Yongde Earth Forest

　　  Yongde Earth Forest — a renowned tourist site in Lincang, Yunnan. Also called "Earth Buddha" or "Mangkuang Earth Forest," it is located northwest of the Mangling River in Mangkuang, Mangkuang Township, Yongde County, Lincang City. The earth formations resemble ancient pagodas and castles, with over 200 pillars densely clustered within a mere 0.15 square kilometers, hence the name "Earth Forest." The area features oaks, pines, large-leaf banyans, kapok trees, and shrubs. Each earthen peak varies in size and height, with the tallest reaching around 30 meters and most standing at about 20 meters. The soil consists of reddish sandy gravel from ancient marine sedimentary strata. The tops of the pillars are covered with trees and flowers, giving the landscape the appearance of immortals descending to earth or an army standing in formation. Legend has it that the pillars resemble Buddhas because Zhuge Liang's soldiers, exhausted from keeping watch during his southern campaign, fell asleep and turned into stone. Locals in Yongde regard these earth formations as sacred. In the past, people—especially soldiers and merchants—would visit to burn incense, pray, and divine their fortunes to ward off disasters or seek good luck. During the 15th day of the first and third lunar months, two major festivals are held, drawing thousands of visitors. In earlier times, worshippers came to make vows or give thanks, engage in trade and barter, or for young people to socialize and enjoy nature—locally known as the “Earth Buddha Fair.” Today, the fair is mainly for sightseeing and trading. Tents and stalls line the pine-covered ridges like a bustling street, and the incense smoke curling around the Buddha monuments creates a lively and spectacular scene. Each festival officially lasts one day, but preparations and wrap-up may take three to five days. The exact age of the earth formations remains uncertain.

　　  Additionally, there is a lesser-known earth forest in Yongde, Lincang — the Zhagong Temple Earth Forest, located north of Zhagong Temple on the hills behind Songtu in Yongkang Town. This earth forest lies in a mountain hollow about one kilometer long, with over 100 earthen pillars, more than 30 of which rise over 20 meters high. Its ecology is similar to that of the Mangkuang Earth Forest, and it occasionally attracts visitors. Yongde Earth Forest is hailed as one of Yongde’s three scenic wonders, famously described as “Yongde’s three scenic spots: Earth Buddha, Curved Bridge, and Stone Cave Temple.”

　　  Address: Yongde County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province