Zigong Global Geopark’s request for substantial expansion has been endorsed by the Executive Board of UNESCO Friday.

Zigong Geopark is the second world-class geopark in Sichuan and also the first world-class geopark named after a city.

The park was included into the Global Network of Geoparks assisted by UNESCO in 2008 and inaugurated as a global geopark in 2011.

Covering an area of 56.62 square kilometers, the geopark is composed of Dinosaur Area, Well-Salt Industry Area and Qinglongshan Area.

As the core scenic area of the geopark, Dinosaur Area is a spot for scientific popularization, studying geological knowledge, carrying out geotourism, and making scientific expedition and research.

After the enlargement, the park will be 28 times larger than the current area to include more natural and cultural sites.