ENSHI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2026 – As China expands its inbound visa-free initiatives, the Suobuya Stone Forest Scenic Area in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Hubei Province, is set to invite Southeast Asian travelers with an enriched experience. Recognized as the “World’s First Ordovician Stone Forest,” this geological wonder, formed over 460 million years, has introduced a variety of cultural experiences and interactive programs in 2026, inviting Southeast Asian visitors to explore natural and cultural marvels that have evolved over millennia.
Geological Marvel: Unearthing an Ancient Ocean from 460 Million Years Ago
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Situated in Taiyanghe Township, northwest of Enshi City, Suobuya Stone Forest is accessible within approximately an hour’s drive from the city center. Formed during the Ordovician Period, this stunning area is a reflection of geological transformation, evolving from a primordial ocean to the awe-inspiring stone forest visible today. Covering 21 square kilometers, the site features towering stone formations wrapped in lush greenery, creating the appearance of a vast “underwater labyrinth.” As a “crowned stone forest” known for its high vegetation coverage, it offers a cool and inviting average summer temperature, perfect for summer retreats and nature lovers.
The four principal scenic spots currently open to visitors each have distinctive attractions. Qinglongtai, the highest point, provides sweeping views of the entire stone forest. Lianhuazhai unveils the enchanting “Xiniugou” landscape, where towering cliffs and dynamic light create a mesmerizing atmosphere. Mozigou is rich in ancient fossils, allowing guests to connect with remnants of Ordovician life. Jiulonghui features circular rock formations and cascading waterfalls, contributing to a striking natural vista. Furthermore, the 5D theater “Shanhaijing” offers an engaging exploration into the evolution of the Ordovician oceanic world. With gentle walking paths and accessible routes, the area is ideal for families and nature enthusiasts.
Cultural Extravaganza: Engaging with Tujia Folk Traditions
In addition to its geological wonders, Suobuya Stone Forest serves as a key hub for Tujia culture. The Tujia ethnic group, one of Enshi’s prominent minorities, boasts a rich heritage and distinct cultural practices. Among these is the “Baishou Dance,” recognized as National Intangible Cultural Heritage, which simulates scenes of hunting, farming, and battle with an energetic rhythm. Visitors can participate in this cultural experience at Tiejiazhai Square and Duigetai Stage.
The annual Tujia Girls’ Festival, celebrated at Suobuya Stone Forest during the seventh lunar month, is one of Enshi’s most remarkable traditional events. This social occasion allows Tujia men and women to communicate through song and express emotions via dance. The festival encapsulates marriage customs and shared memories of the Tujia people, earning recognition as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage in Hubei Province and one of the “Top Ten Most Charming Festivals in China.” Activities during the festival include matchmaking through folk songs, traditional parades, and craft exhibitions, giving visitors a glimpse into the rich ethnic culture amidst the stone forests and mountainous scenery. Suobuya Stone Forest has also received accolades such as “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art” and “Hometown of Mountain Folk Songs.”
Since 2026, the scenic area has been enhancing its tourism offerings and cultural experiences. To commemorate the May Day holiday, it launched the “Exploring Wonders on Horseback · Fun in the Million-Year Stone Sea” series, featuring interactive events such as folk song and dance flash mobs, the “Nature Guardians” initiative where visitors can trade collected litter for cultural souvenirs, the immersive intangible cultural experience “Stone Workers’ Chant,” and the outdoor role-playing game “Stone Forest Secret Order · Pursuing the Shadow of Rocks.” These events allow visitors to interact deeply with Tujia cultural traditions while exploring the ancient stone sea.
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Enhanced Transportation: Greater Accessibility to Enshi for Southeast Asian Tourists
Following the opening of Enshi Xujiaping International Airport, the international flight network has significantly improved. In 2026, the Enshi–Hong Kong route commenced year-round operations, while flights connecting Enshi to Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have gradually resumed, establishing a dual-route network linking major Vietnamese cities. Upcoming plans for Enshi aviation include establishing new routes to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and other locations, further strengthening the Southeast Asian travel network. Tourists from leading Southeast Asian cities can now fly directly to Enshi and reach this 460-million-year-old undersea marvel after only an hour’s drive. Nestled within the Wuling Mountains, this ancient stone forest beckons visitors from around the globe with a more open and international approach.
Hashtag: #SuobuyaCulturalTourism
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