The “Internet-Famous Stones” in Scenic Spots Are Actually Very Exquisite | Natural Landscape Popular Science

When traveling, we often see exotic-shaped stones in scenic spots, some resembling animals and others being natural, becoming Internet-famous check-in spots. But few people know that the formation of these stones is driven by the power of nature over millions or even hundreds of millions of years. Most of the exotic stones in scenic spots are products of karst landforms or Danxia landforms, with a formation process lasting millions or even hundreds of millions of years. Karst exotic stones (such as Guilin Landscape and Zhangjiajie Peak Forest) are formed by the dissolution of limestone by water. Rainwater or groundwater seeps into limestone, dissolves calcium carbonate in the rock, and after long-term erosion and scouring, finally forms unique landscapes such as peak forests, karst caves, and stalagmites. Danxia exotic stones (such as Danxia Mountain and Zhangye Danxia) are formed by long-term weathering, erosion, and gravity collapse of red sandstone, resulting in red cliffs and stone pillars. It is worth noting that although these exotic stones seem hard, they are actually very fragile. The surface rock layers have taken millions of years to form, and once carved or knocked, irreversible damage will be caused. When traveling, we can watch and take photos from a distance, but do not touch or carve the exotic stones. Protecting these natural wonders allows more people to appreciate the craftsmanship of nature and ensures that this natural beauty endures.