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Kanbula UNESCO Global Geopark, Huangnan, Qinghai

Updated: 2026-10-14 | China Bound

In autumn, the Danxia valleys take on warm seasonal hues as the Yellow River winds through the landscape, creating a striking highland scene. Located on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Kanbula is known for its distinctive geological landscapes, where Danxia landforms, dramatic valleys, and the Yellow River come together. In 2025, Kanbula was officially designated a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Tongren, within Kanbula World Geopark, is a major birthplace of Regong art and Huangnan Tibetan Opera. As you follow the autumn colors of the mountains and the Yellow River through Kanbula, these traditions offer a glimpse into the cultural traces shaped by generations living alongside this landscape.