Centered on the theme of Geological Records of Early Earth Evolution and the Lithologic Foundation of the Great Wall Construction, this route integrates observations of typical stratigraphic sections, interpretation of the geological background of the Great Wall and hiking experiences. It highlights the significance of the Jixian Section as an international standard for stratigraphic correlation, and combines the Great Wall—a world cultural heritage—to reveal the profound connection between geology and human civilization. The route caters to the academic and experiential needs of geologists and geochemists.
1. Core Orientation and Design Philosophy
Academic Theme: Stratigraphic sequences and sedimentary environments of the Middle-Upper Proterozoic; geological provenance and durability of stone materials used in the Great Wall construction.
Design Logic: Construct a comprehensive geological and cultural excursion itinerary following the sequence of classic section observation (stratigraphic sequence) → traceability of Great Wall stone materials (integration of geology and humanities) → hiking experience (landforms).
Target Participants: International applied geochemists and geologists, with a balance of professional depth and cultural experience.
2. Information Distribution Instructions
Pre-symposium Distribution: Excursion route introduction manual (including the stratigraphic column of the Jixian Section, geological background of key observation sites, general geological overview of the Huangyaguan Great Wall), excursion site map, and notes for attention.
3. Detailed Itinerary (08:00-18:00)
l 08:00 Assembly and Departure from Beijing
Assembly Location: Symposium venue or designated hotel
Transportation: Luxury air-conditioned coach with over 35 seats, equipped with on-board WiFi and charging ports
Note: No academic lectures will be arranged during the ride; participants may review the pre-distributed materials.
l 09:30-12:00 Field Observation in the Core Section of the Jixian Section
Location: Core Observation Sites of the Middle-Upper Proterozoic National Nature Reserve, Jizhou District, Tianjin
Format: Guided and explained by a professional geological guide for the entire session, with all participants acting in a group.
Core Observation Content:
· Changzhougou Formation - Chuangingou Formation (bottom of the Changcheng System): Observe the quartzite-shale sequence and identify the characteristics of sedimentary facies changes. The lithology here (quartzite) is closely related to the stone materials used in the construction of the Huangyaguan Great Wall.
· Gaoyuzhuang Formation - Wumishan Formation (Jixian System): Observe the carbonate platform sedimentary sequence, identify stromatolite structures, and understand the Mesoproterozoic carbonate sedimentary environment.
· Tieling Formation - Xiamaling Formation (key interface): Observe the alternating black shale and carbonate intervals, and learn about the geological records of anoxic sedimentary events.
Supporting Services: Markers for observation sites are provided, and the geological guide will answer questions on site.
l 12:00-13:30 Lunch in Jizhou Urban Area
Location: Featured Restaurants in Jizhou Urban Area
Catering: Chinese set meal (including local specialties), taking into account the dietary habits of international participants.
l 13:30-16:00 Geological Investigation and Hiking at the Huangyaguan Great Wall
Location: Huangyaguan Great Wall (approximately 30 minutes' drive from Jizhou Urban Area)
Investigation Content:
· Traceability of stone materials for the Great Wall construction: Field observation of stone materials (quartzite, limestone, etc.) used in the Great Wall walls, and combined with the lithologies observed in the morning section, understand the geological provenance and material selection principles of the Great Wall stone materials.
· Hiking experience: Hike about 1.5 kilometers along the restored section of the Great Wall (at one’s own pace based on physical strength), and climb to overlook the landform landscape of the Yanshan Mountains.
Guiding Support: The geological guide will explain on site the origin of the name "Changcheng System" and the geological background of the Great Wall construction.
Participants may visit the supporting facilities of the scenic area and purchase souvenirs at their own discretion.
l 16:00-18:00 Return to Beijing
Transportation: Luxury coach will send all participants back to the symposium venue/designated hotel in Beijing uniformly.
On the way: Excursion souvenir gift packs (including stratigraphic atlases, souvenirs, etc.) may be distributed.
4. Highlights of the Itinerary
Integration of classic stratigraphic sections and cultural landscapes: The morning excursion to the world-famous stratotype section of the Middle-Upper Proterozoic and the afternoon hiking at the Huangyaguan Great Wall naturally connect professional geological content with the Great Wall cultural experience.
Relaxed and comfortable rhythm: The whole journey focuses on observation and experience, reducing the physical burden on participants, and is suitable for a relaxing excursion during the academic symposium.
Geological theme throughout: From the naming of the "Changcheng System" stratigraphy to the traceability of stone materials for the Great Wall construction, geological clues run through the whole day, enhancing the interest of the excursion while maintaining professional attributes.