Post-conference field trip

Xingwen World Geopark—A famous museum for Karst landforms

Located in the transition zone between the southern Sichuan Basin and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, Sichuan Xingwen Global Geopark covers an area of 156 square kilometers. The geopark is composed of four main areas: the Xiaoyanwan Area, the Bowang Mountain Area, the Tai’an Shilin Area, and the Lingxiao City Area. The extensive distribution of limestone, along with unique geographical, geological, and climatic conditions, has given rise to the Xingwen-style karst landscape.

The geopark is renowned for its massive sinkholes, which are the earliest studied and named in China, making it a typical area for the study of karst topography in the Southwest China. Within the park, carbonate strata from various periods ranging from 490 million to 250 million years ago are preserved, containing a rich variety of marine fossils and sedimentary markers.

The geopark boasts a diverse array of geological features and natural landscapes, including numerous caves, varied stone forests, majestic canyons, elegant waterfalls, and serene lakes. These geological formations, combined with the unique history and culture of the Bó people and the vibrant Miao culture, create a perfect natural and cultural landscape.

On December 24, 2012, Xingwen Global Geopark was twinned with Leye-Fengshan Global Geopark.

Lizhuang Ancient Town—A beautiful town built in 540 AD (Liang Dynasty)

Located in Yibin City, Sichuan Province, Li Zhuang Ancient Town lies on the south bank of the Yangtze River, known as the “First Ancient Town on the Long River.” With a history spanning over 1470 years, Li Zhuang has been a vital hub for water transportation since ancient times.

The town is renowned for its ancient architecture and cultural heritage. The streets and alleys, paved with rectangular or square ancient slabs, are a testament to its historical depth. Among these, Xi Zi Alley, built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, is the most well-preserved and representative, named for its production and sale of straw mats.

Li Zhuang Ancient Town is home to many historical sites and cultural relics. Notable landmarks include the Xuan Luo Hall, built during the Ming Dynasty, the Kui Xing Tower, a three-story wooden structure from the Qing Dynasty, the Nine Dragons Monument in Hui Guang Temple, and the Hundred Cranes Window in Zhang’s Ancestral Hall. The town also features the famous Nine Palaces and Eighteen Temples, reflecting its rich cultural and religious history.

During the Anti-Japanese War, Li Zhuang became one of the country’s four major cultural centers, hosting institutions like Tongji University, the Central Academy of Sciences, and the Central Museum. Renowned scholars such as Liang Sicheng, Lin Huiyin, and Fu Sinian contributed significantly to academic and cultural life here.

The town offers a blend of historical and natural beauty, with traditional architecture, lush greenery, and the scenic Yangtze River. Visitors can enjoy local Sichuan cuisine, including specialties like Li Zhuang white meat and Li Zhuang liquor, and explore the town’s rich history and culture.

Li Zhuang Ancient Town, with its profound historical roots and cultural significance, is a must-visit for history and culture enthusiasts.