Exploring the Beauty of Jiuhuashan: Experiencing the Harmony of Nature and Culture — Field Report of Day Two of the Science Popularization Training Camp

Exploring the Beauty of Jiuhuashan: Experiencing the Harmony of Nature and Culture — Field Report of Day Two of the Science Popularization Training Camp

On August 20, 2025, the Jiuhuashan Global Geopark Science Popularization Volunteer Training Camp entered its second day of field investigation. The participants visited the Huatai, Tiantai, and Minyuan scenic areas, immersing themselves in the geological wonders, natural ecology, and cultural heritage of Jiuhuashan through walking and listening.

In the early morning, the volunteers took a cable car to the Huatai Scenic Area and hiked along the scenic boardwalk toward Tiantai. With mountain breezes brushing their faces and seas of clouds rolling, the poetic imagery of “the subtle forces divide into two energies, giving rise to the sacred Jiuhuashan” blended with the magnificent scenery before their eyes. Looking into the distance, the geomorphological pattern of “peaks–hills–basins” unfolded in distinct layers. Vividly shaped rocks such as “Mother and Child Affection,” “Dragon Raising Its Head,” and “Immortal Drying Boots” resembled lifelike forms, as if nature had freely painted across the landscape.

The volunteers let their imaginations soar, frequently expressing amazement. Under the guidance of Professor Wu Weiping from the Anhui Institute of Geological Survey, they carefully observed the joint development of granite and the formation of pictographic rock landscapes, listening to scientific interpretations of geomorphological processes. This gave them a more intuitive and in-depth understanding of the origins and value of Jiuhuashan  Global Geopark. At the same time, members of the ecology group focused on capturing the vitality of nature—identifying trees, listening to insect sounds, and recording observations—making detailed records and sharing enthusiastic introductions of the flora and fauna, adding vitality and richness to the journey.

“Jiuhuashan is a combination of nature and culture,” remarked Professor Wu Weiping, a statement that resonated deeply with everyone. The Tiantai Scenic Area is not only known for its extraordinary peaks and rocks but also for its long-standing cultural heritage. Ancient temples and cliff inscriptions stand quietly, where nature and culture intertwine, allowing participants to deeply महसूस the cultural depth carried by this beautiful mountain landscape.

In the afternoon, the volunteers took the cable car down and entered the Minyuan Ancient Nunnery Cluster Scenic Area, where they visited the famous Phoenix Pine, known as “the No.1 Pine under Heaven.” This thousand-year-old tree, with its stretching branches and three-part structure, resembles a phoenix spreading its wings, ready to soar. Ancient yet resilient, it is not only a marvel of nature but also a spiritual symbol of Jiuhuashan.

Through field exploration and expert interpretation, the volunteers experienced the grandeur and wonder of Jiuhuashan’s geology, felt the vitality of its ecosystems, and appreciated the profound depth of its culture. Here, geology and culture complement each other, presenting a vivid picture of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. The participants gained a more comprehensive understanding of Jiuhuashan and were inspired with new ideas and motivation for future science outreach practices.