On April 22, 2026, the internationally authoritative academic journal *Space: Science & Technology* published a research paper titled *Integrated Space-Air-Ground Detection Technology Research on Jingpo Lake Lava Tubes* by Professor Kang Zhizhong's team from China University of Geosciences (Beijing). Focusing on the Jingpo Lake lava tube area as the core research subject, the study systematically verified that the Jingpo Lake lava tubes represent a globally scarce analog for lunar subsurface space testing. This scientific achievement not only provides crucial support for China's deep space exploration endeavors but also injects strong momentum into Jingpo Lake's efforts to leverage its volcanic geological advantages, enhance brand influence, and diversify tourism offerings, effectively driving the iterative upgrade of the region's tourism industry.

The Jingpo Lake lava tube area serves as an ideal scenario for conducting simulated research on lunar subsurface spaces and testing detection technologies. The paper explicitly states that the Jingpo Lake lava tubes were formed during the Holocene volcanic activity, featuring complete geological characteristics such as typical volcanic landforms, skylights in lava tubes, underground cavities, and lava flow structures. These features closely align with the geological structures and environmental conditions of lunar lava tubes, making it an extremely rare natural analog on Earth that most closely resembles lunar subsurface spaces. It is also internationally recognized as an ideal ground test base for deep space exploration. This authoritative certification significantly enhances the value of the Jingpo Lake brand, propelling the scenic area from a traditional eco-tourism destination to one with international influence in geological tourism and science education, providing robust support for building a high-end cultural tourism brand and enhancing core competitiveness.

Mirror Lake Lava Tube Integrated Ground-Air-Space Exploration Technology Schematic Diagram

(Image source: "Space Science and Technology" journal paper, author: Professor Kang Zhizhong's team)

The high-value scientific research resources are the unique advantage of Jingpo Lake in developing the science education and research tourism industry. In the paper research, a comprehensive scientific research system has been systematically formed, integrating space-air-ground integrated detection technology, 3D modeling, and robotic exploration. Leveraging the first moon-like underground space teaching and training base in China, set to be completed by July 2025, Jingpo Lake can deeply develop science education products centered on volcanic geological exploration, deep space detection, and aerospace-themed research activities. This will create an integrated development core combining "scientific experimentation + teaching practice + science education research," effectively attracting continuous visits from universities, research institutions, primary and secondary schools, and aerospace enthusiasts. It will drive the transformation of the scenic area’s tourism from traditional sightseeing to in-depth science education and research tourism, fostering a stable and sustainable new cultural tourism industry.

Integrated Detection Schematic of Space-Air-Ground Integration

(Image source: "Space Science and Technology" journal paper, author: Professor Kang Zhizhong's team)

The unique geological endowment of Jingpo Lake has made its all-season tourism development advantages increasingly prominent. Research findings confirm that Jingpo Lake is suitable for exploration and research throughout the year, with its winter environment being highly similar to the lunar surface, providing exceptional conditions for developing winter science education programs and technology-based experiential tourism. Additionally, technologies such as 3D modeling and digital twin VR experiences can be employed to create immersive smart cultural tourism projects and a diversified cultural and creative product system. These initiatives can complement and synergize with classic attractions like Jingpo Lake's winter fishing, ice waterfalls, snow pines, and Bohai Kingdom cultural tourism, effectively driving the transformation of scenic tourism from "single-season visits" to "all-season experiences," thereby activating the endogenous vitality of year-round science education and research tourism at the scenic area.

Hyperspectral laser data acquisition and echo intensity schematic under different wavelengths

(Image source: "Space Science and Technology" journal paper, authors: Prof. Kang Zhizhong's team)

Staff members of the Jingpo Lake Management Committee and Professor Kang Zhizhong's team in the Jingpo Lake lava tube area

Professor Kang Zhizhong's team from China University of Geosciences has conducted multiple field research expeditions in the lava tube area of the Jingpo Lake volcanic crater underground forest. The Jingpo Lake Management Committee provided comprehensive coordination and support throughout, ensuring smooth progress in the research projects and successful formation of research outcomes. In the next step, the Jingpo Lake Management Committee will leverage the nation's first "lunar-like underground space" teaching and practice base to deepen university-local cooperation, strengthen innovation-driven development, and pioneer new cultural and tourism formats, fully unleashing the resource advantages of Jingpo Lake. While supporting national aerospace development, the committee will cultivate and expand the science education and research tourism industry of Jingpo Lake Scenic Area, providing solid support for our city's goal of becoming a nationally renowned cultural and tourism destination.