Shipaiyang, also known as "Double-Sail Rock", is a geological relic in Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, Fujian province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Pingtan Comprehensive Pilot Zone, Fujian province, announced the opening of its provincial geopark on May 18, local news portal ptnet.cn reported.

The Pingtan Provincial Geopark is a narrow-shaped park along the local coastline. It covers a combined area of about 58 square kilometers and includes 24 rare geological relics such as Double-Sail Rock, Tannan Bay Beach and the Haitan Deity. The relics can be divided into four categories: geological structures, coastal landforms, rocky landscapes and waterscapes.

The application of the provincial park started in 2015 and was approved by the Fujian Provincial Department of Land and Resources last December, according to local authorities.

The authorities said that the geopark will be a new name card of the island's tourism. It will help Pingtan reach its goal of becoming an international tourist destination and facilitate the development of its economy.

The authorities added that they will do better in the preservation of geological relics and prepare for the application of a national geopark.

A geopark is a unified area that advances the protection and use of geological heritage in a sustainable way and promotes the economic well-being of the people who live there.