18 Incredible Natural Wonders That Are Out Of This World (5 of 10)

Stone Forest (China)

China’s Stone Forest, also known as Shilin, stuns visitors with a landscape sculpted by time. Towering limestone formations, some reaching 40 meters (130 ft) high, pierce the sky like a petrified forest. Over 270 million years of erosion by wind, water, and seismic activity have shaped these dramatic pillars. Wander through labyrinthine paths or climb for panoramic views. Explore hidden caves, marvel at natural arches, and witness the wonder of a landscape painted by time. According to legend (if you’re so inclined to believe in them as we are), a heartbroken woman transformed into stone, adding to the mystical allure of this UNESCO Global Geopark.

Derweze (Turkmenistan)

Derweze, also known as the “Door to Hell,” is a surreal phenomenon located in the Karakum Desert of Turkmenistan. It resulted from a mining accident in the 1970s when a natural gas field collapsed, releasing methane gas. To prevent the spread of the toxic gas, engineers set it on fire, expecting it to burn off in a few days. But…oops! The fire has been burning continuously for over four decades, creating a massive crater that glows eerily at night. Despite its otherworldly appearance, the Door to Hell has become a tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world to witness this mesmerizing and bizarre spectacle in the desert landscape.