Overview
Xingwen Stone Sea (兴文石海), part of the Xingwen Global Geopark, is a AAAAA-rated national scenic area in Yibin, Sichuan. Spanning 156 km², it’s celebrated for its "Three Wonders":
- World’s Largest Funnel ("Tiankeng") – Twice the size of Arizona’s Meteor Crater.
- Tianquan Cave – China’s longest游览溶洞 (10.5 km explored, 4 layers).
- Surface Stone Sea – Bizarre limestone formations resembling waves, animals, and castles.
Designated a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2005, it’s a "textbook of karst landforms" with Permian-era fossils and Bo ethnic relics.
Key Attractions
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Stone Sea Surface
- Formations: Named "Husband-Wife Peak," "Stone Bamboo," and "Seven Fairies," sculpted by erosion over millennia.
- Activities: Hiking trails, photography spots (e.g., "Stone Ocean Waves"), and Miao cultural performances.
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Tianquan Cave
- Highlights:
- Skylight Hall: Sunlight filters through a 30m-wide natural skylight.
- Underground River: Boat rides past stalactites and "stone terraces".
- Light Shows: LED-lit stalagmites create surreal visuals.
- Highlights:
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Giant Funnel (Tiankeng)
- Science: Formed by collapsed caves; dubbed "Earth’s Navel".
- Viewpoints: Glass platforms overlook the abyss; lush vegetation thrives at its base.
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Bo Culture & Miao Heritage
- Hanging Coffins: Ancient Bo cliff burials.
- Festivals: Annual "Bo God Festival" with drumming and sacrifices.
Visitor Experience
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Tickets: ¥80 (adults), free for kids under 1.2m.
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Best Time: May–September (mild temps, lush scenery).
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Activities:
- Cave Slide: Descend into Tianquan Cave via a 200m slide (¥20 extra).
- Rafting: Navigate subterranean rivers.
- Geotours: Guided fossil-hunting hikes.
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Nearby: Pair with Shunan Bamboo Sea (50km away) or Lizhuang Ancient Town.
