Yuanmou Wumao Earth Forest Scenic Area

The Wumao Earth Forest Scenic Area in Yuanmou, Chuxiong, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Blue Moon Valley) in Lijiang, and Tianbaozhai in Shunan Bamboo Sea in Yibin are the top three spots where I took the most photos on this trip.

Generally speaking, the number of photos I take represents my evaluation of the attraction in some way. (Simple, right?)

The scenic area's parking lot is conveniently located right outside the ticket gate. (There's also a parking lot inside the scenic area, but I guess it was full at the time.) The entrance fee is 70 yuan, not including the electric car fee.

Important Note:

Important things to say again:

Although the 10 yuan electric car fare is at your own expense, I recommend everyone to take it. It takes only a few minutes to get to the observation deck at the top of the mountain, where you can first overlook the entire earth forest from a high vantage point. Then, you can go down the steps into the earth forest and hike out of the scenic area. It's very reasonable.

The battery car in the scenic area only provides one-way service up the mountain, and there is no car to take down the mountain!

If you choose to hike up the mountain, you can only come out the same way you went up.

The landforms and mountain structures of the Yuanmou Wumao Earth Forest Scenic Area are very similar to those of the Dasha River (also known as the "Great Sea Road") in Hami, Xinjiang, where I once visited. The difference is that the Dasha River area in Hami is completely barren, with nothing but stone quarries; here and there, a few saplings provide shade for visitors.

Secondly, this is a tourist attraction, so there are some amenities like popsicles and drinks, but the main thing is the tourist route and the plank road steps. What about Hami? Exiled there for just a few days, it'd be like dried meat, almost weathered. (Unfortunately, we drove a jeep deep into the Gobi Desert, and it broke down!!)

The commentary I put in quotes is all downloaded from the Internet, very professional, I can't reproduce it. The photos are taken by me, I don't know what to say or how to describe them, and I can only use words like "strange and bizarre", "miraculous workmanship", "carved by knives and axes" and other magical words to express it.

In color science, yellow and blue are contrasting colors. When these two colors are combined in a photo, the color saturation of the photo will be high and relatively bright.

It was a sunny day, and the contrast was very obvious when the light was straight:

Although the journey is quite long, it's a truly worthwhile experience. Let your imagination run wild, imagining the earth forest within transform into a myriad of animals, plants, and architectural forms. As you imagine, you'll marvel at the wonders of nature. There are two options for entering the mountain: one is to take a tour bus to the summit and then walk back down, and the other is to hike the entire length. Those with more stamina are recommended to opt for the full hike, which takes about 3-4 hours to complete. Starting at the base of the mountain, you'll gradually ascend, where the stone forest transforms from a small earthen hill to a small earthen forest, finally reaching the highest point. The view suddenly opens up, and the spectacular scenery constantly assaults your mind.

Wumao is a relaxing place to visit. The dense earth forests are like walking along a tree-lined path, offering a refreshing breeze. The entrance to the scenic area is right outside, eliminating the need for a mountain climb. Wumao boasts numerous attractions, accessible all day long. The best viewing times for Cave 1 are within an hour of sunset in the afternoon, while Cave 2 is within an hour of sunrise and an hour before sunset.

Business hours: 7:00-19:00 Ticket price: 50 yuan/person for adults, 25 yuan/person for children

Parking fee: 10 yuan Battery car: 10 yuan/person

Transportation: Self-driving (190 kilometers from Kunming city to the scenic area, a 2.5-hour drive, highway toll: 104 yuan). The round-trip journey from Kunming on the same day takes about 5 hours. Please be prepared to visit this scenic area in one day.

There are 13 earth forests in Yuanmou, three of which are the most famous: the Wumao Earth Forest, Langbapu Earth Forest, and Banguo Earth Forest. The Wumao Earth Forest Scenic Area is a vast columnar terrain formed by earthen deposits. The earth forests here are highly variable, and with rain erosion and soil loss, perhaps your next visit will reveal a completely different landscape. The landforms here are very similar to Bryce Canyon in the United States, except that the Wumao Earth Forest is a smaller version of Bryce, yet it boasts a touch of greenery, offering a refreshing coolness. Strangely enough, Kunming is less than 200 kilometers away from the earth forests, yet the temperature here is significantly higher than in Kunming, making it feel like being transported back to the sweltering heat of Wuhan.

Looking down from the top, I was a bit worried about the distance, but it wasn't nearly as far as Bryce Canyon National Park. As we continued along the dirt road, we gradually found a water source. Following the stream, a half-hour walk brought us to a rest pavilion offering simple food and, crucially, popsicles. In the sweltering heat, this was a true blessing! It was also the only restroom on the entire route, so be sure not to drink too much water on the mountain, or you'll feel uncomfortable. The scenery in the first half wasn't particularly impressive, but the lower half offered a richer earthen forest landscape, making it a great place for photos. Take your time, and don't rush, as the exit isn't far away.

Special tip: If you don't want to hike for a long time, be sure to spend 10 yuan at the entrance to take the electric car up the mountain. First, overlook the earth forest from the top, and then hike down the mountain to enjoy the scenery. Because the electric car is a one-way trip up the mountain, if you walk up from the bottom of the mountain, there is no car to take you down the mountain. You can only go back to the same place where you came up.

The scenery is great. It is recommended to stay near the scenic area. The light in the morning and evening is the best!

It is large in scale and different in style from the Langbapu Earth Forest, but the map of the scenic area does not seem to be very accurate.

Yuanmou Stone Forest is known as the world's first earth forest wonder, with a history of 1.5 million years. Take a battery car up there and see the earth forest for the first time, it's amazing!!!

The Yuanmou Earth Forest is so magnificent and its endless forms are breathtaking. If you were there in person, you would be shocked by its magnificence. However, it is difficult to show its grandeur by taking photos with a mobile phone.

Time: April 2014. I went there on a business trip. The scenery is very unique and beautiful.

Yuanmou Earth Forest in summer

Highlighting the characteristics of dry and hot valley climate

The highest temperature can reach around 40 degrees

A world of difference from Kunming and Lijiang

Ice and Fire



On the viewing platform

The wonders of nature unfold before your eyes

In your subconscious

Yuanmou has always been the birthplace of Oriental people

Rich cultural history

I didn't expect that besides

The natural scenery in front of us is so amazing



How many years of precipitation are needed

Only then can it grow so lush

How much wind and frost must one endure?

Only then can there be such vicissitudes of life

On the viewing platform, the wonders of nature are revealed before my eyes. In my subconscious, Yuanmou has always been the birthplace of Oriental people, with a rich cultural history. I didn’t expect that in addition to this, the natural landscape in front of me is so amazing. It is said that there are generally not many tourists in this summer season. Maybe it is because the temperature is too high. There are indeed very few tourists visiting the earth forest. There is no crowd. We walked down the stairs into the valley and enjoyed the close-up tour.

Under the reflection of the blue sky and white clouds, the earth forests stand vividly beside us.

The soil is the protagonist here, the wind and rain are the supporting roles, and time is like an art brush. As time goes by, the wind and rain paint this land into a series of abstract paintings. It is up to future generations to use their unlimited imagination and say whatever they want. However, humans seem very insignificant in front of this masterpiece.

Here, there is no need for excessive development, otherwise it would be destruction. Perhaps it is like what is happening now, without a commercial atmosphere. Walking quietly in the earth forest valley, accompanied by the cool breeze in the canyon, people will feel relaxed and their hearts will be calm.

Fortunately, we had good weather that day. As the sun peeked through the mountains, casting its stunning morning light upon the earthen forest, sculpted over millions of years by wind and rain, we captured and recorded this precious moment. Beneath the setting sun, amidst the captivating light, lay a desolate and vast natural wonder: the earthen forest.

The morning dream was fleeting. Soon, the reeds became blurred, while the outline of the earth forest became clearer. As the sun was about to illuminate all the shadows deep in the earth forest, we entered the center of this mysterious place.

The visual difference between viewing from above and looking up is striking, yet equally impactful. The difference in perspective reveals the earth forest's grandeur and majesty to varying degrees.

Go deeper into the miracle cave created over millions of years, listen to the wind whistling and hitting every inch of red soil, telling the tragedy and passion of the years.

The infinite grandeur holds up a small piece of clear blue sky, with white clouds passing through it, witnessing the miracle of time.

Strangeness and desolation are everywhere, and every inch of sand and soil conveys to us the waves of history and the clanging of time.

This place seems a desolate corner forgotten by humans and all living things, barren and desolate, with only the miracle of nature quietly continuing. However, the occasional tiny hoopoe that strays into view, stirring up dust in its flight, and the tiny pavilion on the distant cliff face, bring back a sense of reality. At least for now, this place has not been abandoned by life or forgotten by humans.

When walking on the cliffs and looking into the distance, one still feels reluctant to leave, because the grandeur before one's eyes will one day disappear from human vision.

Passing by on the way from Panzhihua to Kunming, the sun is too strong, the earth forest has no other colors, there will be aesthetic fatigue, the first sight is quite spectacular, in general, the 85 ticket is not worth it, parking is also charged

It felt very good and shocking, suitable for taking photos. There were few people. If your schedule is not tight, you can go and see it. We got off the highway from Chuxiong and took the national highway, which is a bit far. The single ticket has risen to 100, plus the other two 140. We only saw one with our children because it was too hot. If you book online two hours in advance, it will be 80, which is 20 cheaper than buying it on site.

It's ok, it's naturally formed, but it's too hot.

The earth forest is still spectacular and worth a special trip

The Yuanmou Earth Forest is a remarkable natural wonder, both in China and around the world. Millions of years of crustal movement have sculpted the land into a myriad of unique shapes by the gods of wind and rain. Entering the forest is like entering a mysterious, magical world, a breathtaking spectacle of unearthly craftsmanship.

Langbapu Earth Forest is slightly more remote than Wumao Earth Forest. A two-hour walk through the forest offers unique and spectacular scenery, though it's smaller than Xinjiang's Yadan landforms. Due to its remote location, it's best not to make a special trip to see it; it's more convenient to visit it via the highway.

A very shocking and special place. First, you need to understand the process of the formation of the earth forest. The fun lies in leaving enough time to go to the small road to capture the special shooting angle. It’s over after just following the flow of people for a while. Highly recommended!

Yuanmou Earth Forests are clusters of columnar landforms formed by earthen deposits, named for their forest-like appearance from a distance. These forests typically occur within basins or valleys, with the most typical examples being those discovered recently in Yuanmou, Yunnan, China, reflecting paleogeographic changes and landform development. Yunnan Earth Forests are widely distributed, with the Wumao, Banguo, and Langbapu Earth Forests in Yuanmou County being particularly prominent. Along with the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest and the Lunan Stone Forest, they are collectively known as the "Three Forests of Yunnan." The Yuanmou Wumao Earth Forest, located in Yuanmou County, 32 kilometers from the county seat, is a must-see.

This geological wonder is worth visiting, with few people and beautiful scenery, making it a great place for photography.

The Yuanmou Earth Forests are a cluster of columnar formations formed by earthy deposits, named for their forest-like appearance from a distance. These forests typically occur within basins or valleys, with the most recent discovery in Yuanmou, Yunnan, China, representing a prime example. They reflect paleogeographic changes and landform development. The Yuanmou Earth Forests are a remarkable natural wonder, both in China and globally. Millions of years of tectonic shifts have sculpted the land into a myriad of unique shapes, shaped by the gods of wind and rain. Entering the Earth Forests is like entering a mysterious, magical world, where the breathtaking spectacle of unearthly craftsmanship is breathtaking. The enchanting beauty of the Yuanmou Earth Forests has also attracted numerous photographers, geologists, and renowned directors, making Yuanmou a haven for filmmakers and photographers. Films shot here include "The Promise" and "A Thousand Miles Alone."

The Wumao Earth Forest is quite spectacular. There are many forked roads in the scenic area. It is recommended to spend more time to walk back and forth. The light at different times is also different. The biggest problem is that the public transportation is too inconvenient.

On the way, we passed a clay forest in Yuanmou. This is not a scenic area and does not charge admission. The Yuanmou clay forest was formed over millions of years by the action of water. Based on their formation and the morphological characteristics of the soil pillars, the Yuanmou clay forests can be divided into four types: soil bud, ancient castle, pointed shoot, and iron cap.

The Yuanmou Earth Forest is quite large, with a thousand-year history and culture, various shapes, and the scenic area is well planned.

The yellow earth forest against the winter sky is truly stunning! For photography enthusiasts, come and visit. Check the weather forecast; sunny days with a few clouds are ideal. We recommend staying overnight near the scenic area, waking up early to capture the sunrise and late in the evening to capture the sunset.

The Yuanmou Earth Forests are a cluster of columnar formations formed by earthy deposits, named for their forest-like appearance from a distance. These forests typically occur within basins or valleys, with the most recent discovery in Yuanmou, Yunnan, China, representing a prime example. They reflect paleogeographic changes and landform development. The Yuanmou Earth Forests are a remarkable natural wonder, both in China and globally. Millions of years of tectonic shifts have sculpted the land into a myriad of unique shapes, shaped by the gods of wind and rain. Entering the Earth Forests is like entering a mysterious, magical world, where the breathtaking spectacle of unearthly craftsmanship is breathtaking. The enchanting beauty of the Yuanmou Earth Forests has also attracted numerous photographers, geologists, and renowned directors, making Yuanmou a haven for filmmakers and photographers. Films shot here include "The Promise" and "A Thousand Miles Alone."

Yuanmou Earth Forest is better than Stone Forest. Its beautiful scenery may change from what you see today to what you see tomorrow.

Pure natural scenery, spectacular and magical, feel the wonders of nature

For the rest, you can use my long map, your own strategy, and selfless dedication.

It was a completely accidental encounter. On the way back, I saw rows of earth forests and got off the car to take a lot of photos.

Chuxiong Yuanmou Earth Forest, another unique landform!

It's a really hot place over there, and the wind-eroded mountain scenery is quite spectacular. I was just passing by...

I decided to stop by on the way and it was much better than expected. It's worth a look.

Going from Sichuan to Yunnan via Chuxiong is a very good route that everyone often takes, and every time you do, you will be shocked by the vastness of the scenery.

The earth forest is rich and colorful, with endless forms that are breathtaking.

The Yuanmou Wumao Earth Forest is magnificent and unique, making people linger.

The earth forest is really impressive, and feels like an ancient castle! Especially the Langbapu earth forest!

Yuanmou Earth Forest can depart from Kunming in the morning, and it is more reasonable to stay overnight in Langbapu Earth Forest. The scenery is good in the morning and evening. Wumao Earth Forest, walk about 200 meters up the scenic area gate to see the "panorama" of Wumao Earth Forest.

It is divided into Wumao Earth Forest and Langbapu Earth Forest. Personally, I feel that each has its own merits. The former has richer facilities and scenery, and more complete services; the Langbapu Earth Forest feels more spectacular, smaller in scope, and has limited food and accommodation conditions.

The notice board on the left reads: "This building is one of the main building groups of the Langbapu Earth Forest Scenic Area film and television location shooting base...etc. etc." Movies shot here include "The Promise" and "A One Man's Journey".

The Yuanmou Earth Forest is a group of columnar landforms formed by earthy deposits, and is named because it looks like a forest from a distance.

Walking into the earth forest is like entering a mysterious magical world. The magnificent scenery before your eyes is dazzling.

As surface water washes the iron, silica, and calcium in the strata, they gradually dissolve, permeate, and leach into the impermeable layer, where they precipitate. There, they accumulate and cement in the upper strata, forming iron oxide caps or siliceous and calcareous caps. Under the erosion and scouring of water, these caps gradually become exposed at the top of the columns, forming a natural "protective umbrella" for the earth pillars, preventing the flowing water and intense sunlight from directly eroding and washing away their tops. The "iron caps" above and the earth pillars below blend seamlessly, some resembling old men fishing, some like soldiers heading out for battle, some like standing cranes, and some like galloping wild horses, creating yet another remarkable spectacle of the earth forest.

Some of these pillars look like ancient castles, some like palaces, some like pagodas, some like giant swords reaching into the sky, some like blades lying across the ground, some like eagles spreading their wings ready to fly, some like galloping horses, some like guards wearing helmets, some like scholars fanning themselves and reciting poems, and there are also three-dimensional group statues such as "Jade Girl Watching the Clouds" and "Mother and Son Traveling Together". They are truly the work of nature and breathtaking.

Some earth pillars are like cones or swords, pointing straight to the blue sky; some are like majestic warriors, ready to go; some are like graceful girls, gazing into the distance; some earth pillars are topped with weeds and occasional wildflowers; some are piled with sand and gravel, leaving their bodies bare...

It's worth a visit. I feel that aerial photography can better reflect the beauty.

I didn't expect the scenic area to be so large. I have to sigh at the wonders of nature and its amazing workmanship! It is definitely worth a visit!

The Yuanmou Earth Forest is a columnar landform of earthy deposits. It is a natural landform type formed by long-term water erosion. It has strange shapes and is named because it looks like a forest from a distance.

The primitive, desolate and rugged earth forests, sand ditches, barren mountains and deep valleys form a wild ancient world. The natural scenery is unique, giving people a primitive and rugged beauty with great visual impact. The movies "A One Man's Journey" and "The Promise" were both filmed here.

Entering the earth forest, you'll discover that it's primarily composed of sand and clay. The myriad shapes and forms transport you to another, strange world. Some pillars resemble cones or swords, pointing straight to the blue sky; others resemble majestic warriors, ready for battle; others resemble graceful maidens, gazing into the distance; some are topped with weeds; and still others, studded with minerals like quartz and agate, shimmer in the sunlight, a breathtaking sight. The earth forest is most spectacular at dusk.

It is not easy to go to Yuanmou by yourself. The earth forest is located in a remote village far away from the city, with inconvenient transportation and difficult conditions.

Among the Yuanmou loess forests, the best ones are Wumao Loess Forest, Banguo Loess Forest and Xinhua Loess Forest.

Currently, the Banguo Earth Forest remains undeveloped. Wumao Earth Forest, also known as the Tiger Leaping Beach Earth Forest, is located in Wumao Township, Yuanmou County, and is said to be the largest and most extensively developed. Xinhua Earth Forest, also known as the Langbapu Earth Forest, is located in Langbapu Village, Xinhua Township, Yuanmou County. There are no tour buses to this area, so if you're not traveling with a tour group, you can only take a minibus from Yuanmou County to Xinhua Township. The 12:40 noon bus, driven by a Langbapu villager, reaches the forest entrance. Other buses won't, so you'll have to find another way. The most convenient way is to call Xiao Hei. Hei Shaowu, a promising young man from Langbapu Village, was the first to introduce the Langbapu Earth Forest to everyone. He now owns a decent family hotel.

When discussing Yuanmou, many people may only know the Yuanmou Man Ruins, but few realize that the area's most stunning features are its earth forests. There are 18 such sites, three of which are particularly spectacular: the Wumao Earth Forest (also known as the Tiger Leaping Beach Earth Forest), the Langbapu Earth Forest (also known as the Xinhua Earth Forest), and the Banguo Earth Forest. Tourists typically visit the first two, as the overall landscapes of these two sites are similar, so a visit to one is generally sufficient.

The earth forest illuminated by the setting sun has a sense of religious ritual, inspiring awe. Its unique sense of desolation has made it a popular filming location for films such as "A Thousand Miles Alone" and "The Promise."

Compared with the Datong Earth Forest I have visited before, the landscape here is more dense and the shapes are more diverse, making it worthy of being the largest earth forest in China.

The Yuanmou Earth Forest is a group of columnar landforms formed by earthy deposits, and is named because it looks like a forest from a distance.

The Yuanmou Earth Forest is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in China and even the world. Entering the forest is like entering a mysterious, magical world, where the breathtaking spectacle is breathtaking. One complaint about the scenic area is that the paths are poorly defined, making it easy to get lost. A complete tour of the entire area takes about two and a half hours. Photographing the forest requires a blue sky; the contrast between the vibrant yellow earth forest and the sky is truly captivating. Of course, staying overnight to witness the sunset reflected on the forest is even more captivating.

We went to a more distant earth forest, the Langbapu Earth Forest (Xinhua Earth Forest). It was actually quite spectacular right after we turned off the highway and approached the site. It was just near noon, so we didn't take many photos. Now that I think about it, I'm quite disappointed. I should have waited until dusk to take some photos. Despite the poor light, the sky was blue, dotted with white clouds. The scenery was actually quite beautiful, and my parents were delighted. When we arrived at the site, we didn't see a single tourist, so we stood on top of it and looked down. It looked just like the free entrance outside, so we left without entering. For this place, I recommend walking around the area; you can still see and photograph the beautiful earth forest.

The address of Yuanmou Earth Forest Scenic Area is Luoxing Village, Wumao Township, Yuanmou County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province (32 kilometers northwest of the county seat).

Arriving at Yuanmou Earth Forest, I bought my ticket and started to explore the forest. Even though it was evening, it was still very hot! My main goal this time was Shuanglang, so I wasn't too interested in this type of attraction, so I just took a quick look around.

When I finally set foot on the red plains of Yuanmou after enduring the hardships of traveling by boat and car, I was stunned by the gorgeous beauty of the Yuanmou earth forest.

The earth forest left a far greater impression on me than the stone forest. Its beauty lies in its unadorned, natural beauty, a beauty that took my breath away and made me linger. Words are insufficient to describe its beauty!

The ravines and gullies on the Weibei Plateau, the vicissitudes of wind and rain, and the geographical features formed by soil erosion are similar to the scattered earth forests we saw on the roadside from Huangguayuan to Wumao Township, except for a slight difference in color. So when we actually arrived at the scenic area and faced the groups and patches of earth pillars standing proudly between heaven and earth, we didn’t feel excited or shocked. I just felt that nature used sand, clay and time to create similar works of art in different places, but the scale of the work was different.

I was captivated by the myriad forms of the landscape, and astounded by the scenic area's pristine, desolate, and rugged "quasi-Western" atmosphere. The groupings were even more unique, some resembling France's Palace of Versailles, ancient European castles, and beacon towers on the Great Wall; others, like bustling cities and tranquil courtyards. It was truly beautiful and breathtaking.

Before I saw the Yuanmou Earth Forest, I considered myself an artistic young woman. As the diverse earth forests unfolded before me, I found myself struggling to find the right words to describe the scene. There was grandeur, wonder, joy, and longing. My emotions were a whirlwind. Words are indescribable.

It may be that we climbed to the highest viewing platform just to see the sunset, or it may be for some other reason. Although I was a little scared going up and down, it is really hard to describe the feeling of standing at a high place and seeing the whole picture of the earth forest. It will be unforgettable for a long time. What is even more rare is that the scenery on both sides is completely different. This place makes me feel that the development is reasonable and the number of tourists is within an acceptable range.

From the moment I stepped into the earth forest, it was as if I had traveled to another world. There was almost no breath of human civilization here. There was only the azure sky and the towering ochre earth peaks. The two bright colors intertwined and shocked me deeply.

This place is truly beautiful. However, the main attraction is over two kilometers long, and if you want to go inside each attraction and climb up and down, it will take two to three hours to complete the whole tour. Be mindful of your directions and don't visit alone, as you can easily get lost.

The Yuanmou Earth Forests are a cluster of columnar formations formed by earthy deposits, named for their forest-like appearance from a distance. They typically occur within basins or valleys, with the most recent discovery in Yuanmou, Yunnan, China, representing a prime example. They reflect paleogeographic changes and landform development. The Yuanmou Earth Forests are a remarkable natural wonder in China and around the world. Millions of years of crustal movement have sculpted the land of Yuanmou into a myriad of bizarre shapes, shaped by the gods of wind and rain.

The Yuanmou Earth Forest is truly ever-changing and diverse. Its appearance under the sun is different from that under the sunset after a heavy rain.

I went to Yuanmou some time ago. Now you can take a look at the earth forest photos I took. Please appreciate them and give me your feedback.

Yuanmou Earth Forest has a tropical savanna climate, with warm and comfortable weather from November to March, making it ideal for exploring. Therefore, visiting Yuanmou during the Spring Festival is a great option. With the opening of the Ya'an-Xichang Expressway and the Panzhihua-Kunming Expressway, access to the Yuanmou Earth Forest is very convenient. The scenic area is approximately 13 kilometers from the Yuanmou Earth Forest Expressway exit. As we entered the Yuanmou Wumao Earth Forest, the sun was blazing overhead. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew, sending sand flying and obscuring the sun. When we opened our eyes after the wind passed, the scene before us astonished us: pristine, desolate, and rugged, with barren mountains and deep valleys. It felt like stepping into a wild and ancient world of sand and clay. Its wonders far exceeded our imagination!

These bizarre geological formations of earth pillars and various sand sculptures and clay figures are both primitive and mysterious, as well as weird and confusing (with my courage, I would never dare to walk into many places alone). Their natural shapes are either human or object-like, lifelike, realistic, exquisite and delicate, and full of charm!

We were deeply shocked by this unique landform and all of us admired "the creation of nature, the wonders of nature". We thanked God for the gift and thanked nature for giving us!

     

The Earth Forest, Rain Forest and Stone Forest are known as the three major forests in Yunnan. It is really magical to watch the Earth Forest.

Located in Yuanmou County, 32 kilometers from the county seat, the Yuanmou Clay Forest is a must-see. Known as the world's greatest clay forest wonder, it dates back 1.5 million years. Films like "A Thousand Miles Alone" and "The Promise" were both filmed in the Yuanmou Clay Forest in Yunnan.

 

The earth forest's awe-inspiring power cannot be felt without seeing it in person.

The first part of the road to Yuanmou is easy to walk, only the latter part is a mountain road, but the road condition is still good. We arrived in Yuanmou County around noon, arranged accommodation first, took a nap at noon, and asked, the sunlight was quite strong and hot in Yuanmou Earth Forest at that time. The hotel owner said: We set out there around 4 pm, and it will not be so hot at this time.

A combined Earth Forest ticket costs 150 yuan, which includes access to both Langbapu and Wumao Earth Forests. We left at 6:30 AM, but the gates weren't open yet. I deposited 100 yuan at the ticket counter and bought my ticket. I was the first one in to see the sunrise, and the early bird catches the worm. I was able to capture the first rays of sunlight on the Earth Forest.

I woke up at 5:00 AM. Yuanmou was much hotter than Kunming, and I was feeling rather restless. Luckily, I lived next to the bus station, so I lined up early to buy tickets to the Earth Forest. The bus only arrived at 1:00 PM. Oh my god! Are they kidding us?! Luckily, I ran into a couple of older women who, seeing we looked like we were going to the Earth Forest, offered to share a ride. Just what I wanted, haha, let's go. We chatted and laughed along the way, and the one-hour journey didn't seem so long. As the bus drove away, the sight of the Earth Forest was breathtaking.

From Kunming, you can go to Chuxiong, then transfer to a bus to Yuanmou, and then to Xinhua Township. If you can't buy a bus to Xinhua Township, you can contact the scenic area accommodation, which will usually pick you up in Yuanmou. In addition to the earth forest, the museum in Yuanmou is also worth a visit and is free.

The Yuanmou Earth Forest Scenic Area is located in Luoxing Village, Wumao Township, Yuanmou County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, 201 kilometers from the provincial capital, Kunming. While many people are familiar with the Yunnan Stone Forest, perhaps not many are familiar with the Yuanmou Earth Forest. The Yuanmou Earth Forest, a cluster of columnar formations formed by earthen deposits, is so named because it resembles a forest from a distance. It is a truly remarkable natural wonder, not only in China but also globally. Millions of years of tectonic shifts have sculpted the land of Yuanmou into a myriad of strange shapes, shaped by the gods of wind and rain. Entering the Earth Forest is like entering a mysterious, magical world, a breathtaking spectacle of unearthly craftsmanship.

We arrived at a different time than the best for photography. It was midday, and the sun was shining directly on our heads. We were sweating after just a short walk, and the photos we took lacked depth. Evening would have been much better!

I won't elaborate on the beauty and grandeur of the earth forests, as my language skills are not enough to describe them...

The Yuanmou Earth Forest, a cluster of columnar formations formed by earthen deposits, is named for its forest-like appearance from a distance. It is a remarkable natural wonder in China and even the world. Millions of years of tectonic shifts have sculpted the land into a myriad of strange shapes, shaped by the gods of wind and rain. Entering the forest is like entering a mysterious, magical world, where the breathtaking spectacle is breathtaking. While many people visit the forest at sunset to take photos, daytime viewing is also possible.

The Yuanmou Earth Forest, located in Chuxiong, Yunnan, is a cluster of columnar formations formed by earthen deposits. It's named for its forest-like appearance from a distance. Previously, there were 13 large earth forests, but now only three remain. The established scenic areas are Wumao and Langba Waterfall. The largest earth forests, including Banguo, have been excavated, so it's best to visit early. Over time, wind and rain erosion may cause them to gradually disappear. Recommended Yuanmou Earth Forest inns online include Pu Xuewen's Donkey Flying Inn and Heishaowu's Photography House, both of which offer chartered car services.

Last year's Golden Week visit to a popular tourist attraction is still fresh in my memory, filled with waiting, traffic jams, and crowds that made it difficult to move. This year, I reluctantly changed my itinerary and opted for a nearby spot I'd long planned to visit but hadn't yet: the Yuanmou Earth Forest. Before my trip, I booked a combined ticket for Wumao and Langbapu online for 85 yuan per person. After picking up the tickets, I regretted it greatly. I wasn't driving myself, and having to visit two attractions was incredibly inconvenient. Although both are owned by the same company, there's no direct bus service between them.

Yuanmou's earth forests are unique due to their unique geography and climate. Given humanity's current, unconstrained lifestyle, how long this landscape can survive is a serious question. Therefore, I recommend taking the time to visit and observe them, lest the earth forests one day become mounds of earth, leaving behind a lasting regret.

Although the two Yuanmou earth forests are located in the same county, they are about 50 kilometers apart from each other. In particular, the two locations are not easily accessible, and you have to drive back to the county town to get there, which can be confusing for unfamiliar tourists. Below, based on my limited experience, I will introduce transportation, food, accommodation, and entertainment options to help you prepare for your trip.

transportation:

Take a bus from Yuanmou Bus Station to Wumao, then take the bus to Huxi, and then take the bus to Xinhua at Langbapu. The schedule says there are 4 or 5 buses a day, but every bus to Huxi stops at the Wumao Earth Forest Scenic Area midway. The bus to Xinhua only goes to Langbapu once a day, and Langbapu isn't halfway there. Instead, it goes back southeast after Xinhua and then goes another 10 kilometers up the mountain. If no one on the bus is going to Langbapu, the driver won't go there in vain.

From Yuanmou, you can take the expressway all the way (just opened to traffic in October). See the map for where you get off the expressway. It is 12 kilometers north to Wumao and 39 kilometers east to Langbapu.

Food and accommodation

The government sold the development and management rights for both Wumao and Langbapu Earth Forests to a single company. Wumao Earth Forest was developed earlier, and the food and accommodation facilities at the entrance are all owned by the same company. The Tulin Hotel offers standard rooms with showers, but they're quite expensive. The Youth Hostel charges 30 yuan per person with shared bathrooms. There's also the Tulin Restaurant, but it's not very popular and the prices are quite high. It's a one-stop shop with no other options.

The conditions at Langbapu Earth Forest are even worse. There's no one living within a ten-mile radius of the scenic area entrance, so don't come if you don't bring some food and drinks! There's a shop called Pu Xuewen behind the scenic area. If you really need help, call 15987244539. Of course, you have to pay.

Every traveler, whether they start to like photography because of traveling or start traveling because they fall in love with photography, must integrate into the embrace of nature to feel the colorful world. Every holiday, my heart will fly, and I want to take my beloved camera to capture the most beautiful scenery along the way and share the joy of photography. There are almost no tourists in the quiet earth forest, and such beautiful scenery makes people nostalgic.

Here you can find the most beautiful photos in the world. We carried our cameras just to spend a day here enjoying the beautiful scenery. There are beautiful views every moment of the day here.