Distinguished as the first UNESCO Global Geopark in Northwest China, officially recognized in August 2009, the Qinling Zhongnanshan UNESCO Global Geopark covers a total area of 1,074.85 km². It encompasses the spectacular Cuihua Mountain Scenic Area, along with other notable sites including Nanwutai, Taiping, and the Lantian Ape Man site.

Cuihua Mountain is celebrated as a “Natural Museum of Landslides,” preserving China's most complete mountain collapse relics and ranking third globally in scale. With a total collapse volume of approximately 300 million cubic meters, the area features an awe-inspiring “Stone Sea” of tumbled rocks, some forming narrow crevices such as the Wind Cave and the remarkable Ice Cave, where ice persists even through summer. These massive rockfalls have also dammed rivers to create stunning barrier lakes, the most famous being the emerald-colored Heavenly Lake (Tianchi).

Beyond its geological wonders, the geopark holds deeper significance. The Qinling Mountains form a critical natural boundary between northern and southern China, shaping climate, ecology, and culture across the nation. This unique position fosters remarkable biodiversity, providing habitat for iconic species such as the giant panda, golden snub-nosed monkey, and crested ibis. The region is also steeped in human history, lying at the heart of ancient Chinese civilization, with sites like the Lantian Man fossils offering a window into our prehistoric past. Today, Cuihua Mountain is a popular destination for nature lovers and a vital center for education and scientific research, offering visitors a profound journey through Earth's history and natural beauty.