Hello, I’m Michael Zhang — a passionate Chinese traveler and explorer of natural wonders across six continents. My journeys have always been driven by a deep fascination for destinations where nature, history, and culture meet in meaningful ways. Today, I’ll take you into one of China’s most remarkable geological landscapes: the Stone Forest in Kunming. This is not just a sightseeing stop — it’s a rare opportunity to walk through hundreds of millions of years of Earth’s transformation while experiencing the heritage of an ancient culture.

Summary

About the Stone Forest Scenic Area in Kunming

The Stone Forest Scenic Area, also known as the Yunnan Stone Forest, is a world-famous geological marvel located in Kunming, China. This region showcases one of the largest and most spectacular examples of karst topography on Earth. The stone forest spans over 1,100 square kilometers, with a protected core area of 350 square kilometers.

Situated in a subtropical plateau with a monsoon climate, the area enjoys a spring-like atmosphere year-round, marked by distinct wet and dry seasons. The Ba River is the primary waterway running through the region, along with over 80 natural lakes, including Chang Lake and Moon Lake. Additionally, nine underground rivers have been discovered in the area.

The Stone Forest is home to an impressive variety of biodiversity. It contains 21 families, 41 genera, and 87 species of ferns, as well as 51 families, 574 genera, and 990 species of seed plants. The region also supports 185 species of vertebrates, including 42 mammal species.

Known for its dramatic and mystical landscapes, the Stone Forest has earned global recognition as the “First Wonder of the World.” International karst scholars describe it as a “Natural Museum of Shaped Landforms.” It has received China’s prestigious AAAAA rating for tourist destinations and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Location: Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Shilin Street, Kunming (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening hours: Daily, 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Suggested visit duration: 3 to 4 hours
  • Best season to visit: All year round
  • Ticket price: 130 CNY
Stone Forest Kunming landmark with Chinese character carving

Stone Forest Kunming Map

Tourist map of Stone Forest Kunming scenic area

Why You Should Visit the Stone Forest in Kunming

A Unique Karst Landscape

The Stone Forest is a textbook example of Southern China Karst formations, boasting a geological evolution spanning 270 million years. It features the world’s largest sword-like karst formations. Each section of the scenic area offers distinct experiences: the Major Stone Forest impresses with dense limestone spires, while the Minor Stone Forest presents poetic contrasts with open meadows and isolated peaks. The Bushao Mountain area reveals fossil-rich strata, highlighting the region’s prehistoric complexity. In 2007, the entire scenic zone was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, underscoring its importance as a global geological treasure.

A Strong Sense of Ethnic Heritage

Beyond its natural grandeur, the Stone Forest is deeply rooted in local ethnic culture. It is home to the Sani branch of the Yi ethnic group, whose customs and traditions shape the area’s cultural identity. One of the most celebrated legends, the tale of Ashima, originates here and continues to be an iconic part of the landscape. Visitors can join in traditional Yi festivals like the Torch Festival and Mizhi Festival, immersing themselves in the vibrant local rituals and ancestral practices.

Top Things to Do in the Stone Forest in Kunming

Main Attractions

Major Stone Forest

The Major Stone Forest is the heart of the entire scenic area and the most iconic spot every traveler should visit. Towering gray-black stone pillars rise tens of meters high and stand in dense clusters, forming a majestic and awe-inspiring scene often referred to as the “Soul of the Stone Forest.” Walking among them feels like stepping into a still, rocky forest — every angle reveals a new natural sculpture crafted over millions of years.

As you follow the winding paths through the Major Stone Forest, it’s best to stick to the main tourist route. This will allow you to admire its representative rock formations and also enjoy panoramic views of the entire stone landscape. The area is a paradise for photographers and geology enthusiasts alike.

Towering rock formations in Major Stone Forest Kunming

Minor Stone Forest

Compared to the grandeur of the Major Stone Forest, the Minor Stone Forest feels more delicate and serene. The stone pillars here are shorter and more spaced out, making it ideal for families and older visitors. The layout is creatively designed, with many rock formations resembling shapes like the “Phoenix Spreading Its Wings” and “Sword Peak,” blending imagination and natural erosion beautifully.

Its most famous landmark is the Ashima Stone, a naturally formed column that carries the romantic legend of the Yi people, symbolizing love and courage. Visitors enjoy the Minor Stone Forest for its intimate walking paths and the chance to observe fine rock textures and weathering details up close. While the Major Stone Forest stuns with scale, the Minor Stone Forest invites a slower, more contemplative journey.

Iconic limestone pillars in Minor Stone Forest Kunming

Stone Forest Kunming Ticket Guide

Besides entrance tickets, it’s also recommended to buy an electric shuttle ticket (25 CNY; free for seniors over 70 and children under 1.2m). The visitor center is still 2.5 km away from the actual entrance, so the shuttle can save time and energy. The shuttle also runs between the Major and Minor Stone Forest areas.

Stone Forest Kunming Ticket Prices

  • Adults: 130 CNY
  • Children: 65 CNY (ages 7–18)
  • Seniors: 65 CNY (ages 60–70)
  • Free Admission: Seniors over 70, children under 6 years old or below 1.2m in height

Where to Buy Tickets

  • Online: Through the official WeChat account “石林旅游” (Shilin Tourism)
  • On-site: At the Visitor Center

The layout of the scenic area can be confusing. It’s easy to get turned around or miss important spots. Here’s a suggested route that avoids getting lost while covering all key attractions:

Take the sightseeing shuttle into the scenic zone → enter the Major Stone Forest → walk the inner loop → Qunfeng Diecui (Layered Peaks) → Wannian Lingzhi (Eternal Ganoderma) → Liyu Garden → Bushao Mountain → take the shuttle outer loop to Lotus Pond → visit the Minor Stone Forest → walk to the shuttle station and exit.

  • The full visit can be completed in just 2 hours if you’re short on time. If you ride the internal shuttle without getting off, 3 hours is enough.
  • Shuttle stops like Liyu Garden, Wangfu Rock, and Bushao Mountain are close to one another and also near the Minor Stone Forest. These scenic spots are great for both panoramic views and closer exploration. They are often quiet and scenic — ideal if you have extra time.
Narrow stone corridors at Stone Forest Kunming

There are very limited food options inside the scenic area. For meals, head to restaurants near the entrance. If you’re looking for a proper sit-down meal, going into Shilin County is the best choice. If you’re doing a round trip from Kunming on the same day, it’s best to dine in the city instead.

How to Get to the Stone Forest from Downtown Kunming

It’s best to check whether you’re closer to a bus station or a train station. If you’re near a bus station, take the long-distance coach. If you’re near a train station, the high-speed train and connecting bus is more convenient.

Tourist Coach

  • From Kunming East Bus Station, there are direct coaches to the Stone Forest Scenic Area. The ride takes about 1.5 hours, with buses departing every 30 minutes. Tickets are 35 CNY per person. You can book round-trip tickets through the WeChat mini program “昆明市东部汽车客运站.” The last return bus from Shilin is at 6:00 PM.
  • From Kunming Changshui Airport, take the airport long-distance bus on the dedicated Shilin route. It also takes about 1.5 hours and costs 60 CNY per person. However, departures are less frequent.

High-Speed Train + Bus

Kunming has multiple railway stations that go to the Shilin area, but make sure to select Shilinxi (Stone Forest West) station, not Shilin station. The high-speed train to Shilinxi takes only 30 minutes and costs 18 CNY. In contrast, traveling to Shilin station can take up to two hours. Once you arrive at Shilinxi, take Bus No. 99 directly to the scenic area. The ride takes about 45 minutes and costs 10 CNY.

FAQ

Is the Stone Forest in Kunming stroller- and wheelchair-friendly?

Strollers are manageable in most areas, but wheelchairs can be difficult to use. There are spots where walking a few steps is necessary. Most main paths are relatively accessible.

Is there luggage storage available?

Yes, the scenic area has storage facilities. Just inside the visitor center to the right, you’ll find a row of self-service lockers. They’re easy to use and cost 10 CNY.