Stone Forest
Limestone pillars resembling a petrified forest in Yunnan, China.
- location
- Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan, China
- area
- Approximately 500 km²
- UNESCO designation
- Since 2007 (part of South China Karst)
- classification
- AAAAA-class tourist site
- distance from Kunming
- Approximately 90 km (56 mi) east
Lore & Background
Uplift occurred after deposition, and later exposure to wind and running water shaped the limestone pillars into formations that extend as far as the eye can see, creating the illusion of a vast forest of stone. According to legend, the forest is the birthplace of Ashima, a beautiful girl of the Yi people. After falling in love, she was forbidden to marry her chosen suitor and instead turned into a stone in the forest that still bears her name. Bus tours bring tourists from Kunming, and there are a number of hotels in the area.
Reader's Guide
The forest's unique appearance—tall rocks resembling petrified trees—has made it a symbol of Yunnan province. The area's flora includes evergreen broad-leaved forests, sclerophyllous forests, and lake vegetation, adding ecological interest. The legend of Ashima further enriches its cultural landscape, making the Stone Forest a multifaceted landmark of natural and human history.
Did You Know?
- The Stone Forest covers an area of about 500 km² in Yunnan, China.
- It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007 as part of the South China Karst.
- According to Yi legend, the forest is the birthplace of Ashima, who turned into stone.
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