Changshan UNESCO Global Geopark, located in Changshan county, Quzhou, Zhejiang province, has made its first appearance at the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium since gaining UNESCO status this year, presenting its geological heritage and community development practices in Langkawi, Malaysia.

The 9th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium 2026 brought together 590 participants from 22 countries and regions to discuss geological heritage conservation, education, geotourism, and sustainable community development.

The park, which was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in April, received its Global Geoparks Network membership certificate at the event on Sept 10.

Participants pose for a photo at the Changshan UNESCO Global Geopark exhibition booth during the 9th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium 2026 in Langkawi, Malaysia. [Photo/WeChat account: changshanfabu]

The Changshan delegation also delivered its first presentation at the symposium on Sept 8. Titled From Gray to Green: The Ecological Rebirth in Changshan UNESCO Global Geopark, it focused on Lulikeng village, which once relied heavily on lime mining and processing. Abandoned mining sites and former lime kilns there have since been repurposed for rural tourism and geological education.

At its exhibition booth, Changshan introduced its geological heritage, biodiversity, and local communities through display panels, publications, cultural products, and a series of reports featuring 10 people involved in the geopark's conservation, research, education, cultural heritage, and community development.

Bibao, the geopark's mascot inspired by graptolites, one of Changshan's representative fossil groups, also made its international debut at the symposium.