Chifeng City, Keshiketeng Banner, Ashatu Stone Forest 5A-Level Scenic Area

Ashatu Stone Forest is located in the northeast of Keshiketeng Banner, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia, on Beidashan in the middle and southern section of the Greater Khingan Mountains. It is one of the nine major parks of the Keshiketeng Global Geopark. Here is a detailed introduction:

Geology and Landforms

- Rock Type: The rocks of Ashatu Stone Forest are granite, formed in the late Jurassic period by magma flowing out from inside the Earth and cooling, with a history of 180 to 150 million years.

- Formation Cause: Mainly formed by the abrasion and excavation of ice sheets and glaciers, and the erosion caused by large amounts of glacial meltwater during glacier melting, also known as the "Glacial Stone Forest." At the same time, magma activity, tectonic movements, wind erosion, special climate, and human activities also contributed to the formation of the stone forest.

Natural Scenery and Features

- Diverse Shapes: Ashatu Stone Forest has various shapes, with the danger of Mount Hua, the wonder of Mount Tai, and the elegance of Mount Huangshan, with relative heights of 5 to 30 meters. The grouped stone forest is connected at the base, but separated into different shaped stone pillars at the top, some resembling towers, some like humans, some like beasts, vivid and lifelike.

- Rich Ecology: Ashatu Stone Forest is a cradle of life, with lush vegetation including white birch, poplar, and Tianmu Qionghua; animals such as sika deer, roe deer, and wild boar frequently appear. All living things coexist, presenting a unique alpine wetland and forest landscape.

Culture and Tourism

- Cultural Legends: Ashatu Stone Forest has rich folk legends. Genghis Khan once hunted here, leaving the legend of "Kunpeng Descending on the Grassland"; there is also the myth of the "Nine Fairies." Every stone is endowed with unique spirituality, believed to bless people with peace and happiness.

- Tourism Experience: In 2018, Ashatu Stone Forest was rated as a national 5A-level scenic area. The park consists of five core scenic areas: Grassland Stone Forest, Grassland Tianzhu, Grassland Kunpeng, Grassland Stone City, and Grassland Stone Fort. There are many attractions such as Moon Castle, Riding the Wind and Breaking the Waves, Seven Fairies, and Balancing Stone. Visitors can also experience staying in Mongolian yurts and participate in sacrificial ceremonies at the Aobao, feeling the unique nomadic cultural charm.

Post by Stella.Robinson.84 | Jun 28, 2025