Day 6 – Saturday, May 19, 2007

YNRTV University treated the delegation to a tour of the Stone Forest (Shilin). The drive to and from the world-famous landmark was very illuminating. We passed through rural farm communities and saw traditional tiered planting fields, rice paddies, and water buffalo. After staying in a modern city of almost 5 million people for several days, it was a stark contrast to see so much open-space. China is as multifaceted as a precision-cut diamond, with economic extremes much wider than the United States. In some regions of the country, time appears to have stood still for generations.

After traveling about 1.5 hours, we eagerly arrived. The Stone Forest is known to the locals as the “First Wonder of the World” and covers a vast 96,000 square acres. The limestone rock formations, with surrounding lakes, are unquestionably breathtaking.


The Yunnan Province Stone Forest


The Yunnan Province Stone Forest


The Yunnan Province Stone Forest


The Yunnan Province Stone Forest


The entire delegation is awed by the beauty of the Stone Forest


Lisa Ortiz dons a traditional costume
of the Yunnan nationality group,
Lunan Li



Dr. Rudy Garcia befriends our tour guide
-photos by Lisa Ortiz