Since the discovery of the Maolan karst forest in Libo County, this rare and precious land has attracted many biologists,geologists and ecologists. They were so charmed by the karst peak-clusters,funnels and depressions,covered with primeval vegetation,they almost forgot to return. According to experts, the Maolan karst virgin forest is the only one of its kind along the same latitude. displays the true features of sub-tropical zone karst natural environment and the best preserved in the world.

As one enters the Maolan karst forest, funnels, depressions, cliffs and peak-clusters,blanketed with forest plants,come into view. Here,life is tough,with poor soils. arid surface and the water table far below.In order to absorb water and nutrients,every plant has an extensive root system. Root hairs,climbing over the rock faces.stretch out in all directions, coiling around each other, creating spectacular natural tree-root sculptures. Indeed, some roots are thicker and several times longer than the tree trunks themselves.

Wriggling like snakes and dragons,they make their way down sheer precipices to the ground,or climb up towering cliffs,the area of the root system several times larger than that of the crown. Then there are bryophytes twining around them and red leaves falling on them. Sometimes, the roots are covered with water droplets that ooze from the rocks, just like glistening amber beads. The forest has another wonder- "trees embracing huge rocks."  These occur when a great number of contorted tree roots climb over rocks,worm their way into the soil, and over time,gradually pull out the rocks.

Tree roots in the Maolan karst forest have a peculiar charm,their suppleness and structure reminding visitors of traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting. Legend has it that in remote antiquity Cang Xie unveiled the mysteries of the universe, and so created the framework for Chinese characters,Since, at the time.the ecological environment he lived in was luxuriant and primitive,might it perhaps be that the fantastic tree roots in the well-preserved Maolan karst virgin forest conceal the mysteries of the universe.