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World Heritage expert Zhang Shanyun conducted an inspection in Lushan

　　On August 24th, Zhang Shanyun, a world heritage expert, national popular science writer, Green Globe China advisor, senior consultant of Jiuzhaigou, member of the IUCN Protected Areas Committee, and vice president of the Sichuan Western China Research and Development Promotion Association, accompanied by Luo Zhengren, chairman of Qianchuan Wood Group, Zhou Xingqi, director of the Lushan County Investment Project Center of Qianchuan Wood Group, and deputy director Qiu Qingjian, visited Lushan County, Ya'an City to inspect the county's tourism resources. They were accompanied by Fan Jiyue, secretary of the Lushan County Party Committee, Ma Yiqiang, member of the Standing Committee and head of the County Party Committee Propaganda Department, Vice County Mayor Qi Jiahua, and other relevant department leaders.

　　Group photo

　　Professor Zhang Shanyun, serving as the "intellectual support" for Lushan tourism development, visited Gendiao Street, Qinglong Temple, Longmen Karst Cave, and Weita Funnel with the leadership of the Lushan County Party Committee and government. During the inspection, Professor Zhang gave an overall evaluation of Lushan's tourism resources.

　　While visiting Gendiao Street, the group admired the root carving art treasures displayed in the exhibition hall. Professor Zhang expressed his admiration for some of the root carving works.

　　Visiting Gendiao Street

　　Left: Zhang Shanyun; Right: Luo Zhengren, Chairman of Qianchuan Wood Group

　　Second from left: Ma Yiqiang, Standing Committee Member and Head of Propaganda Department of Lushan County; Second from right: Zhou Xingqi, Director of Lushan County Investment Project Center of Qianchuan Wood Group

　　Next, the group visited Qinglong Temple in Longmen Town. Everyone was attracted by a large tree in the temple. When told that the tree was over a thousand years old, Professor Zhang said, "In China, without trees there is no culture; without big trees there is no history. When I saw this tree, I deeply felt that Lushan is a place with history and stories." When informed that there was an even older ancient tree in the nearby Gucheng Village, at least 3,000 years old, Professor Zhang was eager to see this historic tree. When the ancient tree appeared before him, he was visibly moved and said, "The value of this tree is immeasurable. It can be developed like the sacred trees of Alishan in Taiwan, becoming an attractive scenic spot. One tree can revitalize Lushan's tourism economy."

　　Ancient tree at Qinglong Temple

　　Visiting Qinglong Temple

　　Then, the group visited Longmen Karst Cave, known as the largest conglomerate cave group discovered in the world so far. Outside the cave entrance, they felt the biting cold wind from deep inside the cave and marveled at the stark contrast: outside the cave it was over 30 degrees Celsius, while inside, without a down jacket, it was impossible to enter. The unique cave culture, climate, and scenery, explained by the park staff, added a sense of mystery, making the group eager to explore the cave immediately.

　　Longmen Karst Cave

　　After visiting Longmen Karst Cave, the group went to inspect the Weita Funnel, the world's largest geological funnel. Led by He Yungang, Party Secretary of Shuangshi Town, Lushan County, the group toured various parts of the funnel. Under Secretary He's introduction, they learned in detail about the funnel's formation, structure, history, and legends, striving to present a comprehensive and authentic picture of the Weita Funnel. As a world heritage expert, Professor Zhang analyzed the prospects of the Weita Funnel with a professional perspective. He said, "The tourism resources of Weita Funnel are of high quality and fully qualify for applying to become a World Geopark. We must accelerate the process. We have already missed many years of application opportunities. We cannot delay any longer. Further delay would be a loss for Weita and for China. I believe that in the near future, Weita Funnel will become an international brand and a tourist destination."

　　Visiting Weita Funnel

　　After the visit, the group went to a farmhouse in Weita Village where Professor Zhang and others held a discussion on Lushan tourism development. During the meeting, they unexpectedly met the father of Yang Zongwu, project manager of Qianchuan Wood Company. From the elder, the group heard myths and legends about Longmen Karst Cave and Weita Funnel, gaining more first-hand information.

　　Photo of Chairman Luo Zhengren and the father of Qianchuan Wood Company project manager Yang Zongwu

　　Finally, Professor Zhang summarized the tourism resources of Lushan County, saying: "Lushan has great tourism potential. Today's visit showed that it can be summarized as having clear mountains and waters, simple folk customs, high-quality classics, and promising tourism prospects. However, the development efforts still need to be strengthened. In tourism development, it is important not to damage the original beauty, and to strive to build Lushan's own tourism brand, increase publicity, find its positioning, and clarify 'who I am' and 'where I am.' I believe that the careful efforts of the powerful Qianchuan Wood Group will give wings to the future of Lushan, its culture, and tourism economy."

　　Professor Zhang Shanyun shares his impressions of the trip