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Shilin

Shilin (China)

Practical information on Shilin

  • Nature, Adventure & Sport
  • Off the beaten track
4 / 5 - 2 reviews

Reviews of Shilin

Clara Favini Seasoned Traveller
98 written opinions

If there's one natural curiosity not to miss in the area around Kunming, it's Shilin, or as it's commonly known, the Stone Forest.

My review

Considered a true wonder of the natural heritage of Yunnan, this karst landscape, unique of its kind, has served as the inspiration for many Chinese legends and superstitions.

The site has the appearance of a natural labyrinth, formed from dense vegetation and rocky pinnacles of various shapes and sizes that point up towards the sky. The Chinese have given these poetic and evocative names, such as "Woman Waiting for Her Husband", "Old Man Going for a Walk" and "Camel Riding on an Elephant".

There is a properly defined route around the Stone Forest which takes three to four hours to complete. If you prefer, however, you can venture of the path to get away from the crowd and better enjoy the beauty of the spectacle !

The Stone Forest, Yunna
Alicia Munoz Seasoned Traveller
87 written opinions

Among the numerous sites of interest in Yunnan are the stone forest, or the Shilin karst. Enormous limestone stalagmites are lined up over an impressive 400 km².

My review

Discovered during the Ming dynasty, this strange mineral forest is considered by the Chinese to be "the most important natural wonder in the world". It was formed by erosion over 270 million years, when the area was under water. A global reference point for geologists, the site is made up of the dolomitic stone forest of Naigu, and the Suyishan stone forest, which looks like it is rising up from a lake.

There are lots of legends describing how the site was created. They have been handed down from generation to generation by the Sani, a part of the Yi people. When you walk among these "stone trees" you feel like you are in a colossal labyrinth. Photographers be aware that the colors change with the weather and the light.

Shilin stone forest