The Stone Forest (石林), known as the “First Wonder of the World,” is located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, 78 kilometers southeast of Kunming. This scenic area comprises seven major sections: Greater and Lesser Stone Forests, Naigu Stone Forest, Dadie Waterfall, Chang Lake, Yue Lake, Zhiyun Cave, and Qifeng Cave. Typically, when people refer to the Stone Forest, they mean the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests.
The Stone Forest Scenic Area boasts the world’s largest sword-shaped karst landscape, recognized as one of Earth’s “Eight Natural Wonders.” The unique rock formations resemble a magnificent painting, attracting visitors from across the globe. The Stone Forest is also like a beautiful poem, inspiring poets and writers throughout history with its stunning, otherworldly beauty.
Travel Information about Yunnan Stone Forest
Tickets and Opening Hours:
Admission Fee: The Stone Forest Scenic Area is priced at 130 CNY, which includes the Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone Forest, Wannian Lingzhi, Liziyuanqing, and Banshao Mountain. Naigu Stone Forest has a separate fee of 25 CNY.
Opening Hours: The general opening hours are from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, while Naigu Stone Forest is open from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit
The Stone Forest experiences mild summers and winters, with distinct dry and wet seasons. The temperature here is slightly higher than in Kunming. The best time to visit is during the summer and autumn months when the area showcases vibrant colors and beautiful scenery.
Transportation to the Scenic Area
Location: The Stone Forest is situated in Shilin County, 78 kilometers from downtown Kunming.
Bus: Direct tourist buses to the Stone Forest depart every 30 minutes from the Eastern Bus Station in Kunming.
Train: You can take a train from Kunming South Station to Shilin West Station and then transfer to Bus 99 to reach the Stone Forest.
Attraction Ratings
- Cultural Significance: ★★
- Unique Features: ★★★★
- Recreational Activities: ★★★
- Natural Beauty: ★★★★
- Romantic Atmosphere: ★★★★
- Adventure and Excitement: ★★★★
Highlights of Yunnan Stone Forest
The Grand Stone Forest
The Grand Stone Forest is characterized by its dense and towering stone peaks, resembling a vast stone basin. The stone formations rise sharply, showcasing smooth lines and a soft bluish-gray hue, with the tallest independent rock columns exceeding 40 meters in height.
Among the notable sites within the Grand Stone Forest are the Lotus Peak, Sword Peak Pool, Critical Moment, Narrow Passage, Elephant Distance Stone Platform, Orchid Deep Valley, and Phoenix Spreading Wings. The most famous spot is the “Stone Forest Scenic Area”, marked by the inscription by Long Yun, while the Viewing Peak Pavilion offers the best vantage point to appreciate the breathtaking “Sea of Stone Forest.”
The Small Stone Forest
In contrast to the dense formations of the Grand Stone Forest, the nearby Small Stone Forest is more open, elegant, and picturesque. The thick, solid stone walls serve as natural screens, dividing the Small Stone Forest into several charming garden-like areas. One of the most famous attractions within the Small Stone Forest is “A-shi-Ma.” As night falls, colorful lights illuminate the A-shi-Ma stone, creating a vibrant and enchanting spectacle that captivates all who visit.
The Legend of A-shi-ma
Within the Stone Forest Scenic Area stands a stone known as “A-shi-ma,” which has been a symbol of longing for centuries. According to legend, A-shi-ma was a beautiful girl born into the impoverished Ge Lu Ri Ming family. Her parents wished for her to be as precious and shining as gold, naming her A-shi-ma.
As A-shi-ma grew up, she fell deeply in love with her childhood friend, the orphan A-he. She vowed to marry no one else. However, the son of the wealthy landlord He Bu Ba La, named A-zhi, also desired the beautiful A-shi-ma. Taking advantage of A-he’s absence while he was tending to sheep, A-zhi sent people to abduct A-shi-ma and force her to marry him.
Defiant and unwilling to submit, A-shi-ma was brutally beaten and imprisoned in a dark cell. Upon hearing the news, A-he rushed day and night to rescue her. Yet, the cruel father and son duo, determined to keep A-shi-ma, conspired with the cliff gods. As A-shi-ma and A-he attempted to cross a river, a flood was unleashed, sweeping A-shi-ma away.
In the end, A-shi-ma was transformed into a stone peak, becoming the embodiment of the echoing spirit. No matter how one calls her name, she replies in kind. Her voice and shadow are forever etched in the world, symbolizing love, loss, and resilience.
Banshao Mountain Stone Forest
Banshao Mountain is situated to the east of the Grand Stone Forest and south of the Small Stone Forest, stretching in a north-south direction and bounded by the Ring Forest East Road. With its peak at an elevation of 1,797 meters, Banshao Mountain is the highest point in the Stone Forest Scenic Area, standing nearly 50 meters higher than the Viewing Peak Pavilion in the Grand Stone Forest.
From the summit, visitors are treated to sweeping views of the forested landscape, where the sea of trees and towering stone columns create a captivating panorama. Walking through the mountain area, you’ll encounter a unique array of columnar stone formations, including the notable “Banshao Five Stone Gate” and “Banshao Pine Waves.”
In addition to the striking rock formations, the area is also home to giant fossilized mollusks, which provide a glimpse into the vibrant life that existed in the Stone Forest region 270 million years ago.
Liziyuanqing Stone Forest
The Liziyuanqing Stone Forest is located beyond the Ring Forest Road and covers an area of several dozen square kilometers of wild hills and rugged terrain. This scenic area is adorned with unique stone pillars and odd-shaped rocks that vary in arrangement—some clustered closely together, while others stand alone. The absence of tall trees allows for an unobstructed view of the stone formations, maintaining the area’s natural beauty. Visitors here will experience a landscape that feels distinctly different from the Grand and Small Stone Forests.
One of the highlights of Liziyuanqing is a collection of ancient cliff paintings found on the rocky walls. These images depict dynamic and rugged figures of humans, animals, objects, and celestial bodies. Experts believe that these paintings may represent elements of primitive religious practices, possibly left behind as a form of expression by the ancient Yi people.
Naigu Stone Forest
The Naigu Stone Forest is located 13 kilometers north of the main Stone Forest area and is also known as the He Mojie Stone Forest. The term “Naigu” means “black” in the Yi language, referring to the distinctive dark color of the stones in this area. Unlike the primary Stone Forest, Naigu offers a unique style and character.
To enter the Naigu Stone Forest, visitors must first pass by the clear waters of Baiyun Lake. Surrounding the lake are several isolated mountains where numerous weathered stone pillars rise dramatically. Some of these pillars resemble war horses, while others evoke the appearance of watchtowers, leading to the area being referred to as the “Ancient Battlefield.”
Inside the Naigu Stone Forest, visitors will discover a breathtaking network of underground caves, often referred to as the “Underground Heavenly Palace” or “Crystal Palace.” This remarkable subterranean landscape showcases stunning karst formations and is a prime example of underground geomorphology.
Visitor Guide for Kunming Stone Forest
Accommodations Near the Stone Forest
The accommodation prices near the Stone Forest are generally high, with most room rates starting above 100 yuan. This is likely due to the area’s popularity as a major tourist destination. Recommended Hotels:
Stone Forest Man Yan Boutique Inn (石林蔓延精品客栈): Located in the Yi Ethnic Village, this inn boasts a uniquely artistic decor that reflects the owner’s taste. The owner is known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor. The lobby is beautifully designed, and the second floor features a terrace that is ideal for conversations. The rooms are clean and hygienic, making it a pleasant stay.
Stone Forest Blue Sky Hotel (石林蓝天精舍酒店): Situated not far from the entrance of the scenic area, this hotel offers views of Stone Forest Lake. Although the exterior may not stand out due to its long history, the facilities and services provided inside are quite commendable.
Stone Forest Secret Hotel (石林秘地大酒店): This hotel combines accommodation, dining, entertainment, shopping, and leisure activities. It features a food court that highlights local specialties, making it a convenient choice for travelers looking to experience local cuisine while enjoying a comfortable stay.
Local Cuisine in the Stone Forest
Stone Forest Soup Pot (石林汤锅): This dish is rich in local ethnic flavor, featuring meats such as lamb and donkey. The cooking technique for the soup pot is exceptional, with various meats simmered to perfection, resulting in a dish that is visually appealing and full of aroma and flavor. It’s a delightful experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Milk Cake (乳饼): A notable specialty of the Stone Forest, milk cake is made by boiling fresh sheep’s milk and then adding an appropriate amount of sour water to help it coagulate. After being pressed into blocks and dried, it becomes a delicious local treat.
Wild Edible Mushrooms (野生食用菌): The Stone Forest is home to a variety of wild edible mushrooms, including chicken fir, porcini, and dried mushrooms. Visiting in July or August provides a fantastic opportunity to enjoy these mushrooms, which can be sautéed, fried, or used in soups, all of which are exceptionally tasty.
Stone Forest Marinated Tofu (石林卤腐): With a history of over 200 years, this dish is made by marinating tofu sourced from the Stone Forest. The tofu’s high quality is attributed to the use of the clean Ba Jiang water, resulting in a unique and delightful flavor that is loved by many. Stone Forest marinated tofu can be found in various shops and markets throughout the county.
Souvenirs from the Stone Forest
Sani Embroidery (撒尼刺绣): Sani embroidery is a unique craft with a long history, characterized by various techniques such as挑花 (picking flowers), 绣 (embroidery), 补 (patching), 纳 (weaving), 扣 (buttoning), and both single-sided and double-sided embroidery. These intricate works can be found for sale throughout the Stone Forest scenic area.
Folk Instruments (民间乐器): Known as the homeland of song and dance, the Stone Forest has a rich tradition of music, with the Sani people being skilled singers and dancers. The local folk instruments are distinctive, including the large and small sanxian (a three-stringed instrument), erhu (a two-stringed fiddle), sanhu (a three-stringed fiddle), long and short bamboo flutes, and other instruments such as the moon lute and hulusi (gourd flute).
Local Specialties (土特产): The Stone Forest is famous for its local specialties, including milk cake, marinated tofu, bone ginseng, and fried chicken fir mushrooms. These delicious products are readily available in the souvenir shops and markets within the Stone Forest scenic area.