A Palette Spilled by God: The Cuan Culture and Geological Wonders of Luliang Colorful Sand Forest

A Kaleidoscope of the Earth

Located approximately 18 kilometers southeast of Luliang County in Qujing City, Yunnan Province, the Luliang Colorful Sand Forest (Caise Shalin) is a geological spectacle unique in the world. Unlike the famous Stone Forest in Kunming (gray limestone) or the Earth Forest in Yuanmou (yellow soil), this scenic area is renowned for its vibrant, multi-colored sandstone formations. Covering an area of about 6 square kilometers, the landscape features pillars, peaks, and cliffs composed of sand in shades of red, white, yellow, gray, black, and cyan—totaling twelve distinct colors. These colors are not painted but are the result of natural mineralization over millions of years. Under the sunlight, the sand forest radiates a magical glow, with colors shifting and blending depending on the light, weather, and viewing angle, creating a dreamlike "painting of the earth" that never looks the same twice.

Geological Origins: From Ocean to Land

1.The story of the Colorful Sand: Forest began roughly 340 million years ago during the Carboniferous period. At that time, this region was a vast ocean. Subsequent tectonic movements uplifted the seabed, transforming it into land. The sedimentary rocks formed here were rich in various heavy minerals, which are the source of the sand's diverse colors. Over millions of years, the forces of nature—rain erosion, wind weathering, and gravity—sculpted these colorful sandstone layers into the fantastic shapes we see today. The erosion carved out a "Y"-shaped gorge, leaving behind towering sand pillars that resemble mushrooms, swords, castles, and human figures, creating a natural labyrinth that feels like a scene from an alien planet.

2.The Cradle of Cuan: Culture and Legends of Meng Huo

Beyond its geological significance, Luliang is the birthplace of the ancient Cuan Culture (Cuan Wenhua). The Cuan clan was a powerful family that ruled the Nanzhong region (modern-day Yunnan, Guizhou, and parts of Sichuan) for nearly 500 years, bridging the Central Plains culture with local tribal traditions. The Colorful Sand Forest serves as a guardian of this history. Upon entering the scenic area, visitors are greeted by a magnificent Cuan History Relief, 128 meters long and 5 to 10 meters high, which vividly depicts the rise and daily life of the Cuan people.

The area is also steeped in the lore of the Three Kingdoms period. Legend has it that this was a battlefield where the famous strategist Zhuge Liang captured the southern barbarian king Meng Huo seven times. Local myths suggest the vibrant colors of the sand were formed when Meng Huo's retreating army overturned their dye vats, or alternatively, were scorched into the earth by the flames of war. These stories add a layer of historical romance and mystery to the stark beauty of the landscape.

A Hub for Sand Sculpture Art

In recent years, the Luliang Colorful Sand Forest has gained international recognition as a venue for International Sand Sculpture Festivals. Taking advantage of the unique texture and color of the local sand, artists from around the world create massive, intricate sculptures that blend modern creativity with the ancient environment. Although sand sculptures are temporary by nature, the park maintains a collection of outstanding works, making it the largest base for colored sand sculptures in China. Walking through the park, visitors can admire both the natural "sculptures" carved by wind and the artistic creations of man, finding a harmonious balance between nature and art.