The Xingwen Stone Forest is a karst landscape in southern Sichuan, with limestone formations, caves and collapsed sinkholes. It is less famous than the stone forest in Yunnan, and considerably quieter – which is a large part of its appeal.
It works as a full day and combines naturally with the Bamboo Sea, which is in the same part of the province.
Limestone pillars and outcrops spread across a landscape of paths and viewpoints. The scale is smaller than Yunnan’s equivalent but the formations are just as striking in places.
Several show caves within the area, with the usual lighting and walkways. They are a substantial part of a visit and a good option in hot or wet weather.
Large collapsed dolines, some of considerable size, which give the area a distinctive character. They are the feature that most distinguishes it from other karst sites.
| Activity | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Walk the formation areas | Two to three hours | The main event |
| Visit a cave | An hour | Consistent temperature year-round |
| The sinkhole sections | An hour | The distinctive feature |
| Combine with the Bamboo Sea | A second day | They are in the same region |
Yunnan’s is larger, more famous and far busier. Xingwen is smaller, has the caves and the sinkholes as additional features, and gets a fraction of the visitors.
If you have already seen the Yunnan site, this is still worth a visit for the caves and the quiet. If you have seen neither, Xingwen is the more relaxed introduction.
The most comfortable seasons for walking above ground. Mild and reasonably clear.
Hot and humid, but the caves are a good refuge and the karst shade helps. Rain is frequent.
Quiet and cool. The caves make it a reasonable option, since their temperature does not vary much.
Allow a full day. The site is spread out and moving between the sections takes time.
Wear proper shoes. The paths are uneven and there are steps in the cave sections and around the sinkholes.
Combine with the Bamboo Sea for a two-day trip in southern Sichuan. The two are complementary rather than repetitive.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time needed | A full day |
| Best season | Spring or autumn |
| Footwear | Proper shoes – uneven ground and steps |
| Combine with | The Southern Sichuan Bamboo Sea |
Different rather than better or worse – smaller, quieter, with caves and sinkholes as well.
A full day.
Moderate, with steps and uneven ground.
Partly – the caves work well in rain, the open sections less so.
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