There’s a forest in China that is made of stones!
What are forests made of? Trees, you would say. That is true, but not all forests are made of trees. We at least know of one, that is made of stones. Welcome to the Shilin Stone Forest, a mesmerizing natural wonder in the Yunnan Province of China. Shilin means stone forest in Chinese. As you enter, you will see the sprawling expanse of tall stone pillars that rise like a forest made of stones. Among the most famous spots in the Shilin Stone Forest is the Ashima stone, which is said to embody a beautiful and tragic legend. This legend adds to the charm and mystery of this natural wonder, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting China. Are you curious to know how these magnificent stone pillars were formed? Come, let's explore the wonders of the Shilin Stone Forest and uncover the legends and secrets hidden within its ancient stones.
Shilin Stone Forest: A bird’s eye view
The Shilin Stone Forest is a remarkable geological wonder that has been around for over 270 million years, making it one of the oldest stone forests in the world! This stunning UNESCO World Heritage site spans over 400 square kilometres and boasts a vast collection of unique rock formations. Exploring the stone forest can be quite an adventure. It is like a maze with several mini-forests within the main forest. The three prominent mini forests are the Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone Forest and Naigu Stone Forest. These forests feature marvellous stones in various formations and host animals and plants. However, even if you do get lost, you'll never run out of things to discover. There are waterfalls, caves, ponds and even an underground river to marvel at! The stone forest is home to two local groups of people: the Naxi and the Yi or Sani. The Yi people, who form the majority, live in stone houses. They even have mills and stalls made of rocks!
How was the forest formed?
You may be wondering how a forest can be made of stone. The story behind the creation of the Shilin Stone Forest is just as fascinating as the landscape itself. It all began during the prehistoric era, when the Yunnan plateau, where the stone forest now stands, was once an immense ocean. But how did it evolve into a forest of stone? During the Mesozoic era, approximately 252 to 66 million years ago, the seabed was lifted. This brought the limestone, concealed beneath the sea, to the surface. The limestone was gradually worn-out and dissolved by rain and other weather conditions leading to the formation of these peculiar stone wonders. Over time, constant rainfall washed away the soil, leaving behind the incredible rocky shapes and structures we can witness today!
The legend of Ashima
Apart from the breathtaking scenery, the forest is renowned for the Ashima legend. This ancient tale tells of a lovely girl from the Sani or Yi tribe who was abducted by the son of a cruel landlord and coerced into marrying him. Ashima's devoted lover, Ahei, did everything he could to rescue her. However, tragedy struck when Ashima was swept away by a devastating flood and transformed into what is now known as the Ashima Rock. This rock located in the Lesser Stone Forest is considered a guardian of the Sani people! The local Sani community celebrates the Torch Festival in Shilin on the 24th of June every year. The festival features traditional performances, including wrestling, bullfighting, pole-climbing along with dragon-play and lion-dance.
If you are planning a visit to the forest, make sure to schedule your trip around this spectacular event!