I rarely use the word "stunning" to describe a place, but here...

Xiangxi Red Stone Forest, located in Guzhang County, Xiangxi Prefecture, is a beautiful place just a 0.5-hour drive away. The Red Stone Forest is the only red stone forest in the world formed during the Cambrian period. Its rock layers were formed 500 million years ago under the ancient Yangtze Sea. The rocks, shaped by tectonic movements and erosion, display a unique appearance of bright red in clear weather, black when wet, and reddish-brown in the shade. As soon as you enter the scenic area, this stone forest leaves a deep impression on me. Imagine the depths of the sea 500 million years ago, now you can actually touch it, feel the wrinkles of the earth, the rough stones, and the bright red luster. Looking around, it feels like being in a dream—this is the feeling of "the world changing beyond recognition." There are many must-visit spots here, such as the Yangtze Ancient Sea, Tianchi, Renchi, Ordovician Seabed, and Xiaolong Gorge. Xiaolong Gorge is a very deep and narrow canyon that requires crawling through tunnels to reach, so special attention to safety is needed. The ticket price is a bit expensive, but you can get a discount by purchasing a combined ticket for the Red Stone Forest and Furong Town at local guesthouses, costing only 150-160 yuan for both attractions. For seniors and children, free entry is allowed by signing a waiver. The recommended visit time is 2-3 hours. Most spots are safe, but extra caution is needed at Xiaolong Gorge.