The Stone Forest of Yunnan

The Stone Forest is a set of limestone formations in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan, China. Tall rocks rise like petrified trees.

Shilin National Scenic Area covers 400 km2. The site is classified as a AAAAA-class tourist site.

These pillars formed from weathering over 270 million years. Limestone takes its time.

Stone Forest limestone pillars were shaped by natural erosion.

Two parts became UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2007 under the South China Karst listing. Naigu Stone Forest sits 9 km northeast.

Conjugate shear joints guided water to carve these shapes.

Legend calls the forest the birthplace of Ashima, a girl of the Yi people.

Each year on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, Yi people celebrate the Torch Festival. Even stones enjoy it.