Shitanglin Lava Field
石塘林
One of the largest extinct volcanic basalt landscapes in Asia, a lava plateau covered in moss and prostrate pine.
Shitanglin is a basalt plateau formed when lava flows cooled after a volcanic eruption. It stretches about 20 kilometers, and its surface features a variety of microtopography, including overturned rocks, lava ropes, lava caves, and lava-dammed lakes. The rock crevices are thick with moss, lichen, prostrate pines, and Dahurian rhododendrons, creating a scene of a forest growing on stone. A circular wooden boardwalk loops through the area, taking about 40 to 60 minutes to walk, with geology signs along the way, making it great for family science learning. Unlike lakes, Shitanglin has no pronounced seasonality, and it is worth visiting in both summer and autumn. Stay on the boardwalk and do not trample the moss, and watch your step, as the rock crevices are numerous.
Opening hours
Open with the forest park
Nearby sights
- Luming Lake
- Arxan Dichi
- Guibei Rock
- Santan Gorge
- Dujuan Lake
- Arxan Tianchi (Heaven Lake)
- Budong River (Unfrozen River)
- Wusulangzi Lake