The Stone Forest is situated in the Lunan Yu Autonomous County 126 kilometers southeast of Kunming, and is a typical karst formation. Scientific research has shown that what is now the Stone Forest was 270 million years ago an immense expanse of water with a vast stretch of limestone sediment formed over the years on the seafloor. As a result of the crustal movement, the seabed rose gradually and a large piece of land thus came into being. Exposed to rains and winds, eroded by the elements, the thrtist-up limestone ranges were shaped bv time. About 200 million years ago numerous stone peaks, pillars, and stalagmites rose abruptly from the ground and towered into the sky, extending now as far as the eye can see, looking like a vast forest of stone, hence the name "the Stone Forest".

In the midst of the forest, there is a huge rock screen on which two words--Stone Forest--are engraved in official script (in a calligraphic style typical of the Han Dynasty, 206 B.C.-220 A.D.). Among the scenic sights is the "Sword Peak Pond" with jadeite-colored water so clear that one can see the bottom of the pond. Other astonishing sights include "Figure of Ashima," "Shi Ba Xiang Song" (its name originating in the Chinese love story, "Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai"), and "Lotus Peak."

The splendor of the Stone Forest is enhanced by the local native Sani people, who are part of the Yi minority. Sani people are industrious and hospitable--and unconstrained. Sani women are expert at spinning, weaving, and embroidering. They like to wear rainbow-colored headgear and bright-colored dresses. The young people especially are very good singers and dancers. Every day at sunset, under the moonlight, boys and girls gather at the village platform. While the boys play the three-stringed plucked instruments, the girls clap their hands and dance the strong-rhythmed traditional "A'Xi (Ah-shi) Dance in the Moon" with great enthusiasm. If you happen to witness the event, you will be invited to join in the festivity.

• From USD 1339 pp
  8 Days Golden Triangle China Tour
• From USD 956 pp
  Tour Code: CL-01
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Shanghai

• From USD 1839 pp
  10 Days Tour of All China Highlights
• From USD 1398 pp
  Tour Code: CL-02
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Guilin,Shanghai

• From USD 2009 pp
  9 Days Best of China with Glof Tour
• From USD 1666 pp
  Tour Code: GF-02
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Shanghai

• From USD 2449 pp
  12 Days Beijing-Xian-Lhasa-Shanghai
• From USD 1899 pp
  Tour Code: XZ-01
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Lhasa,Shanghai

• From USD 2169 pp
  11 Day Classic China Tour with Yangtze Cruise
• From USD 1519 pp
  Tour Code: YZ-01
• Destinations: Beijing,Xi'an,Yangtze River,Shanghai