That was the second Chinese geopark to sign an agreement, Waitaki Whitestone Geopark Trust chairwoman Rachel Plieger said.
"That’s really exciting because they’re one of New Zealand’s biggest trade partners."
It was essentially a "friendly agreement of ideas" she said.
"Because we’re a relatively new geopark, we’ve got a lot of learning to do, whereas a lot of the Chinese geoparks are very seasoned. So for us, it is an amazing opportunity to learn from their experience."
Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher and Xi'an municipal government deputy mayor Yang Jianqiang exchanged gifts at the signing.
Mr Jianqiang offered a Chinese jade carving with a symbol for good luck engraved on it, and in return Mr Kircher presented the Chinese visitors with an Oamaru stone carving.
