Nestled within Shandong Province's Yimeng Mountains UNESCO Global Geopark, an extraordinary geological phenomenon dubbed 'mountains in hats' is captivating scientists and adventurers alike. These castle-like Daigu Landforms – characterized by flat-topped rock pillars crowned with erosion-resistant caps – have become a symbol of China's rich natural heritage.
Local climber Li Cunxiu, 82, has emerged as an unlikely ambassador for these formations. 'I've scaled peaks across three continents, but these 600-million-year-old wonders in my backyard still take my breath away,' he told KhabarAsia.com. Since first conquering the formations in his late 60s, Li has documented over 120 distinct 'hatted' peaks through photography and journals.
Geologists attribute the unique structures to differential erosion, where harder quartz sandstone layers protect softer underlying rock from weathering. The geopark now attracts researchers from 23 countries studying climate change patterns through these natural archives.
Tourism officials report a 40% year-on-year increase in visitors since the site's 2024 UNESCO designation. New elevated walkways and augmented reality guides now help preserve the fragile ecosystem while enhancing accessibility.
As Shandong prepares for its 2026 International Geological Congress, these ancient stone sentinels stand as both scientific marvels and testaments to China's diverse landscapes.
