Shilin is located at the southeast outskirts of Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province, about 80 kilometers from the capital. Among all of China's mountainous and river attractions within an area of 9.6 million square kilometers, Yunnan's stone forests are unique for their topographical landscapes that feature magnificence, strangeness, peril and seclusion. Because of its characteristically large area, high rock posts, beautiful peaked shapes and closeness of varying scenes, Yunnan's stone forests take the lead in the world's lava topographical landscapes.

Looking at the sea of imposing, winding stones, visitors ask where this exquisite creation came from? To answer this question, many people from past and present, both from China and foreign countries, have made consistent endeavors to unveil this mystery. According to scientists, the area used to be a vast sea about 200 million years ago. With a long-time geological movement and evolution, the sea eventually became the stone forests we see today. Locals, however, have another theory: the stone forests were transported by a strong immortal with a divine whip from afar, just like a shepherd tending to his sheep. The immortal planned to “shepherd” the stones to block off fierce floods. It is uncertain whether it was because of the failure of the immortal's divine whip, or whether these supernatural stones simply missed the land and its people as well that the moving stones promptly decided to “live” here.

Bestowed to mankind by nature, stone forests are an extraordinary masterpiece of the arts. In the natural scenic area of stone forests, which has an area of 350 square kilometers, there are several well-known scenic spots: Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Zhiyun Cave, Strange Wind Cave, Long Lake, Moon Lake and the Flying Dragon Waterfall. These countless scenic spots can be classified into two types: rock and water areas. Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Zhiyun Cave and Strange Wind Cave belong to the rock-related scenery. Among the rock-related spots, stone forests -- “the First Wonder under Heaven” -- are the most representative. Stone forests include the Major Stone Forest and the Minor Stone Forest, which cover an area of 40 hectares.

Each rock stands majestically, as if surging and rolling like waves. Stone forests are like celestial palaces, with paths turning through the peaks. The peaks are in different positions -- some with their heads looking up into the sky, broadminded, or depressed. Each of the peaks or stone posts seems to be contending for strangeness and beauty. Some peaks stand magnificently high. Under the highly erected stone posts, clear streams flow among the strange stones, producing a “ding-dong” sound that wets the green and fresh flowers. In the labyrinth-like stone forest, one can look around and go up some steps for a better view.

So many scenes -- half illusion, half reality -- and a great variety of shapes lure visitors from near and far.

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