Location & How to Get There

Petrified Forest is nestled inside Xianhu Botanical Garden in Luohu District, Shenzhen. The address is Xianhu Road, Liantang, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. To reach here, take Metro Line 2 to Liantang Station, then transfer to a taxi or bus (lines M182/M468). If driving, there’s a parking lot near the garden’s entrance. For a scenic route, you can also rent a bike and ride along the nearby greenways.

Natural Wonders: A Forest of Stone Trees

The heart of Petrified Forest is its collection of 500+ petrified trees, all sourced from places like Liaoning, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia. These “stone logs” are actually silicified wood, formed when ancient pine and fir trees were buried by earthquakes around 150–70 million years ago. Over time, minerals replaced the wood’s organic material, turning them into rock. What’s crazy? This is the only large-scale relocated fossil forest in the world—imagine moving entire mountains of history to one spot!

Walking through the forest feels like stepping into a time machine. Some trunks are over 10 meters tall, with bark-like textures and cracks that reveal layers of geology. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom around the trees, adding a pink contrast to the gray stones. Don’t miss the Peach Blossom Garden next door, which turns into a fairytale of pink flowers every winter.

Cultural & Historical Highlights

Beyond the natural marvels, Petrified Forest blends science and symbolism. The Shenzhen Paleobiology Museum here uses fossils, interactive screens, and life-sized models to explain Earth’s history. Kids love the dinosaur exhibits, while adults might geek out over the timeline of plant evolution.

Another must-see is the Hong Kong Return Memorial Forest, a grove of trees planted in 1997 to mark Hong Kong’s handover to China. Each tree represents a district in Hong Kong, making it a quiet spot for photo ops and reflection.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

Opening hours: Petrified Forest (and the botanical garden) is open daily from 8:00 AM–6:00 PM. Entry costs ¥15 (about $2) for adults, with discounts for students.

Guided tours: Join a free tour at 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM (weekends only) to hear stories behind the fossils. Or grab a rental audio guide for ¥30.

Amenities: Clean restrooms, a small café selling ice cream and tea, and shaded benches are scattered throughout. Wear comfy shoes—the forest area alone covers 20,000 square meters!

Why You’ll Love It

Petrified Forest isn’t just about rocks—it’s a portal to Earth’s past. Whether you’re a science buff, a nature lover, or someone who enjoys peaceful walks, this place has something for you. Pro tip: Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds. And if you’re into photography, the golden-hour light in the late afternoon makes the stone trunks glow like art installations.

Oh, and did I mention? The forest is part of Xianhu Botanical Garden, which itself is a stunner. After exploring the fossils, wander up to the fairy lake (Xianhu) or check out the bonsai garden. Trust me, Petrified Forest is worth carving out a few hours (or a whole day!) in your Shenzhen itinerary.