Wonders of the World: Shilin Stone Forest in China

In the southwest of China, in the Yunnan province, there is a unique place - the Shilin stone forest. It is often called “The First Miracle of the Celestial Empire.”

According to scientists, the stone forest was formed more than 200 million years ago. Previously, the sea was located in this place, and thick layers of limestone settled. But as a result of tectonic movements, the stones came to the surface. Year after year, water and wind gave these stones more and more exquisite shapes, turning some into figures reminiscent of animals, birds and even people.

A more romantic version of the formation of a stone forest among the local population. According to legend, the stone forest appeared thanks to a giant hero who really wanted to build a dam for his people. At night, he began to move huge stones using tools stolen from a local wizard. But when the sun rose, the magical power of the instruments disappeared, and the stones remained lying, scattered throughout the valleys.

The Shilin Stone Forest occupies a huge area - a total area of 350 square kilometers. It is divided into seven parts: large and small stone forests, Naigu stone forest, Qifeng Cave, Zhiyun Cave, Moon Lake, Long Lake, Da Dieshui Waterfalls.

Tall cliffs seem to grow straight out of the ground in the form of stalagmites, many looking like petrified trees, thereby creating the illusion of a forest of stone.

Since 2007, two parts of the park, Naigu Stone Forest (乃古石林) and Suogeyi Village (所各邑村), are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

There are many legends about this place that are passed on by the local people from generation to generation. Every year, on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, the famous torch festival is held, attracting tens of thousands of tourists, which includes folk dancing and wrestling competitions.

An old local saying goes: If you visit Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time. Indeed, the stone forest is one of the most important attractions in Yunnan Province.

Among thousands of stone figures, you can feel as if you are in a bizarre fairyland. Here you can turn on your imagination and imagine anything - ancient fortresses, birds, animals, flowers, trees, people.

In the small stone forest there are many large beautiful meadows, thickets of bamboo, trees and mountain flowers. The famous stone flowers are also located here - “Towers that support the sky” and “Singing stones”.