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At Suobuya Stone Forest, you can explore the unique karst formations, hike through scenic trails, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscapes. It is also a great place for photography, with its dramatic stone pillars and lush greenery. The area is perfect for nature lovers, as it offers a tranquil and immersive experience in a natural environment.
The Sobuya Stone Forest is known as the world's first Ordovician stone forest. It is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction located in Taiyanghe Township, Enshi City, Hubei Province, with a total area of 21 square kilometers. The entire stone forest looks like a giant gourd, surrounded by green screens and beautiful peaks.
The Suobuya Stone Forest boasts over 100 iconic natural landscapes of varying sizes. Currently open to the public are four scenic areas: Qinglong Temple, Lianhua Village, Mozigou, and Jiulonghui. Each area boasts its own unique characteristics, with the distinctive "karst" and "crown" landscapes a particular highlight. Secret crevices and fossil remains are also common, making it a veritable ancient geological museum. Research by Sun Yat-sen University and China University of Geosciences has determined that the stone forest formed 460 million years ago during the Ordovician Period. The entire forest, resembling a breathtaking underwater maze, is breathtakingly beautiful.
It has a subtropical humid monsoon climate;
Best in summer
60 yuan/person
Free policy: Children under 1.1 meters are free of charge; those over 70 years old are free of charge with ID card.
Preferential policy: Children between 1.1m and 1.4m ticket half price; seniors aged 60 to 70 ticket half price with ID card; officers and soldiers ticket half price.
8:00-18:00 (peak season)
8:30-17:30 (off-season)
Suobuya Stone Forest is a karst landscape formed over millions of years, with sharp limestone peaks rising from the ground. The area has geological significance and is home to a variety of rare plant and animal species. It’s a part of the larger Enshi Grand Canyon, which is a popular natural attraction in the region. This stone forest is also important for its local folklore, with stories passed down through generations.
Suobuya Stone Forest is located in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in Hubei Province. To get there, you can take a bus from Enshi city to the Suobuya area or hire a taxi. From Enshi, the journey takes about 1-2 hours by car. It’s recommended to arrange transportation beforehand as public transport may be limited.
The stone forest is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn when the weather is mild and ideal for outdoor activities. Summer can be crowded and hot, while winter may have harsh conditions, though the stone formations can look especially striking in colder weather.
The entrance fee is typically around ¥60-80 for adults. Tickets can be purchased offline at the entrance, though online booking is available during peak seasons to avoid long queues.
It’s not necessary to book tickets in advance during off-peak months, but during busy periods like holidays, it’s recommended to book 1-2 days ahead to secure your ticket.
To fully explore the Suobuya Stone Forest, half a day is usually enough for hiking and enjoying the natural surroundings. However, if you plan to explore nearby areas, you may want to dedicate a full day.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, but it may be possible to request an English-speaking guide in advance. Audio guides in Chinese are also available at the entrance.
Start with the main hiking trail, which loops around the area and leads to the best viewpoints. Be sure to explore the stone pillars and take a break at the viewpoints along the way. The trails are well-marked, so you can take a leisurely walk or follow a longer hiking route depending on your schedule.
There are no night visits or light shows at Suobuya Stone Forest. However, special cultural performances or local events may take place in nearby areas during festivals.
Suobuya Stone Forest can get crowded during holidays and weekends. The best time to visit to avoid large crowds is on weekdays, especially in spring and autumn when the weather is favorable.
There are basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and food stalls near the entrance. It’s advisable to bring water and snacks if you plan on exploring for a longer time.
The main paths around the Suobuya Stone Forest are accessible for elderly and children, but some of the hiking trails may be challenging for those with mobility issues. It’s recommended to stick to the easier routes if you have any accessibility concerns.
Mobile payments (such as WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry cash for smaller transactions or in remote areas where mobile payment may not be possible.
There are a few local restaurants and food stalls near the entrance of Suobuya Stone Forest, offering regional specialties like hot pot, noodles, and grilled meats.
Vegetarian options are available, including vegetable stir-fries and tofu dishes. Halal food options are less common, but it’s possible to find vegetarian-friendly meals.
There are guesthouses and budget hotels in Enshi city and nearby towns. You can find more comfortable accommodations closer to Enshi or in other nearby villages.
There are souvenir shops near the entrance, offering items like handcrafted goods, Tujia textiles, and local snacks. Carved stones and local art are popular souvenirs from the area.
The best option for continuing your trip is to take a taxi or bus from Enshi city to your next destination. Buses connect to major cities like Wuhan and Chongqing.
