Badair Chuluu Stone Forest

Badair Chuluu Stone Forest

Badair Chuluu Rock Art Group

The Badair Chuluu Rock Art is located in Xin'Amiduri Gacha, Dala Sumu, Sonid Left Banner, and the rock art is spread across

32

square kilometers of a belt-shaped mountain range. Mainly created using two techniques—carving and line drawing—the artworks were examined by researcher and rock art expert Gai Shanlin from the Inner Mongolia Archaeological Research Institute (

1994.8

), revealing works from the Turkic, Mongol, Yuan medieval, and modern periods, with very few from the Bronze Age, though these cannot be entirely ruled out. Although typical examples are not prominent here, they do exist, showing some improvement in craftsmanship. However, the quantity mainly consists of animal rock art and various symbols, especially modern works, with mantras making up more than one-third. The craftsmanship of the Badair rock art is more advanced compared to sites like Huh Chuluu and Balantu, but the small number of pieces is somewhat disappointing. Within nearly

square kilometers of basalt, there are fewer than a hundred rock art pieces. The most exciting discovery, however, is over

32

square kilometers of basalt, with fewer than a hundred rock art works. The most exciting discovery, however, is over

10

stone slab tombs. Judging by their arrangement and the surrounding deposits, these are typical stone slab tombs. Preliminary assessments by archaeologists date them to the Turkic era, adding further significance to the site.

In summary, the discovery of the Badair Chuluu Rock Art provides new material for the study of rock art in our banner. Though the quantity is limited, the findings are still surprising. We believe the Badair Chuluu Rock Art and the Hongger Rock Art are not from the same period, but the vast distribution range here is still a rare masterpiece. We are confident that the historical research of Badair Chuluu will offer invaluable insights into the development and changes of northern nomadic peoples.

Badair Chuluu Natural Stone Sculpture Group

Located within the territory of Dala Sumu, it covers

32

square kilometers and is the product of seabed uplift from 120 million years ago. The scenic area features bizarrely shaped rocks, standing like a philosopher in deep thought, an eagle perched in Xin'Amiduri Gacha, a group of turtles crawling, or galloping horses.

......

The scene resembles a mirage unfolding here, earning it the reputation of the “Northern Stone Forest.” It lies

175

kilometers northeast of the banner government seat

and

198

kilometers from Erenhot City

. The Badair Chuluu Natural Stone Sculpture Group stretches

8

kilometers from east to west

and

4

kilometers from north to south

, consisting of countless rock sculpture clusters. Its defining feature is the emergence of numerous stone pillars from the ground. These stone forests are not a single cohesive formation on the surface but are made up of disk-like stones piled together, varying in size. Some are majestic, exuding a steep and towering aura, while others are delicate, offering a graceful and charming feel. Each stone pillar is spaced about

5

—

7

meters

apart, leaving observers in awe of the natural wonders carved over hundreds of millions of years, resembling the masterful handiwork of skilled artisans. The landscape of the Northern Stone Forest is so unique and picturesque, with lush green grass and vibrant flowers, that you can't help but marvel at the magic of nature.

In addition to the majestic, diverse, and uniquely beautiful stones, the grassland scenery of the Badair Chuluu Natural Stone Sculpture Group is also captivating, with a rich variety of wildlife. Here, you can see herds of Mongolian gazelles running across the plains. Even more fascinating are the simple yet varied ancient rock art and inscriptions left by early humans, proving that human activity existed here in ancient times. This area is a regional-level cultural heritage protection site. Around the rock art, there are six springs and a continuously flowing stream that persists even in winter fog—an extraordinary sight.