Stone Forest

The tall rocks seem to arise from the ground in a manner somewhat reminiscent of stalagmites, with many looking like petrified trees, thereby creating the illusion of a forest made of stone.

Extensive deposits of sandstone overlain by limestone accumulated in this basin during the Permian period of geologic time.

The Maokou Formation at Stone Forest appears to have been heavily altered diagenetically, and macroscopic fossil remains are seldom seen.

[5] According to legend, the forest is the birthplace of Ashima (阿诗玛 simplified or 阿詩瑪 traditional), a beautiful girl of the Yi people.

[6] Each year on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, many Yi people celebrate the Torch Festival (火把节 simplified or 火把節 traditional [pronounced Huǒbă Jié]), which features folk dances and wrestling competitions.