Suobuya Stone Forest
梭布垭石林
An Ordovician-era stone forest about 50 km from the city, with rock pillars capped in dense green vegetation. Walk between stone crevices and along solution channels, a favorite summer escape and hiking spot near Enshi.
Suobuya Stone Forest lies in Taiyanghe Township, about 50 km from Enshi city. It is a limestone stone forest formed in the Ordovician period, about 460 million years ago, covering roughly 21 square km. Its tops are covered with dense trees and vines, so from a distance it looks as if it is wearing a green hat, earning it the name 'Crown Stone Forest.' It is a unique landscape in Enshi, described as 'stone forest with green hats, trees shading the sun.' It is a national 4A-level scenic area. The park is divided into sections including Lotus Village, Mozi Gully, Jiulong Confluence and Rhino Gully. Walking trails wind between stone pillars, stone walls and solution channels. The narrowest crevice is just wide enough for one person to pass sideways. The best-known sites are Natural Bridge, Dragon Gathering, Elephant Emerging from the Mountain and the 'Sky Crack,' a gorge several dozen meters deep. The stone forest and woodland are intertwined, and summer temperatures are about 5°C lower than in the city, so it is a popular summer retreat for Enshi residents. The park also offers Tujia folk performances (baishou dance and wedding laments), along with activities such as grass sledding and zip-lining. Admission is about 70–80 yuan, with sightseeing buses extra. Allow about 3 hours. The main loop is about 5 km. Getting there: a self-drive trip from Enshi city takes about 1 hour. Enshi Tourist Bus Station runs shuttles to the park, but they are infrequent. It is often combined with the Enshi Grand Canyon for a two-day northern route. Notes: the crevice sections are narrow and slippery, so wear non-slip shoes and keep your backpack small. Be careful on wet rock surfaces after rain. Mosquitoes are common in the forest, so bring insect repellent in summer. The park is large, so follow the main route signs to avoid getting lost. Fog is heavy in the mountains in early mornings in autumn and winter, so drive carefully.
Opening hours
08:00–17:30
Nearby sights
- Enshi Prefecture Museum
- Enshi Tusi City
- Enshi Tujia Nü'er City
- Longlin Palace Cave
- Luyuanping Village
- Enshi Grand Canyon
- Fengxiangpo Dong Village
- Dixingu Canyon (Shimen River)