Stone Forest Scenic Spot

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(People's Daily Online) 10:26, August 15, 2013

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(Provided to People's Daily Online/Wang Lin)

Among these attractions, the most dramatic one is the Stone Forest(Shilin). It has been known as the "First Wonder of the World" since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.). It is in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County, which is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming and requires only a three-hour drive. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots.

Since 2007, two parts of the site, the Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village, have been acknowledged as UNESCO World Heritage Sites as part of the South China Karst. The site is classified as a AAAAA-class tourist site.

The Stone Forest Scenic Area has the following titles approved by relevant international and national departments.

China Key Scenic Area (State Council, 1982)

Demonstration Site of Chinese Civilized Scenic Areas (Central Office of Civilization, the Ministry of Construction and National Tourism Administration, 1999)

State AAAAA Scenic Area (National Tourism Administration, 2006)

Chinese Geological Park (the Ministry of Land Resources, 2001)

Demonstration Unit of Chinese Protection of the Legal Rights and Interests of Tourism Consumers (Consumer Protection Fund of China, Scenic Area Association of China, 2001)

It covers an area of 2,670 square kilometers and is divided into several scenic areas with names like Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone forest, Outer Stone Forest, Underground Stone Forest, Stone Forest Lake, and Da Dieshui Fall. Animals, plants, and even human figures can be found here. Some are elegant, some are rugged, and each is lifelike with its own distinguishing characteristics.

During its evolution the Stone Forest were once covered respectively by fiery volcanic lava and lake water. In this sense the formation of the Stone Forest is truly a geologic legend in the world.

All of the most typical karst stone forest landforms in every part of world can be seen here. There are not only well-developed sward-shaped and knife edge-like karst landforms, but also mushroom and tower-shaped ones. Being an agglomeration of all types of stone forest landscapes, one may call the geopark the "Karst Stone Forest Museum" that has both very high scientific and aesthetic values.

Many beautiful legends originate in this magical place, passed along by the native people known as Sani, a branch of the Yi ethnic group. One particular story about the faithful love of Ashima, a beautiful, clever and warm-hearted Sani girl, is the most popular and has been told for thousands of years. The Sani people celebrate their national festival - the Torch Festival - every lunar year on June 24. They take part in traditional performances such as wrestling, bull fighting, pole-climbing, dragon-playing, lion-dancing and the A-xi Moon Dance. Some of the main attractions include: the colorful ethnic cultures and ancient folklore of the Stone Forest, the amazing legends of "Ashima", the "Torchlight Festival " of the Sani people on June 24 of each year, and of course the warm and spirited Yi nationality dance " Axi Dance Under Moonlight ".

The Sani is the largest, and the Sani folk epic, "Ashima," which is well known throughout China, has been translated into over 20 languages, including English, Russian and Japanese. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, this epic was adapted into a film that won the top dance prize at the Spanish International Film Festival.

The Yi Torch Festival, known as the Eastern Carnival, is the most ceremonious and grandest festival in southwestern China. It is the most amazing culture brand for Shilin, and is awarded one of the "IFEA China's Top Ten Most Promising Festival and Events" by the International Festival and Events Association. The performance of Dasanxian and torches enthrall millions of tourists worldwide. Shilin Yi Autonomous County has earned high reputations in the nation. Its tourism culture industry is thriving vigorously.

In the Torch Festival, every family needs to light a torch and hold the torch to illuminate the corners in the room and walk around the fields. Some villagers even have torch parade so as to drive away all bad lucks and pray for a harvest. The most attractive activity is the Bonfire Party. People play music instruments like Yusheng, yueqin and sanxian(three stringed plucked instrument), singing and dancing for a whole night. Since 1993, the government of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan has sponsored a modernised celebration of the festival, featuring wrestling, horse racing, dance shows, and a beauty contest.