Thousand Island Lake Stone Forest

Thousand Island Lake Stone Forest

The Thousand Island Lake Stone Forest is located in Shilin Town, Chun'an County, Hangzhou City, covering an area of 20 square kilometers. Alongside the Lunan Stone Forest in Yunnan, the Xingwen Stone Forest in Sichuan, and the Dahul Stone Forest in Fujian, it is recognized as one of China’s Four Great Stone Forests. Its vast density, grand scale, and spectacular landscape make it a unique wonder in East China. As a result, the Thousand Island Lake Stone Forest is also known as the “No.1 Stone Forest in East China.”

The Thousand Island Lake Stone Forest is a labyrinth-like karst landform landscape, featuring highlights such as Lan Yuping, Dai Maoling, and the Stone Lion. The western section, formerly known as Baiyun Mountain, is the main visiting area of the stone forest. The scenic area showcases natural features including “odd-shaped rocks, steep cliffs, ancient paths, and spiritual caves.” With its towering peaks, layered ridges, unique formations, and widespread rock formations resembling animals, it has earned the nickname “Natural Animal Museum” among many tourism professionals. The forest is primarily divided into three sections: Lan Yuping, Dai Maoling, and Xi Shanping. At an elevation of over 650 meters, the area was historically called “Baiyun Mountain.” Amid these rugged mountains, it is a prime region for growing misty tea. The site retains its pristine and rustic natural ecosystem, making it an exceptional summer retreat destination.

The Thousand Island Lake Stone Forest offers a wide variety of recreational activities that keep visitors engaged and delighted, including sightseeing vehicles, a winery, and a tofu workshop. The local cuisine follows Huizhou and Hangzhou culinary traditions, focusing on freshwater fish and wild mountain delicacies, characterized by its “rustic, rural, and wild” appeal that never fails to impress. Additionally, from July to October each year, the site hosts a “Campfire Bonanza Festival.” Now that it's July, there's no better time to bring your family for a trip to the Thousand Island Lake Stone Forest.

Transportation Routes:

Option 1: Depart from Qiandao Lake Town, take the Shangjiangbu ferry, then follow the lakeside highway to the scenic area.

Option 2: Take National Highway 320 to Xin’anjiang Town, then proceed to Maozhu Yuan Wharf and follow the lakeside highway to the scenic area.

Precautions:

1. The terrain is mostly mountainous, so avoid wearing high heels.

2. With an average annual temperature of only 19.6°C in the Qiandao Lake area — and even cooler at night — visitors planning to camp instead of stay in lodgings should dress warmly.

Shilin Town: Located at the eastern gateway of Chun’an County, Shilin Town borders the lake to the north and neighbors Jiande to the east. It is a picturesque lakeside town. A newly established township formed in 2001 through the merger of former Chayuan Town and Fuxi Township, Shilin Town spans a total area of 144 square kilometers.

Shilin Town, Chun’an County, Zhejiang Province

It governs 17 administrative villages with a population of 4,789. Boasting a forest coverage rate of over 96% and per capita forest area of more than 40 acres, it is a typical forestry-based town.

The town enjoys a first-class ecological environment, where mountains meet the lake and the lake reflects the forests, creating breathtaking scenery. It lies in the southeastern lake region of Chun’an County... More details about Shilin Town ++