Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, about 78 kilometers away from downtown Kunming. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction, a UNESCO Global Geopark, and a World Natural Heritage. The scenic area covers a total area of 350 square kilometers, with a core area of approximately 30 square kilometers. It features unique karst landforms formed 270 million years ago, making it a rare geological wonder in China and the world. Centered on the "majestic, mysterious, perilous, beautiful, and serene" stone forest landscapes, the area integrates natural sightseeing, ethnic cultural experiences, and science education. It mainly includes major zones such as the Great Stone Forest, Small Stone Forest, Eternal Ganoderma, and Liziyuanqing, known as the "No. 1 Wonder of the World."
Historical Culture
The Stone Forest Scenic Area is a settlement of the Sani people, an ethnic subgroup of the Yi nationality, with a profound ethnic cultural heritage. The Sani have created oral traditions represented by "Ashima," folk activities such as wrestling and sanxian dance (a traditional three-string instrument dance), among which the "Ashima" epic is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage. The "Stone Forest Wonder" stone inscription in the scenic area was written by Wang Rize, a Jinshi scholar and magistrate of Lunan Prefecture during the Qing Dynasty, in 1733, serving as a landmark cultural feature of the Stone Forest. Furthermore, the Stone Forest was historically an important activity region of the ancient Dian Kingdom. Archaeological findings confirm that humans have inhabited this area since the Neolithic Age, with relics such as ancient cliff paintings and ancient buildings still preserved.
Main Attractions
Great Stone Forest
The Great Stone Forest is the core area of the scenic zone, covering about 12 square kilometers, renowned for its dense cluster of stone peaks. The peaks here tower up to 40 meters at their highest, with diverse shapes such as "Lotus Peak," "Sword Peak Pool," and "A Hair's Breadth from Disaster," all vivid and lifelike. The famous "Stone Forest Wonderland" inscription is located at the entrance of the Great Stone Forest, while "Wangfeng Pavilion" offers the best panoramic view. From the pavilion, thousands of stone peaks resemble a forest of swords and halberds, a magnificent sight.
Small Stone Forest
Adjacent to the Great Stone Forest, the Small Stone Forest covers about 5 square kilometers, featuring delicate and elegant stone peaks. Its most famous attraction is the "Ashima Stone," a 20-meter-high peak resembling a Sani maiden carrying a bamboo basket, standing tall as the embodiment of beauty in Sani culture. Other spots include "Lover's Stone" and "Quiet Pool," offering a peaceful environment for strolling and relaxation.
Eternal Ganoderma
The Eternal Ganoderma zone is named for stone peaks resembling ganoderma mushrooms, spanning about 10 square kilometers. These peaks have a unique black surface texture, like giant ganoderma caps. The largest "Ganoderma Stone" stands 15 meters tall with a base circumference of 30 meters. The zone also features landscapes such as "Ancient Fort" and "Elephants Marching Downhill," showcasing the diversity of karst landforms.
Liziyuanqing
One of the oldest areas in the Stone Forest Scenic Area, Liziyuanqing formed 270 million years ago and covers about 8 square kilometers. Here, low and dense stone peaks create a unique "stone sea" landscape with over 80% ground coverage. Due to its remote location, it retains its original karst ecology, making it an ideal site for geological research and hiking adventures.
Food
Shilin Milk Cake
A traditional dairy product of Shilin, made from fresh goat's milk through coagulation and pressing. Shaped like tofu but rich in nutrition, it contains over 25% protein. The cake can be cooked via frying, deep-frying, steaming, or boiling—for example, "Crispy Fried Milk Cake" is crispy on the outside and tender inside, while "Milk Cake Stewed Chicken" has a rich broth. It is a classic Sani dish for welcoming guests, available in scenic area restaurants and Shilin County.
Buckwheat Cake
A traditional pastry made from buckwheat flour, about 15 cm in diameter and 2 cm thick, with a golden crispy surface and a soft, slightly bitter interior, rich in dietary fiber and trace elements. Sold at snack stalls and Yi farmhouses in the scenic area, it is often served with honey or brown sugar, making it an excellent palate cleanser.
Sani Barbecue
A characteristic Sani barbecue using local pork or lamb sliced thin, marinated with Sichuan pepper, chili, and spices, then grilled over charcoal until crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with dried chili powder. Available at multiple stalls in the scenic area's "Yi Flavor Street," the average cost is about 50 yuan per person.
Wild Mushroom Hotpot
A summer specialty featuring wild mushrooms like termite mushrooms, matsutake, and bolete, cooked in a broth made with free-range chicken or pork ribs. Shilin's surrounding mountains abound with wild mushrooms, available from June to September. A pot of mushroom soup combines multiple fungi for a rich, umami flavor; advance reservations are recommended at nearby farmhouses.
Tickets
Adult tickets are 130 yuan per person.
For the latest updates or online booking, search the official WeChat public account "石林风景名胜区".
Opening Hours
Open year-round from 07:30 to 18:00 (entry closes at 17:30). Sightseeing buses operate from 08:00 to 17:30, with extended hours until 18:30 during legal holidays and summer (July-August). Some areas may close temporarily due to extreme weather (e.g., heavy rain, strong winds); check real-time announcements before visiting.
Tour Routes
Classic one-day route: Arrive at 08:30, take a sightseeing bus to the Great Stone Forest entrance (09:00-12:00), visiting core attractions like Stone Forest Wonderland, Sword Peak Pool, and Wangfeng Pavilion; lunch at a nearby restaurant (12:30) to try milk cake and Sani barbecue; proceed to the Small Stone Forest at 14:00 (14:00-15:30) to see Ashima Stone and Quiet Pool; take the sightseeing bus to Eternal Ganoderma at 16:00 (16:00-17:00) to view Ganoderma Stone and Ancient Fort; return to the main gate at 17:30 to end the tour. For those with extra time, hike in Liziyuanqing the next morning (recommended to go in groups, about 3 hours total).
Transportation
- High-speed rail: Take a high-speed train from Kunming Station/Kunming South Station to Shilin West Station (about 20 daily trips, 18-30 minutes, 25-45 yuan). After arrival, take bus No. 99 (5 yuan) or a taxi (about 20 yuan) to the scenic area, about 20 minutes.
- Bus: Take the "Kunming-Shilin" special line from Kunming East Bus Station (07:00-19:00, every 30 minutes, 2-hour journey, 32 yuan), ending at Shilin County; transfer to bus No. 5 (2 yuan) to the scenic area.
- Self-driving: Depart from downtown Kunming via Shankun Expressway (G78), about 85 km, 1.5 hours. The scenic area has three large parking lots (10 yuan/day for cars, 20 yuan/day for large vehicles).
- Group tours: One-day packages offered by major Kunming travel agencies include tickets, transportation, and guides (200-300 yuan/person), with Yi-style lunch included, suitable for first-time visitors.
Must-See Attractions
- Great Stone Forest: Experience the awe-inspiring spectacle of "towering peaks standing like walls, layered green cliffs forming a vast expanse". Visit the iconic "Stone Forest Wonder" stone inscription and enjoy panoramic views from Wangfeng Pavilion. The recommended tour duration is approximately 3 hours.
- Small Stone Forest: Search for the "Ashima Stone," immerse in Sani love legends, and stroll by Quiet Pool to admire peaks and greenery (1.5-hour tour).
- Eternal Ganoderma: Admire unique black stone peaks and photograph "Ganoderma Stone" and "Ancient Fort" wonders (1-hour tour).
Tour Tips
- Wear comfortable sneakers: Long walking distances and uneven plank roads between peaks require non-slip shoes; avoid high heels or sandals.
- Bring sun protection: Kunming has strong UV rays—pack sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses (summer temperatures can exceed 28°C; warm clothing is needed in winter).
- Rent a voice guide: Electronic voice guides (30 yuan/unit, 100 yuan deposit) are available at the entrance, or follow the scenic area's public account for free audio explanations to learn about geological and cultural backgrounds.
- Visit off-peak: Crowds are heavier on weekends and holidays—arrive early on weekdays to avoid peaks and capture cleaner photos of the stone forest.
Notes
- Protect geological landscapes: The stone forest is a non-renewable geological heritage—climbing or carving on peaks is strictly forbidden, with fines ranging from 500-2000 yuan for violations.
- Obey sightseeing bus rules: Board/alight only at designated stops; do not hail buses or force entry. Hold handrails during rides to prevent falls.
- Respect ethnic customs: The scenic area is home to the Yi Sani people—respect their religious beliefs and traditions, and do not photograph residents without permission.
- Beware of wild macaques: Wild macaques inhabit remote areas like Liziyuanqing—do not feed or provoke them, and secure items like phones and snacks to avoid theft.
- Keep tickets safe: Tickets must be preserved for re-entry or sightseeing bus rides; lost tickets require re-purchase.