Yongde Earth Forest in Yongde County, Lincang
Chinese Name: 永德土林
English Name: Yongde Earth Forest in Yongde County, Lincang
Overview:
The Yongde Earth Forest, commonly known as the “Earth Buddhas,” is located on Mangkuan Tufushang, on the north bank of the Manling rivulet, a branch of the Yongkan River. It is situated 45 kilometers from the seat of Yongde County and 20 kilometers from Yongkan Town, with an altitude of 1,448 meters. This natural wonder is the result of unique geological processes that have shaped the landscape over thousands of years.
The Yongde Earth Forest, also known as the “Earth Buddhas” or Mangkuan Earth Forest, is located in Yongkang Town, Yongde County, Lincang City, Yunnan Province. Situated on the northwest bank of the Manling River, the Earth Forest features over 200 earth formations resembling ancient pagodas and fortresses, spread across an area of 0.15 square kilometers. These formations are known for their unique shapes and sizes.
The Yongde Earth Forest is characterized by a variety of vegetation, including oak trees, pine trees, banyan trees, epiphytic orchids, and shrubs. The earth pillars, which can reach up to 30 meters in height, are predominantly made of red gravel from Paleozoic marine sedimentary layers. The tops of these pillars support trees and flowers, giving them an appearance of a mythical gathering of celestial beings or a military formation from a distance. The exact age of the Earth Forest’s formation is still under study.
In addition to the well-known Yongde Earth Forest, there is a lesser-known Earth Forest located north of the Zhaigong Temple in the Songtu area of Yongkang Town. This smaller forest, spanning about 1 kilometer in length, features over 100 earth pillars, some exceeding 20 meters in height. Its ecological features are similar to those of the Mangkuan Earth Forest, and it occasionally attracts visitors.
The Yongde Earth Forest is considered one of the top three scenic spots in Yongde County, often referred to in the phrase “Yongde’s Three Scenic Spots: Earth Buddhas, Bending Bridge, and Stone Cave Temple.”
Geological and Scenic Features:
The area features red gravel, which belongs to sedimentary deposits from the Paleozoic era. Over millennia, erosion by wind and rain has removed the loose material, leaving behind the hard and dense parts. This process has sculpted over 200 earth statues from the red gravel slope, covering approximately 0.15 square kilometers. The tallest statues reach about 30 meters, while most are around 15 meters high. Some resemble seated Buddhas, while others appear as intricately designed towers.
The surrounding environment includes small shrubs, pine trees, and perennial birdsong, with flowers and small trees growing on top of the statues, adding a colorful touch. Each statue is associated with unique legends, adding to the site’s mystique. According to local legend, during the Three Kingdoms period, the famous strategist Zhuge Liang’s soldiers camped here. Exhausted sentinels fell asleep and never awoke, transforming into these strange earth statues.
Cultural and Historical Significance:
The Yongde Earth Forest combines majesty, beauty, and mystery, making it a prominent destination in Lincang. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, it was a sacred site for the local Tusi (tribal chief) family, who had extensive fields guarded by slaves. The earth Buddhas were hidden in dense, primitive woods and not visible from afar.
In 1907, the Tusi system was abolished, and the ceremonial altars were dismantled. Despite this, local customs persist, with annual gatherings during the Yuanxiao Festival on January 15th of the lunar calendar. On this day, thousands of worshippers and visitors from across the county and beyond come to the site to burn incense and seek blessings from the Buddhas. The tradition continues to thrive, with an additional bazaar on March 15th of the lunar calendar.
Modern Developments:
Transportation to the Earth Forest has improved, and the local government is working on developing it into a tourist resort. During festival times, the area attracts many visitors, who come by various means or on foot. The site is vibrant with spontaneous activities, local product sales, and opportunities for networking and business. It offers a unique blend of natural wonder, cultural heritage, and communal festivity.
Legends
According to local legend, the earth pillars are the transformed forms of sentinels who fell asleep during Zhuge Liang’s southern expedition and never woke up, turning into the “Earth Buddhas.” In Yongde, locals view these earth figures as sacred and often visit them to burn incense, offer sacrifices, and seek blessings or fortune.
Festivals and Activities
Two major festivals are held annually at the Earth Forest, on the 15th day of the first lunar month and the 15th day of the third lunar month, attracting thousands of people. Traditionally, pilgrims would visit to fulfill vows, conduct business, engage in material exchanges, or socialize and enjoy the scenery. The festivals, known locally as the “Earth Buddha Fair,” have evolved, with visitors now focusing more on sightseeing and trading.
During these fairs, tents are set up along the mountain ridges, creating a vibrant market atmosphere. The area around the Buddha statues becomes bustling with incense smoke and crowds, making for a lively and spectacular scene. Each festival lasts a day, but preparations and wrap-up can extend over several days.
Poem Describing the Site:
Among the small hills, near Mangkuan village, lies a Xanadu,
With “Buddhas” sitting there to bless the residents all year through.
Many enthralling earth statues have been skillfully sculptured,
Out of the red gravel ground, the sky they tower up into.
The mortals and the immortals meet and pray round the “castles,”
Singing in the shrubs and the pine trees, the birds merrily woo.
A wonderland promised by super-nature power, sounds true!
Someone might find another site cute as such elsewhere, but who?
How to Get to Yongde Earth Forest
To reach the Yongde Earth Forest in Yongde County, Lincang, Yunnan Province, follow these steps:
1. Travel to Lincang City
By Air:
- Fly to Lincang Airport (LCX): Lincang has a regional airport with flights connecting to major cities like Kunming. From Kunming, it takes about 1.5 hours by plane to reach Lincang.
By Train:
- Train to Lincang: You can take a train to Lincang from Kunming or other cities. Check the train schedules for availability and travel times.
By Bus:
- Long-Distance Bus: Long-distance buses are available from Kunming and other nearby cities to Lincang. The journey can take several hours.
2. Travel from Lincang City to Yongde County
By Bus:
- Bus from Lincang to Yongde County: There are regular buses from Lincang City to Yongde County. The journey typically takes around 2 to 3 hours.
By Car:
- Self-Drive or Car Hire: If you prefer more flexibility, you can rent a car and drive from Lincang to Yongde County. The distance is approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) and the drive takes about 2 to 3 hours.
3. Reach Yongde Earth Forest
By Local Transport:
- Local Transportation: Once in Yongde County, you can take a local taxi or hire a private car to get to the Yongde Earth Forest. It is located near Yongkang Town, about 20 kilometers from Yongde County’s main area.
By Public Transport:
- Bus or Minibus: There might be local buses or minibuses from Yongde County or Yongkang Town to the Earth Forest area. Check with local transport providers for current routes and schedules.
Additional Tips:
- Accommodation: Book accommodation in advance in Yongde County or Yongkang Town. There are various hotels and guesthouses available.
- Navigation: Use a GPS or map application to help with navigation, especially if traveling by car.
- Local Advice: Ask locals for directions or transportation options if needed, as some routes may not be well-marked.
Make sure to check the latest travel advisories and transport schedules before your trip. Enjoy your visit to the Yongde Earth Forest!
