During September 6-10, 2026, the 9^th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium was held at the Langkawi International Convention Centre, Malaysia. A delegation from Tianzhushan UGGp, led by Mr. Gao Jianqiang,  Director of Tianzhushan Geopark Administrative Centre, together with Ms. Huang Wen, Deputy Director of the centre, took part in the event. The participation aimed to further integrate into the Global Geoparks Network, benchmark international standards, draw on advanced management experience of Asia Pacific geoparks, and tell the geological story of Tianzhushan to the world.

Hosted by the Asia Pacific Geoparks Network, the symposium themed Celebrating Networking in Geotourism: Innovate · Connect · Transform. It gathered more than 590 participants including geoparks’ administrators, scientific researchers and tourism experts from 22 countries such as China, Malaysia, Iran, Indonesia, Japan and South Korea. Centering on key topics covering geoheritage conservation, sustainable geotourism, public geoscience education, community-led development and cross geoparks networking cooperation, the event serves as a premier exchange platform for UNESCO Global Geoparks across the Asia Pacific region. A wide range of activities were arranged, including plenary sessions, meetings of the Asia Pacific Geoparks Coordination Committee, thematic workshops, geopark fair and field study tours.

During the symposium, the Tianzhushan delegation fully engaged in key official programmes. The team attended the plenary conference and the Asia Pacific Geopark Coordination Committee meeting, and joined six thematic sessions. In the oral presentation session, the delegation delivered a speech titled Science Popularization Practices and Geotourism Development of Tianzhushan UNESCO Global Geopark. The presentation shared practical achievements of Tianzhushan in geoheritage endowment, science popularization facility development, research study curriculum design, integrated cultural tourism development and sustainable geopark operation. The delegation showcased Tianzhushan’s distinctive granite landforms, sound ecological environment and profound cultural heritage. The outreach helped international peers gain a fuller understanding of Tianzhushan and enhanced its global reputation and professional influence within the geoparks community.

Upholding the principle of mutual learning and win-win cooperation, the delegation had in-depth exchanges with representatives from home and abroad, including San’in Kaigan Global Geopark of Japan, Waitaki Whitestone Global Geopark of New Zealand, as well as Guangwushan-Nuoshuihe, Yimengshan, Taishan and Jiuhuashan Global Geoparks in China. Ideas were exchanged on high-quality geoparks development, networking mechanisms and revalidation preparations. Regular communication channels have been established to lay a solid foundation for future practical cooperation such as sister geoparks partnership, joint science popularization projects and personnel exchange visits. In addition, the delegation conducted field studies in Langkawi, Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. Valuable experience was learned in graded geoheritage protection, community-participated tourism, geoscience product development and other fields. The visit deepened the team’s understanding of the core philosophy of “protection first, community co-construction and science driven empowerment”, offering practical references for balancing conservation and development in Tianzhushan.

The symposium marks a significant opportunity for Tianzhushan to engage in global geopark collaboration. Moving forward, Tianzhushan will translate conference outcomes into concrete actions. It will organize special study sessions on international best practices. Efforts will be intensified in scientific research and geoscience outreach, with tailored research study and popular science products for both domestic and international audiences. Contacts established at the symposium will be maintained, and the geopark will explore building sister geopark ties overseas to advance joint science communication and personnel exchanges. While prioritizing geoheritage protection, Tianzhushan will further develop geotourism and ecotourism, foster distinctive cultural and ecological products, and actively seek more opportunities for international presentations. Tianzhushan will advance the high quality and sustainable development of the UNESCO Global Geopark and contribute its share to global geoheritage conservation.