Xingwen Shihaidong Township Tourist Area

A Traveler's Guide to Xingwen Stone Sea and Cave Country

Nestled in the city of Yibin, Sichuan—renowned as the "First City on the Yangtze River" and the hometown of the famed Wuliangye liquor—lies the extraordinary Xingwen Stone Sea and Cave Country Scenic Area. This destination holds the distinguished honor of being Sichuan's first UNESCO Global Geopark, a National Scenic Area, and a top-tier AAAA-rated tourist attraction. Bordering the famous Southern Sichuan Bamboo Sea, the park spans an impressive 156 square kilometers, offering a breathtaking journey through 500 million years of geological history. Its fame rests on a spectacular trilogy of natural wonders: a vast and imposing surface stone forest, an intricate network of subterranean karst caves, and a world-class giant tiankeng (heavenly pit), converging to create a landscape of unparalleled majesty and mystery.

Experiencing the Nightscape: A Dazzling Transformation A relatively recent and captivating addition to the park's offerings is the Night Tour. On weekends and holidays, as dusk settles, the entire stone sea undergoes a magical metamorphosis. Tens of thousands of colored lights illuminate the ancient rock formations, casting them in a radiant, multicolored glow. This breathtaking spectacle transforms the rugged terrain into a shimmering fairy-tale realm, often hailed as the "Most Dazzling Nightscape in Southwest China" and offering a completely different, ethereal perspective on the stone forest.

Exploring the Surface Stone Forest: A Karst Masterpiece Covering approximately 14 square kilometers, the Surface Stone Forest is a quintessential display of concentrated karst topography. It serves as a textbook example of the karst development processes under the specific natural and geological conditions of Southern Sichuan. The landscape is a dramatic tapestry of: * Towering Stone Peaks and Bizarre Formations: Visitors wander through forests of jagged pinnacles, strangely shaped rocks, and rolling ridges, often reflected in serene ponds. * Eight Distinct Scenic Zones: The area is divided into several themed sections, each with unique characteristics. Key zones include the playful谐趣园 (Harmonious Garden), the graceful七女峰 (Seven Maidens Peaks), the labyrinthine石海迷踪 (Stone Sea Maze),豹子山 (Leopard Hill),毛狗山 (Wild Dog Hill),化石迷宫 (Fossil Maze), as well as cultural sites like the僰寨 (Bo People's Stockade) and苗寨 (Miao Village).

Delving into the Underground Realm: Caves and the Colossal Tiankeng The adventure continues beneath the surface, where the true scale of the karst system is revealed. * The Labyrinth of Karst Caves: A vast, interconnected web of溶洞 (solutional caves) awaits exploration. Visitors can marvel at stunning stalactites, stalagmites, stone curtains, and flowing stone waterfalls, all formed by millennia of water erosion. Boat rides on underground rivers offer a silent, awe-inspiring journey through these illuminated subterranean palaces. * The Magnificent Tiankheng: The crown jewel of the geopark is its giant天坑 (sinkhole), one of the largest and most impressive in the world. Standing at its rim or descending into its depths provides a humbling sense of nature's sheer power and the vast timescales involved in its creation.

Immersing in Local Culture: The Ancient Miao Village Within the park, the石海古苗寨 (Ancient Miao Stone Sea Village) is not merely a scenic spot but a vibrant living cultural center. It serves as the crucial venue for the local Miao community's festivals,祭祀 (ritual ceremonies), and major gatherings. * Cultural Celebrations: Traditional festivals such as the踩山节 (Hill-Treading Festival) and吃新节 (New Rice Tasting Festival) are celebrated here with great vitality. * A Window into Miao Heritage: The village offers visitors an exceptional opportunity to witness and understand the rich, enduring culture of the Miao people. This includes their unique and charming marriage customs, dynamic song and dance performances, daily习俗 (traditions) and礼仪 (etiquette), intricate and colorful服饰 (clothing), and distinctive饮食 (cuisine).

Practical Visitor Information

• Ticket Information:

  • Standard Adult Ticket: 80 RMB.
  • Concession Ticket (for Seniors, Children, Students): 40 RMB.
  • Transportation Combo Ticket (includes sightseeing bus, sightseeing elevator, cave boat ride, and shuttle bus): 50 RMB.
  • (Prices are valid from January 1st to December 31st, Monday through Sunday)

• Opening Hours:

  • Summer Season (June 1 - August 31): 09:00 - 17:00 (All day), Monday - Sunday.
  • Winter Season (December 1 - February 28/29 of following year): 09:00 - 17:00 (All day); Last admission at 16:30, Monday - Sunday.

• Suggested Visit Duration: 1 to 3 hours is recommended to fully appreciate the main sights, though enthusiasts may wish to stay longer for in-depth exploration and cultural immersion.

• Contact: For inquiries, you may call 0831-8622078 or 0831-8622118.