"Reeds blowing in the wind" - strange images found in Sichuan earthquake zone.

Giant natural shapes and images created by the May 12 Sichuan earthquake may bring financial benefit to the distressed area, according to a professor at a local business school.

The images are of various types, resembling animals, plants, human figures and characters from myths and fairy tales.

Human and animal forms are the most common. People claim to see Tarzan of the apes, the goddess Venus, and the god Mars in the rock patterns. There are also astonishingly lifelike images of a cock crowing, a ferocious tiger, and many other animal forms.

Local residents are fascinated by the spectacular images left by the earthquake.

"Although it brought catastrophe and calamity, nature also left us with wonders and marvels," said a local resident.

Professor Li Weijiao, of the Business Administration College of Sichuan University, photographed many of the strange sights while on a trip to investigate local tourist resources.

The strange and wonderful images are located close to world-class tourist attractions such as Jiuzhaigou, Wolong, and Siguniang Mountain, and are consequently expected to attract considerable numbers of tourists and a healthy income.

Professor Li, who is in charge of the reconstruction of local tourism sites, said he was confident that the images would become significant attractions.