Tianjun Stone Forest

　　Introduction     Tianjun Stone Forest is situated on Tianjun Mountain in the western part of Tianjun County. This majestic mountain stands tall with an imposing presence, adorned with pine and cypress trees and covered in lush green grass. The scenery on and around the mountain is breathtaking and ever-changing. The Tianjun Gully and the Blind Bear Gully on either side of the mountain are filled with uniquely shaped peaks that appear both surreal and real, embodying the delicate beauty of Yunnan’s Stone Forest while also featuring many grand, towering cliffs.

　　    The rock formations of Tianjun Stone Forest share the same geological structure as those of Yunnan’s Stone Forest, both being wonders formed by karst landscapes. They originated during the Carboniferous period, approximately 350 million years ago. However, unlike Yunnan’s Stone Forest, Tianjun Stone Forest underwent a period of drought and water scarcity due to the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau during its formation, which interrupted the water erosion process. Instead, after prolonged wind erosion, it developed into its current unique landscape.

　　 Delingha, Qinghai