From April 15 to April 19, the National Symposium on Metamorphic Rocks was held in USTC (University of Science and Technology of China) and Tianzhushan. More than 160 experts and scholars from more than 30 units, including Peking University, USTC, China University of Geosciences and Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, attended the symposium, composed of seminars and field inspection. Academician Zheng Yongfei made a speech and gave a theme representation, and 74 experts made academic reports on five subjects including Metamorphism and Transformation of the Subduction Zone and Orogenic Belt, jointly exchanged the latest research progress in metamorphic geology and relevant fields, discussed the existing problems and made sure the future development and research hotspot.

From April 18 to April 19, experts and scholars entered into Tianzhushan UNESCO Global Geopark, and respectively inspected the HP-UHP metamorphic belt in the southern area of the geopark, the UHP metamorphic rock outcrops in Yezhai, Xindian, Wumiao, Bixiling and Hanchangchong, and the granite rock mass in the northern area of the geopark. Participants were interested in the outcropped eclogite, garnet peridotite and jadeite quartzite, and they made a warm discussion and communication.

Experts fully affirmed the progressive work Tianzhushan had achieved in the protection of geological heritage, geo-science popularization and the development of geo-tourism. The geopark provides an interactive platform between geologists and common people, popularizes the geosciences, disseminates the scientific knowledge, enhances the awareness of environmental protection, and promotes the sustainable development of regional economy and society.