Yiong National Geopark

Yiong National Geopark is mainly located in the Yiong Village of Pome, Nyingchi, covering an area of 2,160.8 sq km. (534,000 acres). With its rare geologic formations, it was identified as one of the second groups of national geoparks in 2002. The area is also blessed with many other spectacular natural and cultural sights that make it an attractive destination for the visitors.
The park is densely packed with high mountains, great canyons; as well as valleys, rivers, lakes, springs, waterfalls, glaciers, caves, forests and other natural wonders. The most famous canyons here are the first canyon of the world-Great Canyon of Yarlung Tsangpo River  and the third canyon of the world-Great Canyon of Palong Zangbo River. The Kaqin Glacier, with an area of about 90 sq km. (22 thousand acres), is the largest oceanic glacier of China and among the three largest national glaciers. The Yiong Tea Garden beside the once celestial Yiong Lake, is the highest tea garden in China. Nourished by the snow waters from mountains and natural manures, the tea is extremely fragrant and healthy. Its brand 'Mt. Everest' green tea is not only enjoyed by the Tibetans, but also popular within China and abroad.
The various natural formations and geological activities make this an area of great interest. The largest and most systematic geological formations in Yiong National Geopark are the remains of the landslides burst out in April 2000, which blocked the outlet of Yiong Lake and dammed the Yiong Zangbo River. The waters of the lake continued to rise, until in June 2000, the landslide dam was breached, sending floodwaters rushing down Yiong Zangbo River. Both the occurrence and the result of this large disaster are very rare even in the world. The geologic remains can be found in the mountains of landslides, ditches of debris flows, dammed lake areas, Tea Garden and Tieshan Mountain Tourist Area, the rupture zones of Palong Zangbo River and Yiong Zangbo River, ancient glacier relics, modern glaciers as well as areas of secondary landslides and landfalls. The cultural and human sights in the area are also worth seeing. The park is renowned for the concentrated area of the unique minority ethnic groups, where you can have an easy approach with them. The Tibetan knives they make are very famous.