The limestone that constitutes the Stone Forest contains exceptionally rich fossils of marine organisms, including Corals, Brachiopods, Cephalopods, Fusulinas, etc. Some rocks are composed almost wholly of biological debris. It reveals what an exuberant and busy marine world the Shilin area once was in the Permian period some 270 millions years ago. These fossils are a record of life on earth and also a testimony to the vicissitudes experienced by the Stone Forest.

Coral fossils

Coral fossils

Brachiopod fossils

Bioclastic limestone