Longdong Stone Forest

Longdong Stone Forest

Spanning 4 square kilometers and formed in the ancient glacial era, the Longdong Stone Forest boasts nearly ten thousand peculiar rocks—some like galloping horses, some like stone monkeys being born, some like lions resting quietly, and some like green dragons flying into the sky... More than 100 types of plants are nestled among them, with green forests complementing the silvery-gray stone formations in a charming interplay. This remarkably lifelike, fantastical world makes visitors feel as if they’ve stepped into a captivating fairy tale. Especially unique are the "water-twist lines" and "jade-band patterns" on the surfaces of the rocks, found only in this forest and hailed by experts as "a wonder under heaven."

Located about forty kilometers from Bingcaogang and bordering Daxing Township in Huaping, Yunnan, the Panzhihua Longdong Stone Forest is a typical karst landform. Though not as famous as the Stone Forest in Yunnan, it possesses its own distinctive beauty.

Upon arriving at the Longdong Stone Forest and looking up at the mountains, your first impression will be one of overwhelming amazement. Countless rocks of all sizes cover the entire valley, and against the backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, from a distance you might think you’ve arrived at a pasture—those rocks resembling leisurely grazing sheep.

As you enter the valley and make your way up the path, you’ll see a majestic “general” standing at the mouth of the valley, leaning against the stone wall and gazing over this land, embodying the spirit of “one man guarding the pass makes it impenetrable.” Not far from him, there’s also a “shepherd” excitedly watching over the mountain’s “flock of sheep”—perhaps he’s thinking that this will be another bountiful year.

Deeper into the mountains, the number of peculiar rocks increases. With careful observation and a bit of imagination, you’ll spot an eagle spreading its wings, puppies playing, cranes preening their feathers, and more. Every step you take may bring a new surprise. When you approach a rock thinking it’s crude and unremarkable, a closer look reveals its hidden intricacies and exquisite craftsmanship. Among these cavities, some are large enough to fit a person, others as small as ant nests; some are round and smooth, piercing straight through the rock into the ground, while others twist and turn unpredictably, sparking your imagination—perhaps they’re playful masterpieces left behind by some deity.

As you stroll among the rocks, just when you’re marveling at the rugged stones or admiring their lifelike forms, thinking you’ve reached the pinnacle of stone formations, suddenly small hills emerge, cutting across your path. In reality, these are just massive boulders, but with every inch exuding the essence of mountains—jutting upward, steep and perilous, taking on a thousand diverse shapes like a miniature museum of China’s mountains. When you exert some effort to climb to the “summit,” a whole new scene unfolds. The “summit” actually houses exquisitely crafted “stone sculptures,” some heart-shaped, expressing love like a lover; some flower-like, in bud; some chair-shaped, waiting to welcome guests...

While enjoying the view of the stones, you’ll also notice that the landscape isn’t just about rocks—flowers, plants, and trees dot the scenery. Many vines and ferns grow on or directly from the rocks, adding another layer of charm and vitality. Witnessing such resilient life can be deeply moving. Where there are mountains, rocks, flowers, and plants, there are bound to be living creatures. Birds are frequent visitors here, especially around cliffs, where you’ll often see them hopping from one rock to another, chirping cheerfully. Eagles occasionally soar above the stone forest, either hovering against the wind, diving down sharply, or shooting off like arrows into the distance—free and untamed, inspiring envy.