Karst formations located in China are called the first miracle of the country. Spreading over 350 square kilometers, the Stone Forest is located in the Yunnan National Park. Bizarre geological forms formed 250 million years ago are so attractive that curious travelers rush here from all over the world.
China's top stone landmark looks like fantastic giant trees from afar, and it's no wonder it's been ranked the top favorite tourist destination.
Natural wonder
The unusual-looking Shilin Stone Forest was formed on what was once a deep sea, into which layers of limestone settled, forming kilometer-long deposits. Under the influence of tectonic activity, the terrain has changed, and gigantic sculptures have appeared on the site of a dried-up reservoir.
For a long time, karst formations have been subjected to the damaging effects of strong winds, hot sun and heavy rains,who created a natural miracle.
Unusually shaped gray rocks, turned into amazing figures resembling people and animals, seem to grow their tops into the sky. The hard work of the elements and time created the Stone Forest, around the creation of which ancient legends hover.
Ancient Chinese legend
A beautiful legend, passed down from generation to generation, says that once upon a time a wonderful hero lived in these places, who decided to build a dam for his people, which would block the path of a stormy river and turn its course into the village. These places were subject to drought, and the inhabitants needed life-giving moisture.
Finding a convenient section of the river, the giant began to throw stones at it, but the strong current carried them away forever. The tired young man understood that he needed whole mountains to change course, but did not know how to move the stones from one place to another. He pleaded for the wizard's help, and he did not refuse, telling where to get magical items that would help control the mountains, but warned that all work must be completed by morning.
Valley-grown forest
The hero overcame many obstacles until he reached the right place with a magic whip that allows mountains to move. The rocks and the young man ran faster than the wind in order to have time to help the long-suffering people waiting for water.
But fatigue took its toll, and the hero fell asleep surrounded by mountains, and when he woke up, he realized that he would not have time to overtake the mighty rocks before the first rayssun. Shame seized the young man, and he plunged a knife into his heart. And in the morning, the inhabitants of the valley were surprised to see a stone forest grown up of huge sizes and various shapes.
Two pieces of Shilin
It is believed that Shilin is divided into two parts. Karst sculptures, visible from afar, belong to the above-ground, and are divided into fantastically beautiful areas of the Big and Small stone forests, as well as the Lizhing and Naigu forests.
The underground part includes the luxurious Dadi Waterfall, Qifeng and Zhiyong Caves, Moon Lake and Long Lake.
The most famous high cliffs are frozen in the Great Forest, reminiscent of the outlines of an elephant, a prison and even birds feeding each other.
Enchanting views
Tourists prefer to climb to the top of the Lotus, from where an enchantingly beautiful sight of the Stone Forest opens (a photo of the miraculous miracle is presented in our article).
In the Small Forest, not very high cliffs are diluted with bamboo thickets, and the largest giants look like they support the sky, and they are called “towers” for a reason.
A dark cave in which an underground river mysteriously gurgles seems mystical to many.
National Treasure
The long lake, so named for its size, stretches for three kilometers, and its bottom is made up of calcareous mineral formations. The nearby water cascades of Dadi fall from great heights. It is believed that the underground world is an ideal place for romantic dates, and the view that opens up enchants just like the phantasmagoric Stoneforest.
China is proud of the national treasure and cares about its preservation. All sections of the park are connected by stone-paved paths, and stands located at each corner will not let travelers get lost.
You can watch rocky landscapes in the shade of giants, sitting on comfortable benches, and bus tours will appeal to those who get tired of walking a lot.
Fire Festival
In the middle of summer, the famous Chinese festival takes place in the national park, bringing together locals and foreign guests. Everyone who considers himself a fire tamer rushes to the colorful holiday. A stone forest in China is illuminated by the light from burning torches, and unreal figures are seen in the play of ghostly shadows.
Beautiful rocky landscapes make everyone admire the amazing work of nature, creating a real miracle that has no equal.
