Hechi karst recognized as autonomous-region-level geopark

The Muluojia karst in Jinchengjiang district of Hechi was recently approved as an autonomous-region-level geological park, Hechi Daily reported citing local authorities.

Karst is a limestone landscape characterized by caves, fissures and underground streams. The Muluojia karst group is located in the northwest part of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and covers towns including Liujia, Bagong and Celing in Jinchengjiang district. The area mainly features low mountains and water landscape with gorges, peak clusters and polje landforms.

The Muluojia karst landscape in Hechi's Jinchengjiang district. [Photo/Hechi Daily]

The area also boasts characteristic folk customs of the Zhuang people. Muluojia, a transcription from the Zhuang language of meh lug gyap, refers to the goddess of fertility in local mythology.

The recognition of the area as an autonomous-region-level geopark is expected to help preserve the scarce natural heritage and boost Jinchengjiang's tourism sector.