Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park
Yunnan · China
Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park Kunming Stone Forest is a spectacular set of limestone groups and the representative of south China’s karst landscape. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), It is considered as the 'First Wonder of the World'. Approximately 270 million years ago - during the carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era - the region was a vast expanse of sea. Over time, the movements of the lithosphere gradually caused a retreat of the waters and the rise of the limestone landscape. Due to constant erosion by the elements, the area finally developed into the present-day appearance. The whole park is a huge natural treasure gallery, upon arrival, follow your tour guide to use your imagination to discover the park, your tour guide will tell many legendary stories along the way, and show you the best location for photos. You will spend 2-3 hours to visit the Big Stone Forest Area and the Small Stone Forest Area.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park
Welcome to one of the most extraordinary geological phenomena on our planet—the Shilin Stone Forest. As a scholar of natural history, I find this landscape truly mind-blowing. …
Listen in the app2The Entrance and the Shilin Lake
Our exploration begins near the main entrance, where the scale of the park first becomes apparent. The sensory experience starts with the bustling energy of visitors and the bright blue signs guiding you through the maze-like…
Listen in the app3The Major Stone Forest — The Heart of the Labyrinth
We now enter the Major Stone Forest, the most famous and densely packed section of the park. Here, the limestone pillars reach heights of 20 to 50 meters, creating a vertical landscape that is both awe-inspiring and slightly…
Listen in the app4Wangfeng Pavilion — The Panoramic View
To truly appreciate the extent of this 'forest,' we must ascend to the Wangfeng Pavilion, or the 'Peak-Viewing Pavilion.' This elevated spot offers the most iconic view of Shilin. From here, you can see waves of grey stone…
Listen in the app5The Minor Stone Forest and the Legend of Ashima
We now move to the Minor Stone Forest, a smaller but equally enchanting area characterized by more open spaces and elegant rock formations. This section is 'deeply connected to the Yi people's culture,' specifically through the…
Listen in the app6The 'Dragon's Back' and Secluded Formations
As we venture further away from the main tour routes, we find those 'completely secluded' areas that offer a more intimate connection with the stone. One such stretch features a long, undulating formation known as the 'Dragon's…
Listen in the app7Naigu Stone Forest — The Black Forest
For those seeking a truly 'off-the-beaten-path' experience, we venture to the Naigu Stone Forest, located a short distance from the main scenic areas. 'Naigu' means 'ancient and black' in the Sani language, and the stone here is…
Listen in the app8Closing
As our journey through the Shilin Stone Forest comes to an end, I hope you carry with you a sense of the immense time and natural forces required to create such a 'World Wonder.' We have walked through a landscape that was born…
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What is Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park?
Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park is a place in Yunnan · China with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Yunnan · China |
|---|---|
| Type | Heritage |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 24.8601, 103.2937 |
| Last updated |