Tourism resources of the National Longmenshan Geopark and its developmental strategy

Abstract: The National Longmenshan Geopark, one of the first group of 11 national geoparks, was established by sanction on March 16,2001. As an exceedingly large structure-type national geopark, its tourism resources, scope, planning, development and protection, management system, scientific research and legislation have not been standardized, i. e. the theoretical system of geoparks has not been perfected. How to develop tourism in geoparks is an important issue that needs urgent solution. This paper discusses the establishment and significance of the Longmenshan Geopark and reviews the superiority of its geoscience tourism resources. Several measures for the development and protection of this geopark are put forward according to its present conditions and through a comparison with national parks abroad and scenic spots at home.