Hongshilin Red Stone Forest

A rare red carbonate stone forest in western Hunan

The Hongshilin Red Stone Forest National Geopark is located in Hongshilin Town, Guzhang County, within the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in western Hunan. Covering about 20 km² (with a 5 km² core area), it is a 4A‑rated national scenic area and one of the only red carbonate stone forests in China, formed during the Ordovician some 450 million years ago.

Unlike the typical grey limestone karst seen elsewhere in southern China, Hongshilin’s rocks display warm tones of red, rust and purple, caused by iron oxidation, and change color subtly with the light and weather. For geology and landscape enthusiasts, it is often described as a true “world wonder” of red stone.

Walking through a natural red stone labyrinth

Visitors explore Hongshilin along paved paths and stairways that wind through a labyrinth of stratified walls, narrow corridors and open clearings.

• • Many formations resemble castles, city walls, pagodas, animals or human figures, such as the famous “Ancient City / Forbidden City” rock whose natural reliefs evoke an imperial palace façade.
  • The layered rocks preserve abundant marine fossils (trilobites, brachiopods, crinoids), reminding you that this was once an ancient seabed uplifted about 1,000 m above present sea level.
  • Canyons, small streams, waterfalls and subtropical forest (pines, shrubs, seasonal flowers) create striking contrasts between red stone and green vegetation.

There are several suggested routes, generally taking 2–4 hours depending on pace and photo stops, with viewing platforms for wide panoramas and more intimate shaded sections that feel almost hidden.

Practical information, access and best time to visit

• • Location: Hongshilin Village, Hongshilin Town, Guzhang County, Xiangxi Prefecture, about 15 km southwest of Furong Town, along the “golden corridor” linking Zhangjiajie and Fenghuang Ancient Town.
  • Getting there: most travelers reach Hongshilin by private car or chartered vehicle from Furong, Jishou or Guzhang. It makes an excellent side trip to enrich a Zhangjiajie–Furong–Fenghuang route.
  • Ticket: adult admission is around 80 RMB (subject to change).
  • Visit duration: plan 2–3 hours inside the park to see the main stone forest zones without rushing.

Best time to go

• • Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are considered the best seasons, with comfortable temperatures (15–25 °C), less rain and good light to appreciate the rock colors.
  • Summer can be hot and humid but the forested parts provide shade, and the red‑green contrast is very vivid.

As a protected geological site, climbing, carving or knocking on the rocks is strictly forbidden and can lead to fines. Does adding a half‑day at Hongshilin, between Furong and Fenghuang, match your interest in unique landscapes and photography, in addition to old towns and gorges?