Stone Forest (Yunnan Province)

5^th February 2003

I have to admit I was a little sceptical when I first heard about the Stone Forest; it did occur to me that this might be another 'tree that looks a bit like goat'-type manufactured tourist extravaganza which is beloved of the Chinese tourist industry. But in fact these photos cannot really do the place justice; it was an eerie, mysterious place drenched in atmosphere like nothing I had seen before.

In some places a lonely narrow path winds its way between the giant stones. I found it very reminiscent of 'The Lord or the Rings'.