Human beings have resided in the Shilin area from as early as the Paleolithic period. Thousands of years ago there were many social groups scattered in Shilin area, and the people of these tribes and clans were the ancestors of the present Shilin Yi people. Over long history, the local Yi people have developed inseparable ties with the Shilin stone forest landscape, established their lifestyle adapting to the karst environment and created their culture relating to the limestone terrain. In particular, the Stone Forest has merged into every aspect of the Yi peoples’ life, reflected in their religion, folktale, poetry, painting, dance, embroidery, costume and adornments, residential architecture, festival celebrations, etc. The epic “A-Shi-Ma” enjoys great popularity in China, the lively and bustling “Torch Festival”, the bright and cheerful dance “Axitiaoyue”, and the affectionate song “Guests from afar please stay here” are known far and wide.