Kunming Stone Forest 石林
The Kunming Stone Forest (Shilin), 120 kilometers or two or three hours by bus from Kunming East Coach Station in Kunming, is a spectacular area of limestone peaks, caves and crags covering over 400 square kilometers.
.jpg "Stone Forest")
Two parts of the Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village are both classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The impressive limestone karst, at an altitude of over 1700 meters, was formed by retreating seas around 270 million years ago. Nowadays visitors can enjoy wandering around the eerie and strange rock and cave formations - many of which have resonant names such as Hanging Rock and Strange Wind Cave.
.jpg "Stone Forest Kunming")
The Stone Forest is associated with the indigenous Yi people's legend of Ashima, a beautiful girl who was turned into stone after not being allowed to marry her chosen sweetheart. Each year the Yi celebrate the Torch Festival with folk dances and wrestling matches in the area.
.jpg "Stone Forest Kunming")
© Beijing-Visitor.com
