Mucun Earth Forest: A spectacular geological phenomenon on the northern slopes of the Himalayas
Nestled on the edge of a wetland at the northern foot of the Himalayas in Qiongzi Township, Dingjie County, Shigatse, lies a breathtaking geological wonder – the Mucun Earth Forest (also known as Qilin Gorge). Located 115 kilometers from the county seat at an altitude of 4,550 meters, it's a popular tourist destination along National Highway 219, renowned for its earth forest canyons sculpted over millions of years and its magnificent landforms, making it a unique natural spectacle in southern Tibet.
The formation of this earth forest is a masterpiece of nature. Millions of years ago, tectonic movements created the initial shape of the canyon. Over millions of years, glacial meltwater from the Himalayas eroded and carved it, and weathering further shaped it into the spectacular landscape we see today. The canyon stretches 7 to 15 kilometers in length, 100 to 500 meters in width, and reaches depths of over 200 meters at its deepest point, resembling a crack in the earth from a primordial era. Unlike the Zanda Earth Forest, which developed in the basin, the Mucun Earth Forest forms a unique columnar landform in the valley. Thousands of earthen pillars rise abruptly from the ground, some like swords pointing to the sky, others like a thousand troops arrayed, resembling human figures and objects, lifelike and vivid. The earth forest is ochre-yellow in color, and under the highland sunlight, it changes shades with the light and shadow. When shrouded in the morning mist, it resembles a fairyland, while in the afterglow of the setting sun, it is gilded, displaying a majestic and boundless grandeur.
Standing on the viewing platform, the earth forest canyon and the distant Ganchenjunga peak complement each other beautifully, with the white snow-capped mountains and the ochre-yellow pillars creating a strong visual impact. Descending along the wooden boardwalk, one can touch the texture of the earth forest up close and feel the traces of time left by wind and water. Glacial meltwater flows gently at the bottom of the valley, shimmering with a cold blue light, and occasionally wild animals such as Tibetan gazelles are seen, adding a touch of liveliness to the tranquil canyon. The glass walkway within the scenic area hangs suspended above the canyon, with sheer drop-offs below, offering a thrilling and exciting viewing experience. A highland milk tea shop at the end adds a touch of warmth to the journey.
As the core landscape of Dingjie County's "Back Garden of Mount Everest," the Mucun Earth Forest has achieved sustainable development through protection. The local area has adopted a "farmer + cooperative + company" model to develop tourism, creating stable employment for 11 villagers. In 2023, the village collective received over 1.5 million yuan in dividends, transforming ecological resources into economic benefits for the villagers. The scenic area's trails, viewing platforms, and other facilities are simple and environmentally friendly, facilitating visitor enjoyment while maximizing the protection of the original landform.
The surrounding highland wetlands and Tibetan villages add a human touch to the earth forest. In the distance, snow-capped mountains rise majestically; nearby, lush wetlands abound, dotted with the black tents of herders, and cattle and sheep graze peacefully, creating a picturesque scene of harmony between nature and humanity. Today, the Mucun Earth Forest is not only a natural classroom for geological research, but also a paradise for photography enthusiasts, telling the story of the earth's vicissitudes over hundreds of millions of years in the embrace of the Himalayas.