Karst formations located in China are called the country's first miracle. Stretching over 350 square kilometers, Stone Forest is located in Yunnan Province National Park. Bizarre geological forms formed 250 million years ago are so attractive that curious travelers rush here from different parts of the world.
The main stone attraction of China from afar resembles fantastic giant trees, and it is not surprising that it was assigned the highest level in the ranking of favorite tourist places.
Natural wonder
The unusual-looking Shilin Stone Forest formed on the spot where the deep sea once settled, into which layers of limestone settled, forming kilometer deposits. Under the influence of tectonic activity, the terrain changed, and gigantic sculptures appeared on the site of the dried reservoir.
For a long time, karst formations were devastated by strong winds, hot suns and torrential rains, which created a natural miracle.
Unusually shaped gray cliffs, turned into amazing figures resembling people and animals, as if growing 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 there lived a wonderful hero who decided to build a dam for his people, which would block the path of a stormy river and turn its channel into the village. These places were prone to drought, and residents needed life-giving moisture.
Having found a convenient section of the river, the giant began to throw stones at him, but a strong current carried them away irrevocably. The tired young man understood that he needed whole mountains to change the course, but did not know how to transfer stones from one place to another. He prayed for the help of the wizard, and he did not refuse, telling where to get magic items that would help to manage the mountains, but warned that all work should be completed by morning.
Forest grown in a valley
The hero of obstacles overcame much, until he got to the right place with a magical whip that allowed the mountains to move around. Rocks and a 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 rays of the sun. Shame embraced the young man, and he thrust a knife into his heart. And in the morning the inhabitants of the valley were surprised to see the growing stone forest of huge sizes and various shapes.
Two parts of Shilin
It is believed that Shilin is divided into two parts. The karst sculptures, visible from afar, belong to the aboveground, and are divided into fantastically beautiful areas of the Big and Small Stone Forests, as well as the Lying and Naigu forests.
The underground part includes the magnificent Dadi Waterfall, Tsifeng and Zhiyong Caves, Lunnoye and Long Lake.
In the Big Forest, the most famous high cliffs froze, resembling the outlines of an elephant, a prison and even birdies feeding each other.
Enchanting views
Tourists prefer to climb to the top of the Lotus, from where an enchantingly beautiful sight opens onto the Stone Forest (a photo of a miraculous miracle is presented in our article).
In the Lesser Forest, not very high cliffs are diluted with bamboo thickets, and the largest giants look like they support the sky, and it is not for nothing that they are called “towers”.
The dark cave, in which an underground river mysteriously murmurs, seems mystical to many.
National treasure
The long lake, so named for its size, extends for three kilometers, and its bottom is composed of calcareous mineral formations. The nearby water cascades of Dadi fall from great heights. It is believed that the underworld is an ideal place for romantic dates, and the opening view captivates in the same way as the phantasmagoric Stone Forest.
China is proud of the national treasure and cares for its conservation. All sections of the park are connected by stone-paved paths, and the stands located on each corner will not let travelers get lost.
You can watch the rocky landscapes in the shadow of the giants, sitting on comfortable benches, and excursions by buses 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, gathering local residents and foreign visitors. Everyone who considers themselves tamers of fire rush to a colorful holiday. The stone forest in China is illuminated by burning torches, and unreal figures are seen in the game of ghostly shadows.
Beautiful rocky landscapes make everyone admire the amazing work of nature, which created a real miracle, which has no equal.