Yellow River Stone Forest

Historical Overview

The Stone Forest’s origins date back 2.5 million years to the Pleistocene epoch, when tectonic shifts uplifted the Loess Plateau and the Yellow River began carving its path. For centuries, the Yugu people (a branch of the Mongolian ethnic group) regarded the site as sacred, believing the stone pillars were frozen dragons protecting their tribe. During the Qing Dynasty (17th–20th centuries), caravans traversed the region via the "Silk Road of the North," using the forest’s shadowy canyons as shelter from sandstorms. In 2004, UNESCO designated it a Global Geopark, cementing its status as a living classroom of Earth’s history.

Structural Layout

Spanning 50 square kilometers, the stone forest is divided into four zones:

Dragon’s Backbone Valley: A 3-kilometer-long canyon with 80-meter-tall pillars resembling dragon vertebrae.

Moon Goddess Peak: A solitary spire where locals once offered sacrifices to the moon deity.

Eternal Wave Ridge: A series of undulating stone "waves" frozen mid-crash, created by ancient tidal forces.

Desert-River Junction: The confluence of The Yellow River and a desert oasis, where reed beds and date palms contrast with the surrounding aridity.

Major Attractions

Dragon’s Backbone Scenic Area: A 1.5-hour loop trail through narrow canyons and 120-meter-tall stone arches.

Moon Goddess Observation Deck: A wooden platform offering 360-degree views of the stone forest and the Yellow River’s meanders.

Camel Caravan Experience: A 2-hour guided ride on Bactrian camels through the desert and stone pillars.

Rafting on the Yellow River: A 45-minute drift past cliffs and ancient irrigation channels in traditional sheepskin rafts.

Yugu Cultural Village: A recreated tribal settlement with traditional yurts, folk dances, and mutton skewers cooked over open fires.

Stone Forest Museum: Interactive exhibits on the region’s geology, including 3D models of tectonic shifts and fossil displays.

Sunset Viewpoint (Cloud-Piercing Peak): A cliffside perch where the stone pillars glow amber as the sun dips below the horizon.

Suggested Itineraries

Half-Day Express Tour (3–4 Hours)

Dragon’s Backbone Valley → Camel Caravan → Rafting on the Yellow River → Stone Forest Museum.

Highlights: Iconic stone pillars, river adventures, and geology insights.

Full-Day Exploration (6–7 Hours)

Dragon’s Backbone → Moon Goddess Deck → Yugu Cultural Village → Sunset Viewpoint → Evening bonfire performance.

Highlights: Cultural immersion, photography, and starry desert skies.

Two-Day Adventure (1 Night)

Day 1: Camel trek, rafting, and sunset photos.

Day 2: Hike to Eternal Wave Ridge, visit the Ancient Riverbed fossil site, and overnight in a yurt camp.

Highlights: Off-the-beaten-path hikes, stargazing, and tribal hospitality.

Ticket Purchase

Stone Forest Entrance: ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (students/seniors).

Combo Tickets:¥200 (includes rafting, camel ride, and museum).

¥300 (adds Yugu Village cultural show and sunset dinner).

Yurt Stay: ¥400–¥600 per night (includes breakfast and traditional music).

Guided Tours: ¥150–¥300 (2–4 hours, available in Mandarin/English).

Transportation

Bus: From Lanzhou East Bus Station, take a 3-hour ride to Jingtai County, then a 40-minute shuttle to the park (¥80 round-trip).

Taxi: Charter a car from Lanzhou (¥600–¥800 round-trip).

Tour Group: Join a 2-day Gansu geology tour (¥1,200–¥1,800/person, includes Zhangye Danxia and Bingling Temple).

Self-Drive: Rent a 4WD in Lanzhou (mountain roads require experience; fuel stations are scarce).

Peak Season: May–October (mild weather, 15°C–30°C).

Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays or early morning (opens at 7:00 AM).

Weather: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen (reflective sand intensifies sun exposure).

Essentials:

Wear closed-toe shoes (sand can reach 50°C in summer).

Carry a reusable water bottle (free refills at the visitor center).

Respect Yugu customs—ask permission before photographing villagers or rituals.

Try local specialties: hand-pulled noodles in mutton broth and "sand-baked" potatoes.

Combine with a visit to Lanzhou’s Bingling Temple Grottoes or the Shapotou Desert for a desert-river-culture trifecta.