The First Wonder of the World: A Labyrinth of Stone and Legend at Shilin UNESCO Global Geopark

The "First Wonder of the World"

1.Located in the Shilin Yi Autonomous: County, approximately 78 kilometers from Kunming, the Stone Forest (Shilin) is a magnificent natural masterpiece that has been praised as the "First Wonder of the World" since the Ming Dynasty. As a UNESCO Global Geopark and a World Heritage Site, it represents one of the most stunning examples of karst topography in the world. Covering a vast area, this geological park is a labyrinth of towering limestone peaks, ridges, and pillars that rise from the ground like a petrified forest, creating a landscape that is both surreal and awe-inspiring. It serves as a testament to the Earth's history, preserving the evolution of the earth's crust over hundreds of millions of years,.

From Ocean to Stone

2.The formation of the Stone: Forest is a geological epic. Approximately 270 to 300 million years ago, during the Carboniferous and Permian periods, this area was a vast ocean. Over eons, thick layers of limestone sediments accumulated. Subsequent crustal movements uplifted the region, exposing these limestone beds to the elements. Through millions of years of erosion by wind and rain, the rock was sculpted into the sharp, sword-like, and pillar-like shapes we see today. Walking through the park, visitors are essentially wandering through the bottom of an ancient sea, witnessing a "living" history of geological transformation,.

A Labyrinth of Peaks

The park is divided into several scenic areas, with the Major Stone Forest and Minor Stone Forest being the most visited. The landscape is characterized by dense clusters of gray limestone pillars that can reach heights of over 30 meters. These formations take on various fantastical shapes, resembling swords, pagodas, mushrooms, and animals. Visitors can navigate through winding paths that thread between the colossal rocks, discovering hidden caves, ponds, and pavilions. Notable formations include "Rhinoceros Watching the Moon," "Monk Tang," and "Monkey King," each sparking the imagination with its likeness to mythical figures and creatures,.

The Legend of Ashima

Beyond its geological significance, the Stone Forest is deeply ingrained with the culture of the Sani people, a branch of the Yi ethnic minority. The most famous symbol of the park is the Ashima Stone in the Minor Stone Forest. Legend has it that Ashima was a beautiful and brave Sani girl who fell in love with a shepherd named Ahei. Despite being forced by a powerful landlord to marry his son, she remained steadfast in her love. Ultimately, she was turned into a stone peak, forever looking out into the distance, becoming a symbol of eternal love and the indomitable spirit of the Yi people. This romantic legend adds a layer of cultural depth to the cold stones, making the landscape feel alive with emotion,.

A Cultural and Visual Feast

3.The Stone: Forest is not just a visual spectacle; it is a venue for vibrant cultural expression. It is a primary location for the Torch Festival, a major celebration for the Yi people held around the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. During this time, the stone forest comes alive with wrestling competitions, bullfighting, and traditional singing and dancing. Even on regular days, visitors can see local Sani people dressed in their colorful traditional attire, often singing folk songs that echo through the rock formations. Whether you are a photography enthusiast capturing the interplay of light and shadow on the rocks or a nature lover exploring the unique karst biodiversity, Shilin offers a profound connection to the "Highland Aesthetics" of Yunnan.