Zada Clay Forest in Ali, Tibet—A Dreamy Forest

Zada Clay Forest is located in Zada County, Ali Region, Tibet, China, about 90 kilometers away from Zada County. It is the most famous geomorphological scenic area in Zada County. The best-developed area of Zada Clay Forest geomorphology is a large area centered on Tuolin Town, with an altitude distribution of 3750-4450 meters. Zada Clay Forest is the most typical and largest distribution area of the Tertiary stratum weathered into clay forest in the world. Zada Clay Forest geomorphology is called river-lake phase in geology, which is caused by millions of years of geological changes. It is influenced by ancient orogeny, the stratum deposited at the bottom of the lake is long-term cut by running water, and gradually weathered and eroded, forming a special landform. The clay forest landform is a great spectacle of Ali. It is said that a long, long time ago, the Zada area was a vast ocean, with only water and wind under the blue sky. Later, the clay forest mountains gradually emerged from the sea. Although this is a beautiful legend, it contains certain scientific principles. According to scientists, this was once a large lake with a radius of 500 kilometers. It was the Himalayan orogeny that raised the lake basin, decreased the water level, and the mountains exposed to the water surface were carved out by long-term erosion by wind and rain. The "trees" in the clay forest are staggered in height and have various postures. Stepping into this land is like entering a mysterious maze. The tall clay pillars are arranged in the valleys in a well-organized manner, forming various shapes and sizes of strange sights. Some clay pillars stand on the ground like giants, while others are like sculptures left by elves. When the sunlight shines through the clouds, the entire Zada Clay Forest becomes even more mysterious and spectacular. The sunlight shines on the clay pillars, shining golden and silver light on the rock surface. The distant mountains are vast and undulating, and they look particularly beautiful in the afterglow of the setting sun.