One of Liuzhou's more unusual claims to fame is its stones!

There is a world-wide network of collectors of unusual stones. These stones are prized for their shape, texture, colour or markings. Some can be very valuable indeed. Used either on their own as display items, or incorporated into bonsai gardens, the stones, some huge and some tiny, are especially prized in Japan and South Korea among other places.

Liuzhou is generally regarded as a world centre for these stones. The city has held six International Stone Festivals (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010) and there are several stone markets in town. The largest is Liuzhou Fantastic Stone City at 232 Dongguan Avenue (545005 柳州市东环路232号)

The following selection of stone pictures are from this market. All images © 2010 Liuzhou Overseas Ltd