Karst is a unique landform evolved in the carbonate rocks, which demonstrate the forces of nature. South China is famed for its rich and diversified Karst landforms. South China Karst was inscribed in the World Natural Heritage List by UNESCO in June 2007.

South China Karst signifies the finest examples of karst topography in China and the world. Extending over 500,000 sq kilometers (193,051 sq miles), South China Karst is mainly scattered in Southwest China, comprising three typical karst areas: Shilin Karst (Stone Forest) in Yunnan Province, Libo Karst in Guizhou Province and Wulong Karst in Chongging Municipality.

South China Karst represents the unrivalled features of the tropical and subtropical karst terrain. The South China Karst listed in UNESCO World Heritage List covers a total area of 1,460 sq kilometers (564 sq miles). The core zone takes up an area of 480 sq kilometers (185 sq miles), and the buffer zone 980 sq kilometers (378 sq miles). Shilin Karst features its numerous odd-shaped stone formations, hence the name of Stone Forest. Shilin Karst is also the world's only karst landscape in the subtropical plateau area, and enjoys the fame of 'the First Wonder of the World'. The representative scenic area in Shilin is the Nagu Stone Forrest, characterized by typical karst terrain evolved from dolomite rocks.

Libo Karst is renowned for the cone karst and tower-shaped karst land formations, which populate many brilliant karst scenic areas. The Maolan Karst Forest Natural Conservation is a splendid karst ecosystem featuring biodiversity. In the conservation area, the primeval subtropical karst forest is well preserved. The favorable natural environment makes this scenic area an ideal habitat for thousands of rare and endangered animals.

Wulong Karst is renowned for its special karst cave system, grand natural stone arch bridges and the eroded tiankeng (giant limestone doline) and fissures. It is composed of three karst scenic areas: Furong Cave, Three Natural Bridges and Houping Tiankeng (Houping Giant Doline).

Geologically, South China Karst evolved due to the tectonic uplift of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It has evolved into an integrated tropical and subtropical karst ecosystem. It is of significance in studying geological evolution.