The rocks in Shilin Geopark, southwest China's Yunnan Province, are mostly grey and dark, but some of the them know how to "embellish" themselves by putting on colorful lichens. Special pigments, like yellow usnic acid, give lichens their diverse colors. With the help of lichens, rocks can be as fashionable and colorful as flowers of different colors.

Meet Geoparks

In the series "Meet Geoparks," CGTN Nature takes you to experience all kinds of geological heritages around the world. You will not only enjoy the great natural spectacles and understand their creation, but also hear local legends and stories about the geoparks.

Next, let's hear about the legend of Ashima, the most famous rock in Shilin Geopark.

(All photos by CGTN's Xing Fangyu)

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at nature@cgtn.com.)