Jingdong Earth Forest, Puer
Chinese Name:景东土林
English Name: Jingdong Earth Forest, Puer
Jingdong Earthen Forest: A Natural Marvel
The Jingdong Earthen Forest, also known as Jingdong Wenjing Earthen Forest, is nestled within the Ailao Mountains of Jingdong Yi Autonomous County in Yunnan Province, approximately 20 kilometers from the county seat. Recognized as one of Yunnan’s four major earthen forests, it showcases nature’s artistry, sculpted over millennia into a breathtaking, mythical landscape.
This earthen forest features a stunning array of formations that rise majestically from the earth, each displaying unique shapes and vibrant colors. These natural sculptures evoke lifelike scenes, from lovers embracing to the legendary warrior Guan Gong yearning for Shu, and tender moments between mothers and children. The striking red formations are bordered by dense forests on three sides, with lush greenery thriving even within the forest itself. At the highest vantage point on the eastern edge, visitors can gaze upon the picturesque Wuliang Mountain, just a kilometer away. This captivating site stands alongside the Yuanmou, Yongde, and Nanjian Earthen Forests as a remarkable natural wonder.
Geographical Location
The Jingdong Earthen Forest is situated in the Ailao Mountains within Jingdong Yi Autonomous County, about 20 kilometers from the county seat. From this location, the unique red earthen formations create a striking contrast against the surrounding greenery. Standing at the highest point, visitors are treated to a stunning view of Wuliang Mountain. Renowned as Jingdong Wenjing Earthen Forest, it holds a place among Yunnan’s four major earthen forests.
Distinctive Features
From the southern to the northern viewpoints of the earthen formations, visitors can admire conical and cylindrical shapes of varying heights—some reaching 5 meters, others 10 meters, and a few soaring over 20 meters. Each formation boasts a unique beauty, resembling animals or even intimate couples whispering sweetly. The shifting perspectives provide a dynamic experience, echoing the poetic sentiment: “viewed from the front, it appears as a forest; viewed from the side, it becomes peaks; distances and heights vary.”
As one of the four major earthen forests, the Wenjing Earthen Forest is an emerging tourist destination. It is often likened to the rugged Yuanmou Earthen Forest while also exhibiting the elegance of the Stone Forest. The interplay of earthen pillars and lush vegetation enriches the visual landscape, creating a harmonious environment where trees and flowers thrive alongside the formations. The surrounding area is a picturesque mountain hollow, complemented by tea gardens and a flatland dotted with olives and blossoms.
In recent years, the Jingdong Wenjing Earthen Forest has become a magnet for artists, photographers, writers, and tourists alike, all drawn to its stunning vistas for sketching, painting, and photography.
Covering approximately one square kilometer, the Jingdong Earthen Forest is located in the eastern part of Wenjing Town. Its unique formations have arisen from geological changes, with the precise date of formation remaining a mystery. The landscape resembles a medieval cathedral from afar, with elegant spires reaching skyward. Up close, visitors encounter tower-like formations, each with its own character—some appear as lovers gazing longingly, others resemble monks on alms rounds, and some look like powerful tigers on watch.
Navigating through the core of the earthen forest feels like entering a maze, filled with twists and turns that challenge the senses, while the awe-inspiring artistry of nature invites profound contemplation.
