Jiuhuashan Geopark is characteristic of a geomorphic combination of mountain, hill, and basin. The geoheritage here is a representative of magmatic activity caused by continental collision of the China Plate in eastern Asia. The Geopark is also an outstanding example of the large fault-block granitic landform and a model site of the tectonic landform of fluid-rich acidic magmatic crystallization (miarolitic granite). Meanwhile, the Quaternary glacial relics of the eastern China have also been found here. The geomorphic structure, composed of towering granite mountains, low hills and basins, has created beautiful granite peaks, abundant biodiversity and water resources, making the Jiuhuashan a birth place and carrier of Jiuhuashan culture.

There are 71 peaks with various sizes at Jiuhuashan. Shiwang Peak, being the highest one with an elevation of 1,344.4 m. In addition, the height of Lotus Peak and the Lion Peak also exceeds a thousand meters and extends in north-south direction. Many peaks are in shapes of cone (Tianzhu Peak), column (Candle Peak), ridge (Shiwang Peak), dome (Tianhua Peak), box-like (Shamao Peak) and constitute the essence of Jiuhuashan geology and landforms.

Granitic peaks of Jiuhuashan Geopark are characterized by odd shapes and of great aesthetic value. They perfectly display the shape-developing mechanism by geological processes. Firstly the special bimodal igneous rocks are good materials, and secondly the joint undercutting of Jiuhuashan Fault and many associated small joints are strong and suitable structural conditions with agents of flowing water and freeze-thaw, divers and beautiful peaks developed in Jiuhuashan granitic mountain such as grotesquely-shaped rocks in Huatai and Tiantai.

Route 1: Huatai scenic area

Fig.1 Mountain-hill-basin geomorphological structure map of Jiuhuashan

Main investigation content:

1. Investigate mountain-hill-basin geomorphological structure of Jiuhuashan.

2. Investigate geomorphological differences on the both side of Jiuhuashan Fault.

3. Investigate the characteristics of Jiuhuashan Fault and its influence and significance

4. Investigate the characteristics of joints under the control of grand Jiuhuashan Fault and its influence and significance of Jiuhuashan making scenery.

5. Investigate the characteristics, causes and distribution of grotesquely-shaped rocks.

6. Investigate miarolitic granite in Jiuhuashan rock body.

7. Investigate the formation of granite terrace and its relationship with temple architecture.

8. Investigate the characteristics and distribution of Jiuhuashan plant community.

Fig.2 Miarolitic granite with band-shaped distribution 

Route 2: Tiantai scenic area

Main investigation content:

1.Investigate granite landscape and its formation mechanism. Focus on the characteristics, causes and distribution of grotesquely-shaped rock groups

2. Investigate dynamical foundation of forming Jiuhuashan granite landscape. 

3. Investigate the characteristics and distribution of Jiuhuashan plant community.

Route 3: Miaoqian Town-Huayang Village-Yangchong Reservoir

Fig.3 Yangchong Reservoir scientific investigation route

Fig.4 Yangchong Reservoir geological profile map

Main investigation content:

1. Investigate Huizhou culture and community culture

2. Investigate the characteristics of Jiuhuashan composite rock body and surrounding rocks, including granodiorite and monzogranite in Qingyang rock body and syenogranite and syenogranite porphyry in Jiuhuashan rock body

3. Investigate contact relationship between Jiuhuashan composite rock body and surrounding rock

4. Investigate batholith profile of Jiuhuashan intracontinental plate collision

Route 4: Ke Village-Shuxi-Kuaizi Bridge in Heihusong

Fig.5 Heihusong scientific investigation route

Main investigation content:

1. Investigate granodiorite and inclusions in Qingyang rock body

 2. Investigate magmatic mixing and crust-mantle interaction.

Fig.6 Dark inclusions developed in granodiorite