I. Park Overview
1. Geographic Location
Wudalianchi is located in Heihe City, Heilongjiang Province, covering a total area of 790.11 km².
2. Core Values
Volcanic Geology
Most volcanoes worldwide are distributed in lofty mountains or continuous mountain ranges, whereas the Wudalianchi volcanic cluster is concentrated in a hilly area. It stands as an outstanding example of monogenetic volcanoes globally, featuring 14 volcanic cones arranged in a neat and regular grid pattern.
Mineral Spring Resources
The mineral water of Wudalianchi is comparable to that of Vichy in France and the North Caucasus in Russia. It is characterized by low temperature, high mineralization, unique taste, and strong regenerative capacity. The carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the water reaches a purity of 99%, and the water contains more than 30 macro and trace elements beneficial to human health, including zinc, selenium, germanium, lithium, molybdenum, vanadium, and copper. It is not only an excellent drinking water but also has remarkable curative effects on various diseases of the nervous, circulatory, digestive, and urinary systems, thus enjoying the reputation of "Medicinal Spring" and "Holy Water".
Ecosystem
Wudalianchi is also a rare ecological kingdom. After several volcanic eruptions, the succession of life has been continuously proceeding in the intervals between volcanic activities. The park is home to 1,044 species of plants belonging to 428 genera and 143 families, as well as 396 species of vertebrates belonging to 89 families. The biodiversity of Wudalianchi is extremely rare in northern China and even in the same latitudes of the northern temperate zone. It vividly demonstrates the entire process of the evolution of life on Earth from lower to higher forms, especially the life evolution on volcanic lava, making it an ideal ecological teaching and research base for studying biological succession.
II. Key Scientific Research Directions
1. Volcanology and Geology
Typical Sites:
Laoheishan Volcanic Crater: One of the youngest volcanoes in China, where volcanic clast accumulation layers can be observed.
Longmen Stone Village: A cluster of boulders formed by ancient volcanic pyroclastic flows (for studying the mechanics of volcanic eruptions).
Lava Tunnels (e.g., Crystal Palace, White Dragon Cave): For studying lava flow structures and cooling processes.
2. Hydrology and Mineral Springs
Typical Sites:
North Drinking Spring / South Drinking Spring: For sampling the chemical composition of mineral water (permission required).
Wenpo Lake: A perennial unfrozen lava-dammed lake, ideal for researching geothermal anomalies and aquatic ecosystems.
3. Biology and Ecology
Typical Sites:
Huoshaoshan Lava Plateau: For observing pioneer plant communities such as lichens and mosses.
White Dragon Lake Wetland: A migration route for birds (e.g., red-crowned cranes, white storks).
Longmen Stone Village: For observing the succession laws of volcanic ecosystems and investigating species adaptability in extreme volcanic environments.
4. Environment and Conservation
Assessment of the impacts of human activities on geological heritage.
Research on the sustainable utilization of mineral spring resources.
III. Scientific Research Permits and Regulations
Access Procedures
Contact Unit: Wudalianchi Global Geopark Administration Committee (application required 1 month in advance).
Documents to Submit: Scientific research plan, personnel qualification certificates, and safety preplan.
Core Zone Restrictions: Special approval is required for entering some areas (e.g., volcanic craters, mineral spring sources).
Conservation Requirements
It is prohibited to damage geological heritage or collect rocks, mineral water, or biological specimens without permission.
Advance registration is required for using drones.
Access Permits
Contact Information: Wudalianchi Global Geopark Administration Committee, Heihe City, Heilongjiang Province; Tel: 0456-7296007.
Comply with the restrictions on core zones (some areas are accessible only to researchers).
IV. Scientific Research Route Design
1. Geology-focused Route
Day 1: Laoheishan (eruption relics) → Huoshaoshan (lava flows) → Longmen Stone Village (ancient volcanic clasts).
Day 2: Crystal Palace Lava Tunnel → Wenpo Lake (hydrological monitoring).
2. Ecology-focused Route
Day 1: Grey Crane Wetland (bird observation) → Yaoquanshan (vegetation vertical zones).
Day 2: North and South Drinking Springs (mineral water research).
V. Practical Information
1. Best Season for Research
Summer (May to October): Full vegetation coverage, suitable for ecological research.
Transportation and Equipment
External Transportation: Harbin Taiping International Airport → Wudalianchi Airport (1 hour flight).
Harbin → Wudalianchi Expressway (4 hours by car).
Internal Transportation: Eco-friendly park buses + hiking (mountaineering shoes are required for lava areas).
Essential Equipment: Geological hammer (registration required), GPS device, water quality tester.
VI. Safety and Ethics
Lava Landform Caution: The porous surface is prone to collapse; please follow marked routes only.
Climate Conditions: Extremely low temperatures (-30℃) in winter and occasional heavy rainstorms in summer.
Research Ethics: All research data must be backed up to the Wudalianchi Global Geopark Administration Committee, and the source must be indicated in research outcomes.
For further assistance, it is recommended to contact the Wudalianchi Global Geopark Administration Committee directly to obtain the latest scientific research policies and data support. All scientific research activities shall strictly comply with the Regulations on Nature Reserves and the Regulations on the Protection of Wudalianchi Global Geopark to jointly protect this precious natural heritage.
Wudalianchi Global Geopark Administration Committee
October 2023