Suobuya Stone Forest

　　   The Suobuya Scenic Area is situated in Taiyanghe Township, Enshi City, a historic and cultural city in Hubei Province, only 48 kilometers from downtown Enshi. It is located at the intersection of golden tourism routes connecting Central China and the southwestern region, enjoying a highly strategic geographical position. To the east of Suobuya are the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and Shennongjia, to the west is Wanzhou in Chongqing, and to the south is the national forest park of Zhangjiajie. Covering a total area of 21 square kilometers, the Suobuya Scenic Area boasts the richest vegetation among all stone forests in China, earning it the titles "Natural Oxygen Bar" and "Crowned Stone Forest." With an elevation of over 900 meters, the area features a subtropical monsoon humid climate—free from severe cold in winter and extreme heat in summer—offering exceptionally enchanting natural scenery. The terrain of Suobuya is characterized by karst sedimentary rock formations, and the entire stone forest resembles a giant gourd. Surrounded by verdant peaks and lush mountains, the area is dotted with uniquely shaped rocks and stones—some graceful and elegant, some rugged and majestic, some resembling an eagle gazing at the moon, others like a fairy looking back, some mimicking dragons and tigers in combat, and others closely resembling layers of lotus blossoms. With thousands of postures and myriad charms, the landscape is truly breathtaking.

　　   The natural villages scattered throughout the Suobuya Scenic Area are home to simple folk customs and rich intangible cultural heritage. While showcasing the diversity of folk culture, they also exude an especially strong and genuine Tujia ethnic flavor. Suobuya was once the venue for the Enshi Tujia Daughter’s Festival. Held annually on the 12th day of the seventh lunar month, the Daughter’s Festival sees Tujia girls “going to market” in the middle of the month, shyly hiding their faces as they play the pipa, pretending to shop while actually meeting their sweethearts. They sing mountain songs to express their feelings and present Xilan Kapu fabrics to their beloved. The Tujia men, rough and hearty, celebrate the harvest night by beating large drums and dancing joyfully in the hand-waving dance. The kind-hearted Tujia people steam “raincoat rice,” serve guests with Hezha soup, corn wine, and cured meat, warmly welcoming visitors to become Tujia “bridegrooms for a day,” enjoy a rustic farmhouse meal, drink a bowl of strong corn liquor—it’s truly a delightful experience.

　　   Address: Taiyanghe Township, Suobu Avenue, Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

　　   Type: Geological Landform

　　   Rating: AAAA

　　   Recommended Visiting Time: 2–4 hours

　　   Phone: 0718-8788066

　　   Opening Hours:

　　   (Peak Season: April–October) 8:00–17:00; (Off-Season: November–March of the following year) Please await specific notice from the scenic area.