Starting from August 9, a study‑tour team from China University of Geosciences arrived at Wudalianchi Global Geopark, their educational internship base, for a one‑week summer social practice themed “Mountains and Rivers Mirror the Stars, Journey Far in Radiance”. Moving classroom learning to this “open‑air textbook of volcanoes”, the team carried out field geological study and on‑site scientific research leveraging Wudalianchi’s exceptional volcanic ecological resources.
During the study tour, the team visited the Global Geopark Museum to conduct inquiry‑based learning with physical specimens and graphic‑text historical materials, uncovering the million‑year evolutionary history of the Wudalianchi volcanic cluster. Team members travelled to the core volcanic scenic area for field geological research. They closely observed volcanic landforms of both young and ancient eruptions, trekked through primeval birch forests, and hiked to the summit of the young volcano. They inspected volcanic wonders such as spatter cones and spatter rings, toured the volcanic barrier lakes and Dragon Gate Stone Stockade, and visited Northern Drinking Spring and Two‑Dragon Eye Spring. Geological knowledge from textbooks was turned into tangible field experience.
Li Shuya, a junior student at China University of Geosciences, remarked, “Our social practice centers on serving society and contributing to grassroots communities. As we know, Wudalianchi boasts distinctive volcanic landforms. We will conduct site visits and relevant research here. This is not only an outstanding study‑tour destination but also an invaluable field‑practice teaching base for geology majors. We will design study‑tour routes tailored to local features and organize popular‑science activities. Guided by our theme, we dedicate our youthful energy to public service.”
Zhao Sihan, a freshman at China University of Geosciences, commented, “Visiting Wudalianchi Global Geopark has been stunning and rewarding. I witnessed the chronological formation sequence of its 14 volcanoes, the mysteries of its world‑famous cold mineral springs, and the unique ecosystem thriving on volcanic barren land. It is as if a three‑dimensional volcanic epic unfolds right before my eyes. Yesterday I read a striking line: every rock was once a mass of flame. Standing amid the lava sea and real volcanic craters, I felt each landform bears its own story. From this practice, our team has drawn up study‑tour plans. We hope to share our knowledge and these magnificent sights with more people, showcasing the unique charm and value system of Wudalianchi Global Geopark.”
Wudalianchi Global Geopark features well‑preserved young and ancient volcanic landforms, scattered mineral spring groups and diverse ecosystems. It is hailed as a natural volcanic‑geology museum and an “open‑air textbook of volcanoes”. Endowed with superior resources, it serves as a distinctive study‑tour destination integrating tourism, vacation, investigation and science popularization. It has received numerous honours including National Science Popularization Education Base, Land and Resources Science Popularization Base, National Study‑Tour Practice Base for Primary and Secondary School Students, Base of China University Students Science Popularization Alliance and National Earthquake Prevention and Disaster Reduction Science Popularization Education Base. Every year, it draws a large number of university teams from home and abroad for study and practical activities.