Stone Forest of China - an amazing miracle of nature

Karst formations located in China, called the first miracle of the country. Stretching more than 350 square kilometers Stone Forest is in the national park of Yunnan Province. The 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 sight of China from afar resembles fantastic giant trees, and it is not surprising that she was awarded the highest level in the rating of favorite tourist places.

Natural miracle

Unusually looking Shilin Stone Forest (Shilin) was formed on the site where once there was a deep sea, into which layers of limestone settled, forming kilometer deposits. Under the influence of tectonic activity, the terrain has changed, and in the place of a dried up reservoir, gigantic statues appeared.

For a long time, karst formations were exposed to the destructive effects of strong winds, hot sun and torrential rains that created a natural miracle.

The unusual form of gray rocks, transformed into amazing figures, reminiscent of humans and animals, as if grow into the sky at the top. The stubborn work of the elements and time created the Stone Forest, around which ancient legends hang.

Ancient Chinese legend

The beautiful tradition passed down from generation to generation says that once in these places there lived a beautiful hero who decided to erect a dam for his people that would block the way to a stormy river and turn its course to a 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 it with stones, but a strong current carried them irrevocably. The tired young man understood that he needed whole mountains to change the channel, but did not know how to transfer stones from one place to another. He prayed for the help of the magician, and he did not refuse, telling where to get the magic items that would help control the mountains, but warned that all work should be completed by the morning.

Growing up in the valley forest

Many overcame the hero of obstacles, while he reached the right place with a magic whip, allowing to move mountains. Faster than the wind, the rocks and the young man fled to meet the long-suffering people waiting for the water.

But fatigue took its toll, and the hero fell asleep in the mountains, and when he woke up, he realized that he would not be able to overtake the mighty rocks before the first rays of the sun. Shamed the young man's shame, and he plunged his knife into his heart. And in the morning the inhabitants of the valley were surprised to see a grown stone forest of enormous sizes and various forms.

Two parts 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 Large and Small stone forests, as well as the forests of Lizhing and Naigu.

The underground part includes the magnificent Dadi waterfall, Tsifeng and Zhiyong caves, Lunnoye and Long Lake.

In the Great Forest, the most famous high rocks were frozen, resembling the outlines of an elephant, a prison, and even feeding birds.

Enchanting views

Tourists prefer to climb to the top of the Lotus, from which a spectacular spectacle opens to the Stone Forest (a photo of a miraculous miracle is presented in our article).

In the Lesser Forest, not very high rocks are diluted with bamboo thickets, and the largest giants look as if they support the sky, and they are called "towers".

The dark cave, in which the underground river murmurs mysteriously, seems mystical to many.

National treasure

A long lake, named for its size, stretches for three kilometers, and its bottom is made up of calcareous mineral formations. Located nearby water cascades Dadi break from a huge height. It is believed that the underworld is an ideal place for romantic dates, and the opening view enchants the same as the phantasmagoric Stone Forest.

China is proud of the national treasure and cares about its preservation. All parts of the park are paved with stone paved paths, and stands located at each corner will not let travelers get lost.

You can watch rocky landscapes in the shadow of giants, sitting on comfortable benches, and bus tours will be enjoyed by those who get tired of walking a lot.

Festival of Fire

In the middle of summer a famous Chinese festival is held in the national park, which gathers local residents and foreign guests. On a colorful holiday all those who consider themselves tamer fire are in a hurry. The stone forest in China is illuminated by the light from burning torches, and in the play of ghostly shadows unreal figures are seen.

Beautiful rocky landscapes make everyone admire the amazing work of nature, which created a real miracle, to which there are no equal.