Geotourism Development in the Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark: Current Status and Strategic Implications

Abstract

Yimengshan UNESCO Global Geopark, located in Shandong Province, China, possesses globally significant geoheritage resources including complete Archean basement rock series recording North China Craton evolution, the first-discovered kimberlite-hosted diamond deposit in China, and the type locality of the Daigu landform. This study conducts a spatial SWOT analysis to assess geo-tourism development across the geopark's five sub parks and their constituent scenic areas, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats at the unit level. The analysis reveals pronounced spatial heterogeneity in both resource endowment and tourism development maturity. While world-class geological assets exist, their interpretation remains fragmented across administrative boundaries, lacking a coherent park-wide framework. Tourism offerings are predominantly conventional sightseeing models with limited interpretive engagement, resulting in insufficient visitor participation and revenue generation from value-added services. Strategic opportunities include developing interactive educational programs such as diamond appraisal workshops and geological field courses, creating thematic geo-trails linking related features across districts, and integrating geo-interpretation with existing infrastructure. Key threats requiring management include environmental pressures on sensitive geoheritage sites, climate vulnerability affecting water-dependent attractions, and tensions between conservation imperatives and commercialization pressures. The findings demonstrate that future geo-tourism development hinges on transitioning from a collection of disparate scenic areas with isolated attractions to an integrated geoheritage destination. This requires coherent interpretive frameworks communicating regional geological evolution, diversified product offerings beyond conventional sightseeing, and sustainable visitor management practices balancing conservation with engagement. By addressing these challenges, the geopark can fulfill its UNESCO mandate for earth heritage conservation and sustainable development while positioning itself as a premier destination for geotourism and geo-education.