China Danxia Landform

China Danxia is a designated UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, inscribed in 2010. It is an exceptional landform representing a unique geological and ecological system. The site includes six nominated locations across southern China: Danxia Mountain (广东丹霞山), Jianglang Mountain (浙江江郎山), Longhu Mountain (江西龙虎山), Taining (福建泰宁), Lang Mountain (湖南崀山), and Chishui (贵州赤水). These areas showcase the unique Danxia landform, a type of red sandstone mountain and canyon landscape, and are home to significant biological diversity, including over 400 species of rare and endangered wildlife.

Heritage Overview

China Danxia is recognized for its exceptional natural beauty, distinct red sandstone formations, and the convergence of geological, ecological, and aesthetic values. The nominated sites represent diverse evolutionary stages of the Danxia landform, from its youthful, steep canyons to the mature, gentle slopes of older sites. In addition to its geological significance, the area provides vital habitats for endangered species, contributing to global biodiversity conservation.

Key Facts:

• Heritage Type: World Natural Heritage

• Heritage Sites: Danxia Mountain, Jianglang Mountain, Longhu Mountain, Taining, Lang Mountain, Chishui

• Location: Six provinces in southern China

• Criteria Met: (vii), (viii), (ix), (x)

• Inscribed: August 1, 2010

Heritage Sites

Danxia Mountain (广东丹霞山)

Located in Shaoguan City, Danxia Mountain spans 292 square kilometers and is renowned as the birthplace of the Danxia landform. The region's dramatic peaks and vibrant red cliffs are complemented by lush forests and diverse wildlife. This site is considered a classic example of the young stage of Danxia development, where steep canyons and vibrant geomorphological features stand out.

• Key Features: Iconic red sandstone peaks, lush forests, and ancient temples.

• Importance: The site serves as the naming location for the Danxia landform worldwide.

Jianglang Mountain (浙江江郎山)

Situated 25 kilometers south of Jiangshan City in Zhejiang Province, Jianglang Mountain features three distinct peaks, which are arranged in a unique “川” shape. The site is famous for its dramatic isolated peaks, steep cliffs, and ancient volcanic rock formations, representing an early-to-mid stage of Danxia development.

• Key Features: Unique rock formations, narrow valleys, and vertical stone walls.

• Importance: The site showcases old-age Danxia, with a complex geological and morphological history.

Longhu Mountain (江西龙虎山)

Located in Guixi City, Longhu Mountain is the birthplace of Taoism in China and is home to a combination of subtropical evergreen forests and stunning Danxia peaks. The site’s geological significance lies in its volcanic and sedimentary rock formations, which provide evidence of the region’s dramatic geological history.

• Key Features: Ancient Taoist temples, dramatic peaks, and rich biodiversity.

• Importance: This site is an example of mature Danxia, featuring a combination of rock formations, cultural heritage, and significant biodiversity.

Taining (福建泰宁)

Located in Fujian Province, Taining spans over 4,925 square kilometers and is home to the largest concentration of Danxia landforms in China. The area features towering cliffs, steep river valleys, and a diverse ecosystem. It was named a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2005 and showcases a young-to-middle stage of Danxia landform evolution.

• Key Features: Steep canyons, ancient caves, and pristine river valleys.

• Importance: The site is a representative example of young Danxia with intense geological processes still ongoing.

Lang Mountain (湖南崀山)

Located in Xinning County, Lang Mountain is known for its dramatic Danxia peaks and natural bridges. The region’s steep cliffs and deep valleys are juxtaposed with dense vegetation, forming a striking contrast between natural beauty and ecological significance. The site is home to unique endemic species and plays a critical role in biodiversity conservation.

• Key Features: Karst landscapes, natural bridges, and dense subtropical forests.

• Importance: This site is one of the best examples of middle-aged Danxia, showcasing mature geological features alongside vibrant ecosystems.

Chishui (贵州赤水)

Chishui in Guizhou Province is known for its dramatic contrasts in terrain, with stepped river valleys and spectacular waterfalls set against a backdrop of red sandstone formations. The region’s high-altitude peaks and deep gorges demonstrate the early-to-middle stages of Danxia formation, while its biodiversity supports over 400 species of rare and endangered plants and animals.

• Key Features: Towering waterfalls, steep cliffs, and rich biodiversity.

• Importance: The site is a representative example of highland canyon-type Danxia.

Nomination History

The China Danxia series was first proposed for World Heritage status in 1993 by Peng Hua, a prominent figure in the study of Danxia landforms. Following extensive research and groundwork, the nomination was officially launched in 2006 and the final submission was made in 2009. After extensive evaluation, China Danxia was inscribed on the World Heritage List on August 1, 2010 during the 34th World Heritage Committee meeting in Brasília, Brazil.

Key Milestones:

• 1993: Proposal by Peng Hua for Danxia Mountain’s World Heritage nomination.

• 2006: The Ministry of Construction officially begins the nomination process for China Danxia.

• 2009: Submission of nomination materials to UNESCO.

• 2010: Successful inscription of China Danxia on the World Heritage List.

Heritage Value

Aesthetic Value

The China Danxia landscape is a stunning visual representation of geological processes and natural beauty. The towering red cliffs, deep valleys, and diverse ecosystems create an awe-inspiring landscape. From the steep gorges of the young Danxia sites to the flowing, serene waters of the old-age sites, these locations offer both dramatic and serene beauty. The Chishui Danxia is particularly known for its organic combination of red mountains, clear waters, waterfalls, and forests.

Geological Value

China Danxia provides an exceptional record of the evolution of Earth’s continental crust. The red sandstone layers that form the Danxia landform are a geologically significant marker of continental rifting during the Mesozoic Era, preserving evidence of Cretaceous geological events and the geographical evolution of the region. The ongoing geological processes in these sites make them natural laboratories for studying the Earth's surface dynamics and geomorphological changes.

Ecological Value

The Danxia landforms of southern China are a critical area for biodiversity conservation. These sites host a wide range of ecosystems, from subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests to rare aquatic habitats, supporting nearly 400 species of endangered wildlife. The distinct geological and geographical features of the Danxia landscape create isolated ecosystems, fostering high levels of species endemism and promoting the survival of rare species. The China Danxia series represents a global biodiversity hotspot and is critical to conservation efforts in East Asia.

Biological Diversity

The nominated sites include habitats for over 5,700 plant species and a vast array of vertebrates, insects, and aquatic species. The China Danxia sites are recognized as one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, with nearly 40 species of plants and animals found nowhere else on Earth. These sites are essential to the protection of the subtropical forests of the Southeast Asian region and serve as key areas for wildlife conservation and biodiversity protection.

China Danxia is a globally unique and irreplaceable natural heritage, offering a rich mosaic of geological, aesthetic, and ecological features. The nominated sites span a wide range of evolutionary stages and geological phenomena, making them an invaluable resource for scientific research and ecological preservation. The recognition of China Danxia as a World Heritage site further cements its importance as a natural wonder and a symbol of China's commitment to preserving its rich environmental and cultural legacy.