Ningnan Unique Rocks

Ningnan Unique Rocks

　　Unique Rocks

　　　　Ningnan is located in the middle section of the Jinsha River. Thanks to its unique geographical position, the rocks from the Jinsha River here are truly distinctive. In recent years, as the number of rock enthusiasts and collectors has grown nationwide, Ningnan’s Jinsha River rocks have entered the market, becoming prized collectibles among connoisseurs. An increasing number of hobbyists and admirers have developed a strong passion for these rocks, thus elevating the brand and continuously driving up their prices. On January 29, 2005, the Ningnan County Rock Association held its inauguration ceremony and the opening of the Rock Museum on Baihetan Avenue in Ningnan County.

　　　Human civilization began with stones. Although people no longer use them to make fire or process food today, as civilization advances and culture flourishes, the culture of unique rocks has become an important part of cultural development. China has a long history of rock appreciation, with the tradition of seeking and collecting rocks dating back to ancient times and continuing to this day.

　　　　Rocks in the world come in all shapes and forms, each with its own beauty — some for their unique shapes, some for their vibrant colors, some for their solid textures, some for their smooth patterns, and others for their distinct charm. There is a countless variety, each with infinite allure. Ningnan’s unique rocks are like a small flower blooming in a vast garden of rocks, emerging from the earth and releasing a rich fragrance amid the thriving breeze of the growing rock culture.

　　　　Ningnan County is located on the southern eastern side of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. To the east, it borders Qiaojia County of Yunnan Province across the Jinsha River; to the south, it neighbors Huidong County; to the west, it adjoins Dechang and Huili counties; and to the north, it connects with Puge and Butuo counties. It stretches 52 kilometers from north to south and 43.5 kilometers from east to west, covering a total area of 1,666.7 square kilometers. The county governs 19 townships and 6 towns, with a population of 187,000. The county seat, Pisha Town, is 129 kilometers from the prefectural capital Xichang and 310 kilometers from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province.

　　　　Ningnan’s unique rocks are found in the Jinsha River basin that flows through the county and the Heishui River that runs across it. These rocks are primitive, simple, smooth, delicate, and hard, with Mohs hardness ranging from 5 to 7 degrees. The types of unique rocks discovered in the county include Jinsha Color, Picture Stones, Lotus Stones, Jade Greens, Turtle Pattern Stones, Paleontological Fossils, Quartzite Pattern Stones, Crystals, Agates, Plum Blossom Stones, Blue-Green Stones, Tiger Skin Stones, Dragon-Phoenix Stones, Blood-Vein Stones, Yellow Wax Stones, Black Ink Stones, and dozens of others. Additionally, there are large reserves of garden stones, landscape stones, and potted plant stones.

　　　　Ningnan’s unique rocks come in many varieties and rich content, but the most precious are Jinsha Color, Picture Stones, and Lotus Stones.

　　　　Jinsha Color: Originally found along only about 30 kilometers of riverbanks on both sides of the Jinsha River in Ningnan County and Huidong County of Sichuan Province, and Qiaojia County of Yunnan Province. It is a newly discovered type of stone that emerged after the year 2000. Its characteristics include bright colors, mostly a blend of yellow, white, red, green, and ochre, with some displaying a mix of red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and purple. Because of its origin along the Jinsha River and its rich, ever-changing patterns, the domestic rock appreciation community has named it “China’s Jinsha Color,” also known as the “Panda of Chinese Unique Rocks.” Owing to its rare uniqueness and high visual appeal, Jinsha Color stones quickly sparked a collecting craze in the rock community upon their debut, captivating everyone with their stunning and beloved hues.

　　　　Picture Stones: The main features of Jinsha River picture stones are their large size, strong contrast in colors, clever composition, rustic heaviness, and rich representation of landscapes. The patterns of figures, birds, insects, fish, plants, and other images are unique, with vivid and smooth lines, combining boldness and elegance in a truly amazing way.

　　　　Lotus Stones: These are characterized by their hard texture, fine quality, bright colors, and smooth patterns. Their textures vary greatly, with colorful veins interwoven into marvelous compositions. The interplay of color and pattern is unpredictable, with large red tones considered premium, peony motifs seen as symbols of wealth, and patterns like dragons, clouds, and water ripples regarded as rare. Those forming scenic images are especially treasured. Coupled with their scarcity, they are highly favored by collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

　　　　The rock culture in Ningnan began in the mid-1990s, when only a few individuals started seeking and collecting rocks. Soon after, the number of enthusiasts grew rapidly and the community expanded steadily. In May 2002, the Ningnan Rock Association was established with over 120 members and thousands of enthusiasts, amassing tens of thousands of collected rocks. In August 2010, the Ningnan County Women’s Ornamental Stone Association was founded, starting with 67 members. Since their establishment, the associations have regularly organized member exchanges and rock viewing events. Through rock appreciation, members reflect on life, gain inspiration, express emotions, cultivate sentiment, and purify the soul.

　　　　Since their founding, the Ningnan Rock Association and the Ningnan County Women’s Ornamental Stone Association have annually participated in international and domestic rock exhibitions. They have won 53 gold awards, 53 silver awards, and 78 bronze awards, with the associations themselves receiving more than 10 excellence and best organization awards. In addition, they have shared over a thousand rock collections via media, the internet, newspapers, and books, laying a solid foundation and providing a great platform for the development of Ningnan’s rock culture. Over the years, Jinsha Color stones have earned acclaim in the domestic rock community for their vibrant colors, combined form and texture, unique compositions, noble elegance, and unparalleled artistic charm. Notably, the “Splendid China” rock valued at 180 million RMB at the Chengdu Rock Expo in Sichuan, and the “Dragon Soaring in a Prosperous Age” Jinsha Color stone now housed in the Yunnan Hall of the Great Hall of the People, are among the finest examples of Ningnan’s rocks.

　　　　Ningnan’s unique rocks have significant ornamental and collection value. However, with the completion and operation of the massive Baihetan Hydropower Station, much of the Jinsha River and Heishui River shoreline where these rocks are found will become part of the reservoir area, making the existing rocks even more precious.

　　　　Spring rain nourishes blossoms, heralding a bright future. Under the policy guidance of the Party Central Committee to vigorously develop cultural industries, the art of rock appreciation — this unique flower in the garden of culture — will thrive with even greater vitality, energizing and enriching the flourishing of rock culture worldwide.