Kunming’s Stone Forest, a geological treasure formed over 300 million years, is one of the world’s most impressive karst landscapes, designated as both a UNESCO World Geopark and a World Natural Heritage site. This natural wonder includes the main Stone Forest Scenic Area, Black Pine Rock (Naigu Stone Forest), Feilong Waterfall (Dadieshui Falls), and Changhu Lake. To help you get the most out of your visit, here are some personal tips and insights for navigating the Stone Forest, with practical advice on transportation, routes, photography, and making it a family-friendly adventure.
1. Suggest Route: For a well-rounded experience, follow the main path: Stone Forest Scenic Area (石林风景区) ➡ Sword Peak Pond (剑峰池) ➡ Ancient Ganoderma (万年灵芝) ➡ Plum Garden Valley (李子园箐) ➡ Sentry Mountain (步哨山) ➡ Small Stone Forest (小石林).
2. Tickets: Entry is ¥130 per person, and it’s recommended to purchase an electric cart pass for ¥25, as the Visitor Center is 6 kilometers from the main entrance. The electric cart provides round-trip transport, making it easier to save your energy for exploring inside the park.
3. Guide Services: You’ll find guides readily available as soon as you enter. The Stone Forest is vast and can be challenging to navigate, so a guide can help you explore efficiently while sharing the area’s history, stories, and folklore. Hiring a guide costs around ¥160 and can be worthwhile if you want to maximize your experience and avoid getting lost.
4. Self-Guided Option: We opted to explore on our own, which led us to quieter areas rarely visited by other tourists. Wandering the less-traveled paths turned into a unique adventure, offering a different perspective of the Stone Forest.
5. Prepare Proper Footwear: The terrain is varied, with paths that include steps and rocks, so be sure kids have comfortable, sturdy shoes.
6. Sun Protection: The UV rays in Yunnan are strong, so pack sun-protective clothing and sunscreen.
7. Engage Kids with Nature: Our 3-year-old was thrilled to explore the unique rock formations and natural crevices, which provided endless entertainment. Despite the uphill climbs, they were able to walk most of the way with little need for carrying, enjoying the many natural “play areas” along the trail.
8. Starting at Lion Pavilion (狮子亭): For a scenic, crowd-free experience, start at Lion Pavilion and follow the mountain path onward without retracing your steps. Moving forward without looping back not only keeps you in less crowded areas but also brings you to fascinating natural formations that resemble animals, which kids will enjoy.
9. Hidden Paths: Certain sections, such as narrow passages between rocks or “one-line sky” formations, offer unique spots for fun and photos. Let your kids’ imaginations run wild as they encounter rocks shaped like animals or characters.
10. Timing and Location: We visited during a less busy time, allowing us to capture the beautiful formations without large crowds. In peak season, however, the main spots can be crowded. For clearer shots, find quieter areas off the main paths, where the formations are just as stunning and offer better photo opportunities.
11. Avoiding Crowds: For crowd-free pictures, walk towards areas with fewer people. You’ll find unique angles and can capture the stone formations in all their glory without distractions in the background.
12. A Must-Buy for Large Distances: Given the park’s size, purchasing a shuttle bus pass is essential. After exploring and walking for hours, the shuttle is a lifesaver for getting back. For example, we walked for about two hours before reaching the last stop and then waited just 10 minutes for the shuttle, which helped us avoid a long trek back to the exit.
13. Flexible Touring: While guides are great for time-saving, self-exploration with the shuttle option lets you move at your own pace and still enjoy the main highlights. The park offers maps and signage throughout, so you can navigate easily without worrying about getting lost.