China's Karst Marvel Prepares for Global Spotlight
The Xingwen UNESCO Global Geopark in Sichuan's Yibin City is finalizing preparations to amaze global audiences as one of four sub-venues for China's 2026 Spring Festival Gala on January 28. This geological wonderland, known for its jagged stone forests and labyrinthine cave systems, will share the stage with Beijing's main gala venue through a live broadcast connecting the nation's cultural and natural heritage.
Local crews are currently installing lighting systems to accentuate the park's 50-square-kilometer karst formations during the prime-time broadcast. The production will weave traditional performances with sweeping drone shots of the geopark's signature sinkholes and underground rivers – landscapes formed over 490 million years.
Cultural Geology
"This fusion of Earth's artistry with human creativity epitomizes China's harmonious development philosophy," said Yibin's cultural affairs director during a recent site inspection. The gala segment is expected to highlight both the region's Miao ethnic traditions and cutting-edge augmented reality technology projecting historical narratives onto limestone cliffs.
Tourism analysts predict the exposure could boost visitor numbers to Southwest China's geological attractions by 40% this year. The geopark's selection follows China's increased focus on ecological civilization, with 41 UNESCO Global Geoparks now dotting the country – the world's highest concentration.
