The Stone Forest, Kunming, China

 This is a spectacular place to go--like Guilin, it is an area that was once under the water.  Geologists say the Stone Forest is a typical example of karsts topography (also like Guilin).   The difference is that the formations look nothing like the mountains of Guilin.

Approximately 270 million years ago - during the carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era - the region was a vast expanse of sea. Over time, the movements of the lithosphere gradually caused a retreat of the waters and the rise of the limestone landscape. Due to constant erosion by the elements, the area finally developed into the present-day appearance.
The area that the Stone Forest occupies is not on every tourist's beaten path, so it is possible to sit alone and enjoy the magnificent view here.  Plan to spend a half day walking around and enjoying the beautiful things that erosion has sculpted here.