Shitang Forest

Shitang Forest

Shitang Forest is a lava plateau formed by the outflow of magma from multiple volcanic vents. The lava filled basins and valleys in the mountains, creating a 20-kilometer-long and 10-kilometer-wide lava landform known as the "Daheigou Basalt" (basalt is a type of rock rich in iron and magnesium oxides, and is highly fluid). Due to volcanic activity, a large number of volcanic structures have developed on the lava plateau, forming a variety of lava landscapes. On this rugged lava surface, there are also many plants such as larch, birch, dwarf pine, juniper, potentilla, and rhododendron, demonstrating the tenacity and preciousness of life. Many domestic and international visitors are amazed by the stunning combination of stone and forest here, praising it as the world wonder "Shitang Forest."

The lava structures in Shitang Forest are extremely diverse, with many that cannot be seen in other volcanic areas in China. Below, let’s appreciate several unique lava formations. Flower-like rocks and the Sea of Rocks: When the flow of lava is obstructed, the surface of the initially solidified lava breaks brittlely, resulting in a myriad of shapes on the lava surface. From a distance, Shitang Forest looks like a turbulent sea of rocks, while up close it resembles flowers blooming from the rocks—hence the name "flower-like rocks." Some rocks even resemble human figures, horses, cattle, and birds. Puffing cones are formations created when hot lava vaporizes subsurface water at the base, generating large amounts of gas that escape continuously, pushing the lava upward. Each puff is accompanied by some lava overflow, which piles up layer by layer at the vent, eventually forming a cone-shaped structure after repeated eruptions. The diameter of the puffing vent is generally 0.8–1.5 meters, with the channel tapering from top to bottom in a conical shape. Puffing discs are associated with puffing cones and represent their early form. They can resemble trumpets or plates in shape. Lava caves form when the surface of the lava solidifies while the lower part continues to flow, and no new magma replenishes it, resulting in tunnel-like cavities. The cave entrances are arched, with heights mostly under 2 meters and varying depths. Lava mounds occur when localized gas accumulates within the lava flow or when the flow passes over wetlands, creating air pockets at the base. Under the influence of these gases, the lava surface domes upward, but the gas does not fully escape, forming this type of lava structure. This is currently the only place in China where this type of basalt landform can be seen, specifically in Arxan. The lava often takes on a bun-like shape, with ventilation holes in the middle, and the top and sides often crack open, resembling a blooming bun. Lava mounds have diameters of 5–7 meters and heights of 2–4 meters. Within a 40-square-kilometer area from Daheigou to Motianling, there are hundreds of lava mounds, making it a rare volcanic landscape. Lava collapse valleys (pits) are common lava structures in Shitang Forest’s lava plateau, often appearing elongated or circular. They form due to the collapse of lava tunnels or the contraction of trapped gas in the lava flow after cooling. Ropey lava is a surface structure of lava flows, formed when the crust of a solidified lava flow is partially pushed, twisted, or coiled, resulting in an appearance very similar to ropes. Turtleback lava structures are a type of solidified crust lava flow. The surface crust of erupted lava cools and contracts, forming cracks in various directions that create a web-like pattern. Later, multiple phases of lava flow fill these cracks, intersecting with each other and ultimately causing the once-flat lava surface to form irregularly arranged polygons, resembling a turtle’s back—hence the name "turtleback lava structure." This geological formation is also quite rare in China. Carbonized wood sampling sites: Volcanic ejecta rapidly fell and directly covered growing vegetation. The intense heat carbonized the trunks and even roots of the plants. By collecting samples of carbonized wood, the age of the volcanic eruption can be determined. Research has shown that the Yan Mountain and Gaoshan areas in Arxan belong to newly discovered active volcanoes in China, with eruptions occurring approximately 2,000 years ago. In addition to these, Shitang Forest also features geological phenomena such as the Shitang Basin and underground rivers.

Shitang Forest is one of the wonders of the Greater Khingan Mountains. Stepping into Shitang Forest is like entering a natural, well-preserved volcanic rock museum. It features geological relics formed by multiple volcanic eruptions during the Quaternary period, where erupted magma covered the ground, forming vast lava sheets and blankets. Elevated lava often forms plateaus. Within the expansive volcanic lava landforms, lava turtleback structures have also been discovered. According to scientific experts, this is currently the only large-scale, well-developed, and well-preserved lava structure in China. The lava mounds found here are also the only type of basalt landform of this kind visible in the country.