Suobuya Stone Forest (梭布垭石林), located in Enshi City, Hubei Province, spans a vast 21 square kilometers and is hailed as the world’s foremost Ordovician stone forest. Resembling a colossal gourd, the entire stone forest is surrounded by lush greenery, with peaks competing for attention. Suobuya Stone Forest boasts over 100 classic natural landscapes, featuring four main areas: Qinglong Terrace, Lotus Village, Mozi Valley, and Nine Dragons Gathering. Each area possesses its unique characteristics, with the distinctive “溶纹” (rune-like patterns) and “戴冠” (crowned) landscapes standing out as major highlights. The site is a veritable ancient geological museum, with narrow crevices, hidden wonders, and fossilized relics scattered throughout.
As one of the first developed natural attractions in Enshi Prefecture, Suobuya is uniquely named in Tujia, the local ethnic language, where “梭布” translates to “three or more.” Suobuya thus refers to multiple mountain passes, showcasing the region’s rich intangible cultural heritage. Recognized as the “Home of Excellent Folk Art in China,” the area is steeped in cultural significance. Local mountain songs represent the soul of the culture, and the Daughter’s Gathering is a cultural representation within the scenic area. Suobuya Stone Forest is not just a geological wonder; it’s a cultural haven, a testament to the rich heritage and natural beauty of Enshi City.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Suobuya Stone Forest
- Vlog about Suobuya Stone Forest
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Other Attractions in Enshi Suburbs
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Half a day |
| Ticket Price | Admission: 78 RMB Admission + Shuttle bus: 108 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 18.00; Last admission: 16.00 (1st April – 19th November) 8.30 – 17.00; Last admission: 15.30 (20th November – 31st March) |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0718-8788066 0086-0718-8788022 |
Location and Transportation
Suobuya Stone Forest is situated within the borders of Taiyanghe Township in Enshi City, Hubei Province, China. For visitors arriving from other areas, the journey to Suobuya Stone Forest is convenient. Take a train to Enshi Railway Station and then catch a direct shuttle bus to Suobuya Stone Forest, available for 25 RMB per person.
Highlights of Suobuya Stone Forest
Qinglong Terrace
During the annual Qingming Festival in April, Suobuya Stone Forest comes alive with the grand “Cherry Blossom Festival” held near the Qinglong Terrace archway. April marks the peak of cherry blossom season, and the blossoms, swaying in the gentle breeze, create a delightful melody akin to the rustling of wind chimes. Local Tujia youth, adorned in traditional attire, and even visitors dressed in ancient Hanfu or Tang-style clothing, gather beneath the blooming cherry trees to enjoy lively conversations. The event attracts tourists from across the country who come to the area to revel in the vibrant atmosphere and admire the blossoms.
Qinglong Terrace is the largest and most diverse among the four main scenic areas in Suobuya Stone Forest. Notable attractions include the Qinglong Temple ruins, Camel Peak, Zhenlong Yuzhu, the Book of the Jade Emperor, Linjun Boots, Tian Haohan’s Mountain Patrol, and Linjun Crown.
Jiulong Hui (Nine Dragons Gathering)
Legend has it that nine dragons descended from the heavens to protect China. After millennia of cultivation, the nine dragons, answering the call of the heavens, gathered at Suobuya Stone Forest to ascend together. This convergence has endowed the area with abundant Feng Shui energy, resulting in lush vegetation, the melodious songs of countless birds, and the dance of phoenixes in the sky. It is believed that those who focus and observe here can discern the true forms of the nine dragons, ensuring a life blessed by their protection. Key attractions in Jiulong Hui include the Jiulong Hui Waterfall, Danfeng Chaoyang, Dragon and Phoenix Seals, and the Unity Wall.
Lotus Village
Nestled in a densely distributed stone forest, the Lotus Village area of Suobuya Stone Forest creates a breathtaking scene when viewed from above. The entire landscape is crafted with stone lotuses and green trees resembling a field of white lotus blossoms emerging from crystal-clear springs. As you wander through the area, the stone lotuses are abundant, creating an overwhelming and enchanting sight. Nature’s wonders abound, from the untouched Lotus Village to the solemn God Stone Square guarded by stone-armored soldiers, the impregnable South Gate, and bamboo shoots emerging after a spring rain. Beyond the natural marvels, the village is steeped in poignant human stories, like finding soulmates on the singing stage, and expressing heartfelt emotions under lovers’ umbrellas.
Mozi Valley
Mozi Valley stands out with its focus on karst caves and natural stone clefts. The area seamlessly integrates the beauty of birdsong and fragrant flowers with flowing streams, hanging trees, suspended stones, peculiar rocks, unique peaks, and stunning gorges – each a masterpiece sculpted by nature. This locale holds special significance as the place where the Tujia ancestors, Nuo Gong and Nuo Po, pledged their love, making it the origin and ancient haven of Tujia romance. Key attractions include Nuo Po Stone, One-Line Sky, Echoing Water Cave, and Millstone Rock. Explore the colorful and intriguing Seven-Color Karst Cave, marvel at the unique rocks and peaks, gaze upon the vast stone forest, and look up at the endless sky.
Vlog about Suobuya Stone Forest
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Visit Qinglong Terrace and Jiulonghui: Even during peak seasons, these areas tend to have fewer visitors. If you’re looking to take photos without crowds, these two areas are ideal.
Rest Areas and Amenities: The scenic area offers plenty of rest areas where you can find water, beverages, and food. Prices inside the park are generally reasonable, so you don’t have to worry about overpaying for refreshments.
Experience the Shanhaijing 5D Movie: Consider watching the Shanhaijing 5D movie, which lasts for about 10 minutes. It’s especially enjoyable for children and costs around 60 yuan per person.
Choose Appropriate Clothing for Photos: Since the terrain is mostly rocky, photos can turn out darker. It’s advisable to wear light-colored clothing or outfits with high contrast to make your photos stand out. This can help brighten your complexion and make the photos more vibrant.
Photo Opportunity at the Entrance: At the ticket checkpoint near Lianhuazhai, staff members dressed in Miao ethnic attire may offer to take photos with you for a fee of 20 yuan per photo. If you prefer not to take photos, you can politely decline and proceed quickly into the scenic area.
In the morning, we visited the Suobuya Stone Forest, which is said to date back to the Ordovician period, making it several hundred million years old. It was very beautiful and the hike took about 2 hours, making it perfect for a family walk with kids.
The Suobuya Stone Forest is stunning; I am in awe of nature’s craftsmanship! I’m always amazed by such natural beauty! Compared to the Grand Canyon, it requires almost no physical effort.
In the morning, there weren’t many people around, and the attractions were small. It was quite cool passing through the caves, although there were some steep steps to descend. Overall, the walk was quite easy and relaxing.
There were so many people! The management of the tourist area was very poor! As soon as I arrived at Rhino Gorge, I left through the emergency exit. Don’t come here!
Today it was drizzling, the stone walls were moist, the scenery was nice, like a big park. The whole journey took 2.5 hours. The only downside was that it was crowded on weekends, the paths were narrow, the steps were steep, and it was easy to get congested.
The whole scenic area can be walked through in no more than 2 hours. The various shapes of stones are a geological wonder, but it doesn’t feel as magnificent as the Stone Forest in Yunnan.
Suobuya Stone Forest belongs to the less tiring tourist spots in Enshi. Our family often hikes, so we found it manageable coming down. Our 6-year-old child managed to walk the entire way. The rocks inside are very vividly shaped, with paths that sometimes curve to form arches, sometimes lead down to the bottom of a gorge, sometimes create a narrow passage, and sometimes open up into a mysterious space. It is quite interesting!