Wonders of the world: stone forest in Shilin, China

In the southwest of China, Yunnan province, is a unique place — a stone forest of Shilin. It is often called the "First wonder of China".

According to scientists, the stone forest was formed over 200 million years ago. Earlier this place was located the sea and settled thick layers of limestone. But as a result of tectonic movements of rocks came to the surface. Year after year water and wind gave a more refined form of these stones, turning some into shapes resembling animals, birds and even people.

A more romantic version of the formation of stone forest among the local population. According to legend, the stone forest appeared due to the hero-giant, who wanted to build a dam for his people. At night, he began to move huge stones using tools stolen from a local magician. But when the sun rose, the magical power tools were gone, and the stones and lay scattered throughout the valley.

Shilin covers a huge area – the total area of 350 square kilometers. It is divided into seven parts: large and small stone forests, Naigu stone forest, cave Quiting cave Giuni, the lunar lake and long lake, the Da Dieshui falls.

High cliffs seem to grow right out of the ground in the form of stalagmites, many like petrified trees thereby creating the illusion of a forest made of stone.

Since 2007, two parts of the Park, the Stone forest Naigu (乃 古 石林) and Suogeyi Village (村 所 各 邑) is inscribed on the world heritage list of UNESCO.

About this place many legends, which are passed to the local people from generation to generation. Every year, on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month is known as the festival of torches, which attracts thousands of tourists, which includes folk dances and wrestling competitions.

An old local saying says: "If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone forest, you have wasted time". Indeed, the stone forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan province.

Among the thousands of stone figures can feel like a whimsical Wonderland. Here you can turn on the imagination to imagine anything — ancient fortresses, birds, animals, flowers, trees, people.

In the small stone forest, many large beautiful meadows, thickets of bamboo, trees and mountain flowers. There are also famous stone flowers – “the Tower that supports the Sky” and “Singing stones”.