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Geological Wonder: Exploring an Ancient Underwater World from 460 Million Years Ago

Located in Taiyanghe Township in the northwest of Enshi City, Suobuya Stone Forest is approximately a one-hour drive from the city center. The scenic area was formed during the Ordovician Period 460 million years ago. Originally covered by an ancient ocean, it gradually evolved through geological transformations over hundreds of millions of years into the extraordinary stone forest landscape seen today. Covering a total area of 21 square kilometers, the area features towering stone peaks surrounded by lush greenery, resembling a vast “underwater labyrinth.” As a “crowned stone forest” with one of the highest vegetation coverage rates in China, the scenic area enjoys a cool and pleasant average summer temperature, making it an ideal destination for summer retreats and nature-based relaxation.

The four major scenic areas currently open to visitors each have their own unique appeal. Qinglongtai serves as the highest point of the scenic area, offering panoramic views of the entire stone forest from above. Lianhuazhai features the breathtaking “Xiniugou” secret landscape, where towering cliffs on both sides and changing light and shadows create a dreamlike atmosphere. Mozigou is rich in ancient biological fossils, allowing visitors to touch traces of life from the Ordovician Period with their own hands. Jiulonghui features circular rock walls and groups of waterfalls, with stone peaks rising dramatically from the ground to create a magnificent landscape. The scenic area also features the 5D theater “Shanhaijing,” where visitors can enjoy an immersive experience of the evolution of the Ordovician ocean world. With gentle walking trails and an easy travel route, the area is suitable for families and nature exploration enthusiasts.

Cultural Feast: Immersive Experiences of Tujia Folk Traditions

Suobuya Stone Forest is not only a treasure trove of geological wonders but also an important carrier of Tujia culture. The Tujia ethnic group is one of the major ethnic minorities in the Enshi region, with a long history and distinctive cultural traditions. The “Baishou Dance” is one of the most representative folk dances of the Tujia people and has been listed as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage. The dance movements often imitate scenes such as hunting, farming, and warfare, featuring a lively rhythm. Visitors can personally participate in this cultural experience at the Tiejiazhai Square and Duigetai Stage.

The Tujia Girls’ Festival is one of Enshi’s most distinctive traditional folk festivals and has been held at Suobuya Stone Forest during the seventh month of the lunar calendar for many consecutive years. The festival is a traditional social activity where young Tujia men and women use songs as a medium for communication and dances to express emotions. It carries the unique marriage customs and collective memories of the Tujia people and has been recognized as a provincial-level intangible cultural heritage of Hubei Province and one of the “Top Ten Most Charming Festivals in China.” During the festival, the scenic area hosts a variety of activities, including matchmaking through folk songs, traditional cultural parades, and traditional handicraft exhibitions, allowing visitors to experience the rich ethnic culture amid the stone forests and mountain scenery. Suobuya Stone Forest has therefore also been recognized as the “Hometown of Chinese Folk Art” and the “Hometown of Mountain Folk Songs.”

Since 2026, the scenic area has continued to enhance its tourism products and cultural experiences. During the May Day holiday, it launched the “Exploring Wonders on Horseback · Fun in the Million-Year Stone Sea” folk culture series, featuring interactive programs such as folk song and dance flash mobs, the “Nature Guardians” activity where visitors exchange collected litter for cultural souvenirs, the immersive intangible cultural heritage experience “Stone Workers’ Chant,” and the outdoor role-playing game “Stone Forest Secret Order · Pursuing the Shadow of Rocks.” These activities allow visitors to explore the ancient stone sea while deeply engaging with Tujia cultural traditions.

Improved Transportation: Easier Access to Enshi for Southeast Asian Tourists

Since the opening of Enshi Xujiaping International Airport’s aviation port, the international flight network has continued to improve. In 2026, the Enshi–Hong Kong route achieved year-round regular operation, while flights between Enshi and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have resumed successively, creating a dual-route network connecting Vietnam’s two major cities in the north and south. According to the development plan of the Enshi aviation port, new routes to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and other destinations will be steadily promoted in the future, further strengthening the Southeast Asian aviation network. Tourists from major Southeast Asian cities can fly directly to Enshi and reach this 460-million-year-old underwater world after only a one-hour drive. Hidden deep within the Wuling Mountains, this ancient stone forest wonderland is welcoming visitors from around the world with a more open and international approach.
Hashtag: #SuobuyaCulturalTourism

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The Scholarship Awards aims to recognize and support students pursuing life sciences or biomedical sciences programs at local UGC-funded institutions. Each awardee would receive a HK$50,000 scholarship, mentorship from industry professionals through the HKLSS Mentorship Scheme, and priority enrollment in the HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program, which offers students an integrated hands-on learning experience across Hong Kong, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) Region and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).

Brought together by the Scholarship Awards, three awardees of cohort 2025/26 – SANTOSO Rachelle Jacinda (Y3 BSc in Biological Sciences, CityUHK), RAHMAN Syed Rayan (Y3 BSc in Applied Biology with Biotechnology, PolyU), and TAI Wing Yin Vincy (Y3 Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, HKU), embarked on a shared journey – to be nurtured, grow, and ultimately bloom as future leaders in life sciences, contributing their skills and passion to advance Hong Kong’s life sciences ecosystem and build a better tomorrow through inter-disciplinary collaborations.

Homegrown Biological Sciences Dream Fuels Up in Hong Kong
Arriving from Indonesia three years ago, SANTOSO Rachelle Jacinda (Rachelle) joined Hong Kong’s life sciences community as an undergraduate with determination and hope. Her passion was first ignited by family medical challenges and her curiosity for biology drove her to pursue deeper studies in biological sciences.

What opened her door to her true calling was the hands-on laboratory work. Rachelle came to appreciate not only the essential role of doctors but also the vital impact of scientists, both working together to advance healthcare. This realization fueled her dream for postgraduate studies, a goal that she once deemed rather idealistic.

She described the Scholarship Awards as a “confidence boost”. She recalled receiving an affirmation from one of the Scholarship Awards interviewers about her future plans, “I think you’re in a quite good place” reassured her that she was on the right path.

With her confidence boosted, Rachelle plans to leverage the scholarship to establish herself in Hong Kong – a supportive nurturing ground for life sciences students, and growing global healthcare investment. Embracing the local culture, she is now learning Cantonese and improving her Mandarin to gear herself up and pursue future opportunities in both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.

From Hometown to International Life Sciences Research Lab
“I wanted to become a surgeon [in the past] because I wanted to save lives every day. But if I become a researcher in the life sciences field, one single breakthrough can change millions of lives,” said, RAHMAN Syed Rayan (Rayan), who discovered his real passion in the research lab.

Rayan’s fascination with science began at the age of ten in Bangladesh, where he observed animals in his hometown. Like Rachelle, his enthusiasm for life sciences brought him to Hong Kong, where he was encouraged to immerse himself in research at the university laboratory, guided by professors with profound global research expertise. During semester breaks, Rayan seized every opportunity to broaden his knowledge. Now based in Hong Kong, on his freshman and sophomore years, he pursued an internship in Canada and a summer exchange in the UK, where research primarily followed a fundamental approach. He was thankful for the diverse doors Hong Kong had opened, as exposure to different research methods taught him to see things more holistically, which benefited his work in Hong Kong, known for its focus on translational research.

As Rayan continued to build his career in the life sciences field, receiving the Scholarship Awards meant a great deal to Rayan as he felt “trusted by the panel” and empowered him to be aware of his actions. “Having somebody else to tell you that you are on the right path and believe in you, is very important,” Rayan emphasized.

Rayan also feels especially grateful and refreshed to have found the amazing community he discovered through the Scholarship Awards, as he gets a chance to connect with like-minded peers, who all work towards the same goals and similar challenges. The Scholarship Awards has paved his way to additional opportunities, including priority access to the Society’s industry experience focused Summer Internship Program.

Scientists on TV Ignite Big Ambitions
TAI Wing Yin Vincy (Vincy), raised in Hong Kong, developed her passion for life sciences as a child watching scientists in action on TV. Inspired by her curiosity and determination to make a difference, she chose to study biomedical sciences at The University of Hong Kong, following her passion despite conventional expectations.

During her time at university, she gained practical experience through internships in both laboratory and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant facility, which reinforced her ambition. She also minored in Sustaining Cities, Cultures and the Earth to explore inter-disciplinary connections, “As a student, we should not only focus on life sciences, but also learn more about the global perspective, especially when sciences can influence the world,” she said.

These experiences deepened her dedication to the field and the Scholarship Awards became more than an award – it offered a source of belonging that affirmed her place in the life sciences community. “I feel like I am part of the Society, someone who can eventually grow and evolve together with the community and industry,” she said.

The Scholarship Awards has helped bridge her to the broader life sciences ecosystem, as Vincy was connected with previous and other same-cohort awardees at the Presentation Ceremony, and she looks forward to meeting more entrepreneurs, researchers, and C-suite executives from the life sciences sector and gaining guidance from them through HKLSS’ Mentorship Scheme and Summer Internship Program.

Powering Ambition: HKLSS Opens Paths Beyond the Classroom with its Pillar Programs
From different beginnings, Rachelle, Rayan, and Vincy find common ground through HKLSS. For them, the Scholarship Awards is more than financial support – it brings them to the pillar programs, a gateway to industry-centered mentorship, industry experience, and a vibrant community driving the future of life sciences in Hong Kong, the YRD, the GBA and beyond.

“I would very much love to go there [Shanghai and Shenzhen] because I will have the opportunity to explore new places and also to meet people with different cultures,” Rachelle said, while Rayan and Vincy also saw the internships as valuable opportunities to gain experience in the Chinese Mainland. “I have heard so many good things from my friends, especially the pharmaceutical companies over there,” Rayan added.

As a life sciences ecosystem enabler, HKLSS continues to expand its pillar programs, activities, and network to meet the evolving needs of members at different career stages. To address the growing demand for life sciences talent and attract both local and non-local professionals to the city, HKLSS also launched Biotech Talent, a dedicated job platform that connects talent with opportunities in the life sciences and biotechnology industry, and offers employers direct access to a diverse talent pool. Through a growing suite of initiatives, the Society partners with its network to support and cultivate a vibrant life sciences ecosystem with dedication.
Hashtag: #HongKongLifeSciencesSociety #HKLSS #香港生命科技青年會 #LifeSciences

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About Hong Kong Life Sciences Society

Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) is an organization established by Nan Fung Group in 2018 aiming to build a dynamic life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong. Through knowledge exchange, collaboration and public engagement, HKLSS aims to attract, cultivate and retain talent in Hong Kong’s life sciences and biotechnology sectors.

Members of Hong Kong Life Sciences Society
Founder and Board Chair: Mr Vincent Cheung
Board Vice-chair: Mr Shannon Cheung, Prof Nancy Ip, Mr Antony Leung
Executive Director: Prof Ken Wong

Members of the Advisory Board
Prof Tom Cheung, Dr Vanessa Cheung, Ms Irene Chu, Mr Shan Fu, Mr Meng Gao, Ms Gladdy He, Prof David Ho, Dr Lu Huang, Mr Emmanuel Hui, Prof Daniel Lee, Ms Nisa Leung, Prof Suet Yi Leung, Prof Kai Liu, Prof Stephanie Ma, Dr Jay Mei, Prof Malik Peiris, Prof Leo Poon, Dr Jin Seok Seo, Prof Anderson Shum, Dr Qiusong Tang, Mr William Tang, Prof Lap-Chee Tsui, Prof Yung Hou Wong, Mr Frank Yu, Prof Kwok-Yung Yuen

For more information about the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society, please visit:
Website: www.hklss.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/HKLifeSciencesSociety
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hklifesciencessociety
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hklss/
Media inquiries: [email protected]

Costumed visitors thronged the Elbenwald Festival at Spreeauenpark in Cottbus, Germany, a three-day event celebrating fantasy and pop culture. Fans dressed as their favorite characters from movies, TV shows, and books, creating a vibrant and immersive experience. The festival featured themed activities, workshops, and performances, drawing enthusiasts from across Europe.

In Tokyo, vibrant sunflower fields have become a popular summer attraction, with thousands flocking to witness the blooming spectacle. The fields, located in various parts of the city, offer a picturesque landscape, providing a serene escape from the bustling urban environment. Visitors enjoy leisurely walks and photo opportunities amidst the golden blooms, creating a striking contrast against the city skyline.

The Elbenwald Festival has grown in popularity over the years, becoming a significant event for fantasy and pop culture fans. Participants often spend months preparing their costumes, adding to the event’s authenticity and excitement. The festival’s program includes live music, film screenings, and interactive exhibits, catering to a wide range of interests. Attendees have the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, share their passion for various fandoms, and participate in creative activities. The sense of community and shared enthusiasm is a hallmark of the festival, making it a memorable experience for all involved.

Tokyo’s sunflower fields, on the other hand, offer a different kind of allure. The blooming period, which lasts for a few weeks, transforms the city’s parks and gardens into vibrant yellow canvases. Families, couples, and photographers flock to these fields to capture the beauty of the flowers. The sight of sunflowers stretching towards the sky, swaying gently in the breeze, is a serene and uplifting experience. Local authorities and organizations often host events and activities in the fields, including guided tours and educational programs about horticulture and the significance of sunflowers in Japanese culture.

Both the Elbenwald Festival and Tokyo’s sunflower fields highlight the diverse ways people find joy and connection through nature and culture. These events attract visitors not only for their visual appeal but also for the experiences they offer. Whether it’s the creative expression seen in the elaborate costumes at Elbenwald or the tranquility found among the sunflowers in Tokyo, these moments provide a respite from daily life and a chance to celebrate beauty in its many forms.

The cultural significance of such events cannot be overstated. They foster a sense of community and belonging, allowing individuals to express themselves and connect with others who share similar interests. The Elbenwald Festival, with its focus on fantasy and storytelling, taps into the human desire for escapism and adventure. Meanwhile, Tokyo’s sunflower fields offer a reminder of the simple pleasures that nature provides, encouraging people to slow down and appreciate their surroundings.

Overall, the Elbenwald Festival and Tokyo’s sunflower fields exemplify the unique ways in which different cultures celebrate and find joy. These events, though distinct in their nature, both serve to bring people together, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of wonder. Whether through the imaginative realms of fantasy or the natural beauty of blooming flowers, they remind us of the importance of finding moments of happiness and connection in our lives.