Tianchi Stone Forest

Tianchi Stone Forest

The Stone Forest is located on the southern foothills of Gaodeng Mountain, the highest peak of Huaying Mountain in Wadian, Guang'an, at an altitude of 1,700 meters, covering an area of more than ten square kilometers. It embodies grandeur laced with wonder, wonder infused with delicate beauty, and beauty treasuring rare wonders. Its majesty, grandeur, and uniqueness are unparalleled among China’s other stone forest scenic areas—it is truly a masterpiece and a precious gem of nature.

This area is situated in the remote hinterlands of Huaying Mountain, where roads are rugged, cliffs sheer, and peaks towering. There are deep pools whose waters sing like a symphony, and lush bamboo groves and vibrant flowers that resemble brocades. A green sea ripples, accompanied by birdsong and floral fragrance—what a magnificent view of Huaying Mountain’s splendor. Parting the bamboo and scaling the path, one slowly climbs up to Gaodeng Mountain, reaching the summit in about half an hour. At the mountaintop, the ruins of the "Gaodeng Ancient Temple" still remain, with traces of the upper, middle, and lower halls distinguishable. On the temple gate, ancient couplets read: “Buddha confirms the might displayed across the vast neighboring lands; those who come here no longer hear the noise of traffic or hoofbeats.” Though the origin of these inscriptions — the year, date, or author—cannot be verified, they vividly depict the steep and secluded climb of the time. From the heights, one can gaze upon the surrounding mountain vistas. In the distance, the tranquil beauty of “the Ancient Temple” is mirrored and harmonized by the serene presence of Bihan and Na.

Clusters of stone stalagmites rise, and hanging stalactites dangle from above. Setting aside the mythical tales of the Old Dragon Oil Pool for now, just looking at the vast expanse of the Stone Forest sprawled across the southern foothills is enough to stir the heart and transport one as if into a fairyland. As the poem goes: “A single peak commands the grandeur of all under heaven, shrouded in mist and clouds, unmatched in beauty; in its embrace lies a forest nurturing millennia, with beauty emerging from the brush of shrubs.”