We love a good city vacation as much as the next person, but we also travel to see as much jaw-dropping scenery as possible. And Asia boasts some pretty awe-inspiring natural landscapes, from towering karst formations in Thailand to expansive lava fields in China. Or how about Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain above sea level, in Nepal?
Formed over millennia, these territories tell a unique story of this region's history, evolution, and climate. Some of these sites are so geologically rich and unique that UNESCO has designated them as Global Geoparks. Until recently, Asia had approximately 65 geoparks, but eight more natural wonders have been added to the list.
The newly designated geoparks hail from China, Vietnam, South Korea, and, for the first time, North Korea, comprising ancient volcanoes, fossil fields, and striking rock formations. They were selected by UNESCO's Executive Board, based on shortlisted applications decided by experts in the Global Geoparks Council.
What is a UNESCO Global Geopark?
UNESCO Global Geoparks comprise mountain ranges, volcanic areas, caves, or canyons – basically, any single, unified area with international geological significance. Countries must show that these sites are managed with conservation, education, and sustainable development in mind. And it's not just about the landscapes: indigenous cultures and traditions are increasingly considered and involved.
New UNESCO global geoparks to explore in Asia
Kanbula UNESCO Global Geopark (China)
Located on the northeast margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, this territory is home to the Maixiu volcanoes and the Yellow River, the sixth-longest river in the world.
Yunyang UNESCO Global Geopark (China)
Located in southwest China, this geopark is home to the 'Great Wall of Dinosaur Fossils': layers of rock stretching 18 kilometres long and packed with dinosaur fossils. You can also find karst formations and one of the world's deepest sinkholes in this geopark.
Mt. Paektu UNESCO Global Geopark (North Korea)
This is the first UNESCO Global Geopark to be recognised in North Korea. Volcanic eruptions and glacial erosion carved out its unique landscape. It's where one of the largest eruptions in recorded history occurred, leaving hot springs, carbonised trees, and magma channels still visible today.
Kebumen UNESCO Global Geopark (Indonesia)
Here, you can find the oldest rock formations in Java, alongside caves, underground rivers, and ancient marine fossils preserved in the rocks at the Karangsambung site. It's the centre of some important conservation work, such as turtle conservation and the preservation of traditional pandan leaf weaving.
Meratus UNESCO Global Geopark (Indonesia)
Diamonds, a great diversity of orchids, and the oldest ophiolite sequence in Indonesia – those are some wonders you can find in this geopark. It's also been instrumental in bolstering the numbers of the once-endangered Benkantan long-nosed monkey thanks to its role in restoring mangroves. The park is also home to the Banjar and Dayak tribes, who continue to hold traditional festivals and events there.
Danyang UNESCO Global Geopark (South Korea)
UNESCO recognises this geopark as "significant for our understanding of early human history in East Asia" thanks to its wealth of Stone Age relics. Lying along the Baekdu Daegan mountain range, the geopark is dotted with limestone caves, hiking and sightseeing trails, South Korea's largest paragliding facility, and also hosts rich educational programmes for visitors.
Gyeongbuk Donghaean UNESCO Global Geopark (South Korea)
Spectacular highlights in this geopark include the Deokgu Valley, featuring awe-inspiring granite rocks and hot springs, the 870-metre-deep Seongryugal Limestone Cave, and the Yangnam Columnar Joints, famous for its rare fan-shaped columnar joints along the coast. The park also boasts numerous cultural attractions, including the Seokguran Grotto and the Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark (Vietnam)
From ancient seabeds and lush tropical ecosystems to the traces of Vietnam's earliest human inhabitants, this geopark is a vast natural museum that records millions of years of Southeast Asia's evolution. Today, diverse ethnic groups call this park home, preserving unique languages, traditional dress, folk arts, and festivals.
Besides these eight Asian geoparks, UNESCO also recognised another eight geoparks worldwide – check them all out here.
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