Millions of years ago water has formed incredible stone sculptures: graceful turrets, huge boulders and deep gorges that appeared on the surface after the water was gone. Shilin is divided into several separate areas; there are particularly interesting formations on its territory. Among the latter, Kvifeng cave, Zhiyun cave, Moon Lake and beautiful Da Die Shui waterfalls are of particular interest. All of them are little less than 300 million years old.
In 1931, the territory of stone forest was declared a nature reserve. Hundreds of hiking trails are laid along its lands; the final stage of many of them is the Lotus Top that is the highest point in the national park. Experienced travelers certainly try to visit these places at sunset, as sculptures look even more impressive in sun-down. It’s important to notice that it’s allowed to walk through the reserve only with a guide as stone pillars form a very complicated maze, where it’s very easy to get lost.
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