village of Yi nationality called “Naweiluomu”, which is an important village of ancient Yi nationality in Shuixi and also the place where the former residence of An Bangyan, deputy magistrate of Xuanwei Tongzhi, Guizhou province, in the later Ming Dynasty was built. It covers an area of 580,000 m2 which mainly focuses on the cultures of Yi nationality and Miao and Han nationalities. The building is made of stone base, wooden wall, black pillar, and grey tiles. The cow head and the calabash on the top of ridge, which are most appreciated by the people of Yi nationality, respectively mean Fu (fortune) and Lu (prosperity). The cow head made of wood is hung on the wall, and the pictures of calabash, pine, bamboo and crane which are most appreciated by Yi nationality are carved on the door.

4.2.2 Zhijin Marmite

Zhijin marmite includes more than 40 types, such as handle pot, round pot with two lugs, sand jar, tea canister, cauldron and hot pot. The manufacturing process is

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divided into three steps: raw materials preparation, pottery wheel blanking and non-kiln firing.

4.2.3 Zhijin Waishumiao Wax Printing

Wax printing is an old and unique handcraft painting art in Miao nationality, China, which originated from Qin and Han Dynasties and prevailed in Sui and Tang Dynasties (around 581-907AD). Wax printing has been passed on from one generation to another with inexhaustible art resources. Since the dyeing and weaving technology came into being, wax printing had been regarded as the oldest handcraft, which is called a part of ancient civilization of Chinese nation.

As Waishumiao is located in a remote area with backward transportation system, Zhijin Waishumiao wax printing has conserved the essence of traditional wax printing, recorded primitive form of Chinese traditional wax printing craft, deposited rich cultural meaning, recorded the ancestors of Waishumiao people, held their worship and belief, and pin their hope for good life on wax printing during long process of development. Waishumiao wax printing has played an important role in their material life and spiritual life, which shows the true meaning of ancient wax printing technology and extending of modern art life to the whole world.

4.2.4 Chuanqing People

According to historical records, the Chuanqing people was called “Tu People”, or “Liminzi” before, and changed to “Chuanqing” later. They lived in more than 10 counties administrated by cities of Bijie, Anshun and Liupanshui in Western Guizhou Province, with the total population around 670,000. More than 50 % of them live in Zhijin County and Nayong County. Monkey is worshiped by them as totem. They still keep the faith for Wuxian God and offer sacrifices to Wuxian God nowadays.

4.2.5 Waishu Miao Nationality

Waishu Miao Nationality is a branch of Miao Nationality. It was named as Waishu Miao because the women usually pull their hair into a bun on one side with a wooden comb with colored paintings inserted. They inherited the living pattern as “farming to serve daily meals, planting indigofera and cotton with spinning and weaving, dip-dying and tailor, wax painting and couching to make fabrics”. The traditional wax painting craft is kept.

4.2.6 Flower Dance Festival of Miao Nationality

Flower Dance Festival is the most ceremonious festival with the longest history for Miao Nationality. In this geopark, the Flower Dance Festival hold in March every year, during which, Miao people, especially the youth, wearing festival costumes to join different cultural or sporting activities, like bull fighting and cockfighting.

4.2.7 Bowing by Miao Nationality

Bowing in Zhijin County is well known in China. Statistically, more than 30 Miao people has gained over 200 medals in 22 bowing matches at different levels from 1982 to 2005, because of which, Zhijin County is prized as “Bowing County” of Guizhou Plateau.

4.2.8 Torch Festival of Yi Nationality

Torch Festival, characterized by the richest and strongest national cultural

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features, is the most ceremonious, grand, magnificent festival of Yi nationality with most people joined. Torch festival, usually held in June 24th or 25th in the lunar calendar, is a traditional festival for all Yi people. It is popular in Yi residences in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan provinces etc.

Zhijin Window, Inverted Pipa and helictites

Zhijin Zhusun,Tachycines hoffmanni (middle) and Stump-tailed Macaque(right)

Zhijin Wax Printing and Zhijin Marmite (Right)

Torch Festival of Yi Nationality(left)、dwelling of Yi Nationality and the Chuanqing people(right)

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