Situated 75 miles southeast of Kunming, the Stone Forest is a wonder of geology. About 200 million year ago the earth's crust shifted and forced the 200 acres of karst limestone stalagmites rise up from what was once a huge expanse of water. Paths wind through its spectacular valleys and around the weird rock formations and its reflecting pools. There are pavilions perched high on these pillars that offer sweeping views. Since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Stone Forest has long been one of the most famous scenic spots in China. Unique natural sights and Sani folklore are characteristics of the Stone Forest Scenic Area. Tourists can visit Sani villages, buy folk embroidery handicrafts of the Sani people, and watch folk dances in the evening. Torch Festival of the Yi falls on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month.
![Stone Forest,Kunming](/webeditor/UploadFile/20131289013350.jpg)
![Stone Forest,Kunming](/webeditor/UploadFile/20131289034628.jpg)
![Stone Forest,Kunming](/webeditor/UploadFile/2013128916578.jpg)
First to greet the tourists in the park is a huge natural stone wall carved with eight red Chinese characters which can be translated as "A myriad pinnacles stand erect, receding one after another into the distance". The inscription is the handwriting of Mr. Zhu De, the late Chief Commander of the PLA. A little further on is another stone wall on which are carved "Shi Lin" (Stone Forest in Chinese). Further down, strange pinnacles resembling bamboo shoots, giant pillars, pagodas, swords, lions, sleeper tigers, camels, or wild ox will surround the people on every side once they enter the "forest". The local guide will tell you many legends related to these weird-look rocks.