Explore Chengdu Panda Base and Leshan Giant Buddha in one day, and enjoy a traditional Xiba tofu banquet and discover Sichuan’s famous creature and Buddhist heritage.......
Xinwen Stone Sea-Global Geo Park
Located in Xingwen County, Yibin City, Sichuan Province, Xingwen Stone Forest, also known as Xingwen Global Geopark, is one of the most remarkable karst landscapes in Southwest China. Situated in the transition zone between the southern Sichuan Basin and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, the geopark has developed a unique natural landscape shaped by its special geological structure, climate, and environment.
The area is famous for its extensive limestone formations and is considered one of the earliest places in China for the discovery and study of karst sinkholes (dolines). It is also one of the most representative regions for karst landscape research in Southwest China.
Covering geological formations dating back 250 to 490 million years, Xingwen Stone Forest preserves abundant fossils, ancient sedimentary formations, and valuable geological relics. The park combines spectacular natural scenery with rich historical and ethnic cultures. Visitors can discover a fascinating world of stone forests, caves, sinkholes, canyons, waterfalls, and lakes.
Among the highlights are the magnificent Tianquan Cave, the vast Rock Sea, and the world’s largest known sinkhole, creating a unique landscape often described as a “stone ocean” surrounded by mountains and forests.
Tianquan Cave
Tianquan Cave is the most famous cave within Xingwen’s extensive cave system. Formed approximately 3 million years ago, this enormous karst cave is among the longest and largest caves in the 
world.
world.
The explored length of Tianquan Cave reaches about 10.5 kilometers, featuring a spectacular underground world filled with natural wonders, including:
* Underground waterfalls
* Rock waterfalls
* Stone terraces
* Stalagmites and stalactites
* Underground rivers
* Unique cave formations
The impressive scale and diverse geological features make Tianquan Cave one of the most fascinating attractions in Xingwen Global Geopark.
Rock Sea
The Rock Sea is one of the most iconic landscapes in Xingwen Stone Forest. Stretching approximately 10 kilometers from east to west and 4 kilometers from south to north, it features countless limestone peaks, stone forests, and unusual rock formations.
Different areas of the Rock Sea showcase different natural features:
* The southern area is famous for towering stone peaks.
* The eastern area features strangely shaped rocks stacked in fascinating formations.
* The western and northern sections are covered with dense stone forests.
Among the many formations, the Couple Peak is especially popular. The two connected stone pillars resemble a couple standing hand in hand, creating a romantic natural sculpture.
The World’s Largest Sinkhole
One of the greatest geological wonders in Xingwen Stone Forest is its enormous sinkhole. Measuring approximately 650 meters in its long diameter, 490 meters in its short diameter, and 208 meters deep, it is among the largest sinkholes ever discovered.
The bottom of the sinkhole is covered with green bamboo forests, trees, and unusual rock formations, creating a breathtaking scene. Xingwen is also regarded as one of the earliest places in China where sinkholes were discovered and systematically studied.
Bo People Culture
Xingwen is also a place of great historical and cultural significance. The ancient Bo people, an ethnic group known for their mysterious traditions, disappeared about 500 years ago, but many cultural relics remain in the geopark.
Important historical sites include:
* Cliff coffins
* Bo people tombs
* Linxiao Ancient Town
* Ancient stone markings
* Bronze drums
These relics provide valuable clues for understanding the history and traditions of the ancient Bo civilization.
Miao Ethnic Culture
Xingwen is also home to a large population of the Miao ethnic group and is one of the counties with the largest Miao communities in Sichuan. The colorful traditions, festivals, clothing, music, and customs of the Miao people add another cultural dimension to the natural beauty of the geopark.
The combination of spectacular karst landscapes, ancient civilizations, and ethnic traditions makes Xingwen Stone Forest a unique destination where visitors can experience both natural wonders and cultural heritage.
Visit Xingwen Stone Forest
A trip to Xingwen Stone Forest offers an unforgettable journey through millions of years of geological history. From towering stone formations and mysterious caves to ancient ethnic cultures, this extraordinary geopark showcases the remarkable diversity of Sichuan’s landscapes and heritage.
Tour Map of Xingwen Stone Sea:
Weather Information of Xingwen:
Note: From January to December, red line is the highest Centigrade in average, blue line is the lowest climate in average.
Recommended Xingwen Rock Forest Tours:
1. 4 Days Bamboo and Rock Sea Tours in South Sichuan
Weather Information of Xingwen:
Note: From January to December, red line is the highest Centigrade in average, blue line is the lowest climate in average.
Recommended Xingwen Rock Forest Tours:
1. 4 Days Bamboo and Rock Sea Tours in South Sichuan
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