The Stone Forest or Shilin is a notable set of limestone formations about 500 km2located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China, near Shilin approximately 90 km (56 mi) from the provincial capital Kunming.
The tall rocks seem to arise from the ground in a manner somewhat reminiscent of stalagmites, or with many looking like petrified trees, thereby creating the illusion of a forest made of stone. Since 2007, two parts of the site, the Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village, have been UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the South China Karst. The site is classified as a AAAAA-class tourist site.
Shilin National Scenic Area covers an area of 400 km2 (150 sq mi) and is divided into seven scenic areas as follows:
o Greater & Lesser Stone Forests - also known as the Lizijing Stone Forest
o Naigu Stone Forest
o Zhiyun Cave
o Lake Chang (literally Long Lake)
o Lake Yue (literally Moon Lake)
o Dadieshui Waterfall
o Qifeng Cave
These formations, caused by the erosion of limestone, are believed to be over 270 million years old and are a tourist attraction for both overseas and domestic tourists, with bus tours bringing tourists from Kunming. There are also a number of hotels in the area.
Picture Credit :: Tarun Thokchom