Dreamy Sky City Stone Forest

Dreamy Sky City Stone Forest is located 38 kilometers from Daozhen County and 500 meters next to Dao-Nan Highway, neighboring Jinfo Mountain and Fairy Mountain. It is 50 kilometers from Nanchuan and 130 kilometers from Chongqing. The stone forest covers an area of over 2,000 mu, with the core scenic area spanning 400 mu. The stone forest belongs to the Ordovician karst landform, composed of more than 100 scattered and uniquely shaped rock formations made of exposed limestone on the surface. These formations are tall and spectacular, arranged in a picturesque and staggered layout. Within the stone forest also stand tall and ancient thousand-year-old Huangpao trees, lush all year round, which complement the wonders of the stone forest. The ancient Gelao ethnic legend of the “Sky City,” along with the vibrant Gelao culture, are integrated here, forming a naturally exquisite tapestry of Gelao ethnic customs.

The stone forest here has a long history. It belongs to the Ordovician karst landform, where much of the limestone is exposed on the surface, forming about 100 scattered and uniquely shaped rock formations. They are tall and spectacular, distributed in a well-arranged and staggered fashion. In addition, many tall and ancient thousand-year-old Huangpao trees grow within the stone forest, remaining lush all year round. They complement the wonders of the stone forest. There is also the ancient Gelao legend of the “Sky City,” allowing visitors to witness a naturally exquisite portrayal of Gelao ethnic customs.

“Shennongyuan for ten thousand years, ten thousand years for Shennongyuan.” As we marvel at the astonishing beauty and captivating wonders of the Shennongyuan Scenic Area, we must also mention the mysterious karst landscape atop Shennong Palace Mountain—the Dreamy Stone Forest.

Introduction

Legend has it that when Zhu Yuanzhang, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, was defeated at Poyang Lake, he took refuge in the Dreamy Stone Forest. The winding maze of mysterious stone castles and a simple meal of rice balls offered by a kind village girl helped the endangered emperor escape disaster and eventually ascend to the throne. Such a tale has been passed down for ten thousand years, giving rise to the saying that tribute rice has been offered year after year. Regardless of the truth of the story, once you step into the Dreamy Stone Forest, you cannot help but be awed by its bizarre, magical, and mysterious allure.

Scenery

Millennium-old vines, fragrant osmanthus trees, rare yew trees, verdant stone pillars, Suzhou garden-like rock hills and caves, and winding secluded paths make you feel as if you’ve entered a fairyland, leaving you intoxicated and unforgettable. Hence, the Dreamy Stone Forest has earned the reputation of being “China’s most mysterious stone castle and a stone forest in the primeval forest.”