Hidden in southwest China's Yunnan Province lies the Stone Forest – a UNESCO World Heritage Site where jagged limestone peaks rise like petrified trees, forming Earth's most spectacular karst landscape. But look closer: this geological wonder isn't just rocks. It's a thriving ecosystem where rare plants and animals defy the odds.
Over 270 million years in the making, the 400-sq-km 'Shilin' showcases nature's patience. Wind and water carved towers resembling mythical creatures, while underground rivers weave through secret caverns. Biologists recently identified 17 endangered species here, including the Yunnan box turtle and multiple orchid varieties found nowhere else.
\"These limestone cracks create microclimates,\" explains geologist Li Wei. \"Tiny ferns grow where morning fog condenses, while deeper crevices shelter temperature-sensitive insects.\" Conservation programs now protect species like the Shilin horned frog, whose translucent skin helps it blend into quartz-rich rocks.
For travelers, the site offers hiking trails past Yi ethnic minority villages, where local guides share legends of the 'stone flowers.' Sustainable tourism initiatives ensure 83% of park revenue funds ecological preservation – a model praised by UNESCO.
Reference(s):
China in Its Natural Glory: A colorful view in Yunnan's Stone Forest
cgtn.com
