Enshi Suobuya Stone Forest Strengthens Cultural Ties with Southeast Asian Tourists Through Enhanced Experiences
ENSHI, CHINA – 15 July 2026 – The Suobuya Stone Forest Scenic Area, situated in the Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Hubei Province, is poised to attract Southeast Asian tourists with a revitalized array of experiences. This site, recognized as the “World’s First Ordovician Stone Forest,” boasts a geological history spanning 460 million years. In 2026, it has introduced a variety of cultural experiences and interactive programs, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to explore both natural and cultural marvels.
Geological Wonder: A Journey Through Time
Nestled in Taiyanghe Township, approximately one hour from Enshi City, the Suobuya Stone Forest was formed during the Ordovician Period. Originally submerged under an ancient ocean, the area has undergone significant geological transformations over millions of years, resulting in the stunning stone forest landscape visible today. Spanning 21 square kilometers, this site features towering stone formations enveloped by lush vegetation, creating an “underwater labyrinth.” As a “crowned stone forest” with one of the highest vegetation coverage rates in China, it offers a cool, pleasant climate, making it an ideal destination for summer retreats.
The scenic area comprises four major attractions, each with distinct features. Qinglongtai, the highest point, provides sweeping views of the stone forest. Lianhuazhai showcases the enchanting “Xiniugou” landscape, where dramatic cliffs and shifting light create a surreal atmosphere. Mozigou is home to ancient biological fossils, allowing visitors to connect with life from the Ordovician Period. Jiulonghui features circular rock formations and cascading waterfalls, enhancing the area’s breathtaking scenery. Additionally, the 5D theater “Shanhaijing” offers an immersive experience into the evolution of the Ordovician ocean world, catering to families and nature enthusiasts alike.
Cultural Feast: Engaging with Tujia Traditions
The Suobuya Stone Forest serves as a significant cultural hub for the Tujia ethnic group, one of the prominent minorities in the Enshi region. The “Baishou Dance,” a vibrant folk dance representing Tujia culture, has been designated as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This dance mimics various aspects of daily life, including hunting and farming, and features lively rhythms. Visitors can engage in this cultural experience at Tiejiazhai Square and Duigetai Stage.
The Tujia Girls’ Festival, celebrated annually during the seventh month of the lunar calendar, is another highlight. This festival serves as a social platform for young Tujia men and women, who use songs and dances to communicate and express emotions. Recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Hubei Province and among the “Top Ten Most Charming Festivals in China,” the festival includes matchmaking through folk songs, cultural parades, and handicraft exhibitions, enriching the visitor experience amid the stunning backdrop of the stone forest. The site has been honored as the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art” and the “Hometown of Mountain Folk Songs.”
Enhanced Tourism Offerings: A New Era of Engagement
In 2026, the Suobuya Stone Forest has continued to expand its tourism offerings. During the May Day holiday, the area launched the “Exploring Wonders on Horseback · Fun in the Million-Year Stone Sea” series, featuring interactive programs such as folk song and dance flash mobs, the “Nature Guardians” initiative for litter collection in exchange for cultural souvenirs, and the immersive experience “Stone Workers’ Chant.” Additionally, an outdoor role-playing game titled “Stone Forest Secret Order · Pursuing the Shadow of Rocks” allows visitors to engage deeply with Tujia cultural traditions while exploring the ancient stone sea.
Improved Accessibility: Connecting Southeast Asia to Enshi
The opening of Enshi Xujiaping International Airport has significantly enhanced the region’s connectivity. In 2026, the Enshi–Hong Kong route began year-round operations, and flights to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have resumed, establishing a dual-route network between the two major cities. Future plans for the Enshi aviation port include new routes to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and other Southeast Asian destinations, further bolstering regional connectivity. Tourists from major Southeast Asian cities can now fly directly to Enshi, reaching this ancient geological marvel with just a one-hour drive.
As the Suobuya Stone Forest continues to welcome visitors from around the globe, it embraces a more open and international approach, inviting Southeast Asian tourists to explore its rich cultural and natural heritage.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-07-15 17:08:00 • By the Editorial Desk
