Three geological relics in Hunan enter the list of national geological parks after passing experts' appraisal.

Fenghuang, the red stone forest in Guzhang and Jiubujiang were named as national geological parks recently, making the total number of national parks in the province reaching six.

In Fenghuang, limestone valleys, stone forests, limestone caves, waterfalls form a scene of multiple geological features. There are 13 large valleys lying here with a total length exceeding 55 kilometers. In addition, there are 27 limestone caves and 13 subterranean streams.

The red stone forest in Guzhang is the only one found so far in China. In the most densely-located region, the forest covers an area of 20 square kilometers in a totally original ecological status. In the stone forest, there are valleys, brooks and springs. There are thick grassland and wistaria flowers growing in the forest, making it like a garden of nature.

The Jiubujiang geological park is located at the border of Hunan and Jiangxi provinces with a total area of 232 square kilometers. Limestone caves form the main feature of the park decorated by mountains, bridges, springs, valleys and waterfalls. The limestone feature is rarely seen in China or even in the world.

A total number of 53 sites entered the list of national geological parks after the 5th examination and approval by state authorities. At present, there are 138 approved national geological parks in the country.

(Chinanews.cn September 1, 2005)