The Hailuogou national geopark kicked off a three-day event on Jan. 28 to celebrate its 30th anniversary of starting operation. 

 

The geopark has been gaining popularity among nature lovers, boasting rare low-altitude glacier landforms and primitive forests on the east slopes of Gongga Mountain, the highest in Sichuan, forming the southeastern part of Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

 

At the borders of Ya’an city and Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, the geopark comprises lofty snow-capped peaks, majestic glaciers, a rich variety of vegetations, and unique Tibetan-style dwellings at six scenic areas.

 

Despite its remote location, the park attracted 1.83 million visitors in 2017, up 25 percent.

 

And thanks to the opening of the Ya’an-Kangding expressway at the end of December, which cut travel time to Chengdu to three hours, the park has seen tourism growth since the beginning of the year.  

 

It is a great place to relax and wind down with clear air and unspoiled natural environment. In winter, the park looks like a fairyland, clad in white covered by ice and snow.