FOREST OF STONE

 

The Stone Forest near Kunming, China is a spectacular example of limestone karst topography. The stones resemble a forest of trees and appear to rise out of the ground, much like stalagmites. The area was once a shallow sea over 270 million years ago. The ancient reefs turned to limestone and sandstone, which was later uplifted, then exposed to water and wind erosion. Much of the erosion occured due to surface and subsurface water, which dissolved the calcium carbonate rock. The forest is also home to several caves and underground streams.

With some imagination, you can recognize human figures, plants and other shapes in the stones. The stone forest holds a special place in Chinese tradition, and is home to many activities of the annual "Torch Festival" celebration.