The Stone Forest, Kunming

The Stone Forest, Kunming

Chinese Name: 石林
English Name: Stone Forest
Type: Geologic Formations, Points of Interest & Landmarks, Nature & Parks, Sights & Landmarks
Best Time: All Year Around
Recommended Visiting Hours: 1 Day
Opening Hours: 08:00 ~ 17:00
Ticket:175 RMB for ticket and 30 RMB for shuttle bus
Location: About 78 kilometers away from Kunming City.

More Picture

Why is Stone Forest so special?

The most dramatic of these attractions  in Kunming is the Stone Forest, known since the Ming Dynasty as the ‘First Wonder of the World’. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Obviously, ranking the first at its age, size and typical formation, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan.

Introduction

History of Stone Forest

Geographically, the Stone Forest is a special topography called Karst landform, which is mainly formed by the chemical reation that limestone can be eroded by water with carbon dioxide. The specific formation of Stone Forest can date back to about 270 million years ago. At that time, this area was a part of ocean in which many oceanic living beings inhabited. As time went by, the corpses piled up gradually and fossilized into a thick limestone seabed, which rose up to form a table land because of the movements of the earth’s crust. Then a large number of lava from volcanoe eruption covered the limestone and cooled down, forming a thick basalt protective layer consequently. About 50 million years ago, the basalt layer flaked away and the water from rainfall and underground slowly eroded the limestone surface.

Main Attractions in Stone Forest

Walking through the Stone Forest, visitors marvel at the natural stone masterpieces and are bewitched by the intricate formations. The magnificent, strange and steep landscape creates countless labyrinthine vistas, including:Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest and Naigu Stone Forest, all of which feature stones in various formations. Animals, plants, and even human figures can be found here. Some are elegant, some are rugged, and each is lifelike with its own distinguishing characteristics.

● Minor Stone Forest(小石林）

The Minor Stone Forest is also call Ashima Scenic Area. The big and thick stone walls like a screen deliver this scenic area into several parts. Of all, the most famous scenic spot is ‘Ashima’. When the night comes, it is colorful and charming under the glittering lights.

● Major Stone Forest（大石林）

The Major Stone Forest consists of intensive stone peaks, just like a stretch of stone basin. The stone forests here have straight shapes and smooth lines, among which the highest stone pillar is more than 40 meters in height.The magnificent, strange, and steep landscape creates countless sights, including Lotus Peak, Ashima Rock, Sword Peak Pond, Shilin Lake, and ‘a Gleam of Sky’.

● Long Lake (长湖)

Long Lake is a karst lake that is three kilometers (two miles) long but only 300 meters wide. The lake features underwater stalagmites and stalactites and a small island in the center of the water.The source of the Dadie Waterfall, Ba River, is a branch of Nanpan River. In the rainy season, up to 150 cubic meters (196 cubic yards) of water per square inch plummet down the 88 meter (288 feet) drop.

Legend &  Minority Culture 

Story about Ashima

Many beautiful legends originate in this magical place, passed along by  the native people known as Sani, a branch of the Yi ethnic group. One particular story about the faithful love of Ashima, a beautiful, clever and warm-hearted Sani girl, is the most popular and has been told for thousands of years. As the legend goes, Ashima was kidnapped by an lanlord’s son and forced into marriage. Her lover, Ahei, made every effort to save her. However, on the way home, Ashima was swept away by a flood and turned into what is known as the Ashima Rock, which can be found in the Minor Stone Forest. Her passion and perseverance for freedom and true love still encourage today’s Sani people.

Torch Festival of Sani People

The Sani people celebrate their national festival – the Torch Festival – every lunar year on June 24. They take part in traditional performances such as wrestling, bull fighting, pole-climbing, dragon-playing, lion-dancing and the A-xi Moon Dance. During this time, the Stone Forest is alive with a particular0ve atmosphere, making the area even more attractive than usual.

How to Get There

Stone Forest is 78km from Kunming. Travelers can take public coach at bus stations in Kunming to Stone Forest. This will take about 1.5 hours. From Kunming Changshui International Airport, travelers can take the travel bus to there, and it will take about 2 hours. Shilin Yi Autonomous County also has a train station, and it has trains to Kunming, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Nanning, Zhanjiang, Guiyang, Hongguo, etc. Shilin Train Station is only about 4km from Stone Forest, so traveler can get the spot easily.

Another way to get to Stone Forest is taking a private car, and this is the fastest and most convenient way. It only takes about 1 hour. If you book tour with us, we will provide you the private car with a private driver and a tour guide to make your trip worry-free.

How to Get Around in the Park

Travelers will purchase the ticket at Visitor Center which is 2km from the entrance of the scenic area. Travelers can take cable car to from the Visitor Center to the entrance and the price is ¥25/person. The cable car will also drive in the scenic area (since the scenic area is quite large) and it will pass by all five attractions of Stone Forest Scenic Area, including Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest, Bushao Hill, Lizi Yuanqing and Eternal Mushroom. Once purchase the cable car ticket, travelers can take any cable car in the scenic spot by showing the ticket in the same day.

Naigu Stone Forest is 8km from Stone Forest Scenic Area, and traveler can take the travel bus commuting between the two areas to there. The running time for the travel bus is 9:00 ~ 19:00 and it will departure every half hour. Please check with the working staff for the detailed position of the bus.

Recommended Stone Forest Tours

Top 3 Stone Forest tours chosen by most customers to explore Stone Forest in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us. We provide some tour routes for tourists to choose.

1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Group Tour
1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Tour by High Speed Train
1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Tour with Nuohei Ethnic Village Discovery

Useful Travel Tips

1. Torch Festival

June 24th in Chinese lunar calendar is the traditional Torch Festival of Yi people. At this time, Stone Forest will hold grand bullfight, wrestling and song and dance activities to celebrate. Yi people will dress in their traditional costumes to anticipate the celebration. At nightfall, the bonfire and torches will be lit up, and people will dance and sing around the bonfire. This is the best time to experience the ethnic culture of Yi people.

2. Best seasons

Best time to visit is from March to October. Most ethnic festivals are during this time, and travelers can also appreciate various flowers during this time. Stone Forest is located in the subtropical humid monsoon climate zone, and it features in continental monsoon climate. No hot summer nor severe cold winter, the climate here is rather moderate all year round.

3. Tickets

The entrance ticket for the Stone Forest is ¥175/person. The ticket for cable car in the scenic area is ¥25/person. The dance show in the scenic area is free.

4. Facility

In the front of the scenic area, there are parking lot and China post office.
The Visitor Center can provide wheelchair, baby carriage, umbrella, walking stick, etc. for visitors.
The Visitor Center also provide tour guide service in Chinese, English, Japanese, Thai, etc. for tourists, and the guide service will charge a certain fees, please check with the staffs in the Visitor Center for detailed price.
Tourists can find the location of toilets in the scenic area according to the infrastructure map on the back of the entrance ticket.

5. Accommodation

Travelers can stay overnight in Shilin County after visit, and there are also some 3-star hotels in the county. However, most travelers will choose to go back to Kunming for accommodation. Kunming has more choice for travelers and it’s more convenient to transfer to your next destination from Kunming.

South China Karst & Stone Forest Since 2007

The South China Karst is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers an extensive region across three provinces: Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangxi. It was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2007 due to its remarkable karst formations, which are some of the most distinctive and beautiful in the world.

Overview of the South China Karst

The South China Karst is one of the most impressive and well-preserved karst landscapes globally, covering about 500,000 square kilometers. The region is a showcase of limestone features that have evolved over millions of years, creating a surreal and awe-inspiring environment. These features include steep peaks, caves, rivers, and unique rock formations, which provide an incredible variety of landscapes, from dramatic cliffs and deep ravines to expansive cave systems and subterranean streams.

The South China Karst region is divided into three primary areas:

  1. Guizhou Karst

  2. Yunnan Karst

  3. Guangxi Karst

Each of these areas has its own distinct characteristics and geological features, contributing to the overall beauty and diversity of the landscape.

Key Sites in the South China Karst

1. Stone Forest (Shilin) – Yunnan

  • Location: About 90 kilometers southeast of Kunming, in Yunnan Province.

  • Overview: The Stone Forest is the most famous karst landscape in China and a symbol of the South China Karst. It spans over 500 square kilometers and features towering limestone pillars that create the appearance of a dense “forest” made of stone. The formations were formed over 270 million years ago during the Permian period, shaped by erosion, and they create a maze-like environment of narrow passageways and towering spires.

  • Notable Features:

    • Big Stone Forest: The central part of the Stone Forest, filled with the most concentrated and dramatic limestone pillars.

    • Small Stone Forest: A smaller, quieter area with fewer tourists, perfect for exploring.

    • Sinking Water Caves: Underground rivers and caves formed by the erosion of the limestone.

  • Cultural Importance: The Stone Forest is not only a geological marvel but also holds cultural significance. It is considered a sacred place by the local Sani people, an ethnic minority group of the Yi people. Local legends and folklore are deeply intertwined with the Stone Forest’s formation.

2. Libo Karst – Guizhou

  • Location: Libo County in Guizhou Province.

  • Overview: This area is known for its lush, green karst landscape, where limestone peaks rise sharply above vibrant forests and clear rivers. The Libo Karst is a more tropical part of the South China Karst, with rich biodiversity and a temperate climate.

  • Notable Features:

    • Doupeng Hill: Known for its dramatic cliff faces and cascading waterfalls.

    • Maolan Karst Forest: A vast forest interspersed with karst peaks and dotted with caves and waterfalls.

    • Cave Systems: The caves here are known for their exceptional stalactites and stalagmites, some of which are over 100 million years old.

  • Cultural Importance: Libo is also home to several Miao and Dong ethnic villages, which have preserved their traditional way of life in this beautiful karst setting.

3. Guilin Karst – Guangxi

  • Location: Around the city of Guilin, in Guangxi Province.

  • Overview: Guilin is one of China’s most famous tourist destinations, known for its stunning limestone hills that rise dramatically from the Li River. This area is a quintessential karst landscape with some of the most iconic scenes of natural beauty in China, including limestone peaks, caves, and rivers.

  • Notable Features:

    • Li River: The river winds through thousands of limestone peaks, creating one of the most picturesque landscapes in China. It’s famous for its tranquil beauty and has been depicted in countless Chinese paintings.

    • Reed Flute Cave: A large limestone cave known for its stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated in vibrant colors.

    • Elephant Trunk Hill: A symbol of Guilin, this unique karst hill is shaped like an elephant drinking from the river.

  • Cultural Importance: The Guilin region is home to the Zhuang and Yao people, with their rich cultural heritage, music, and traditional festivals.

Geological and Ecological Significance

The South China Karst represents one of the largest and most significant karst systems in the world. The karst formations were formed over millions of years through the dissolution of limestone by water. This process created dramatic limestone peaks, caves, underground rivers, and sinkholes, making it a fascinating place for geologists and nature lovers alike.

  • Geological Importance: The region’s karst formations are a living example of how limestone can be shaped by natural processes. The Shilin (Stone Forest), for example, offers insights into the evolution of karst topography, providing evidence of how these formations were shaped by erosion and weathering.

  • Ecological Diversity: The South China Karst region is also a biodiversity hotspot, home to numerous endemic species of plants and animals. The Guizhou Karst is known for its wetland ecosystems, providing habitats for a wide range of rare species. Additionally, the region is home to several types of cave-dwelling animals, including bats and unique insect species.

Biodiversity

The South China Karst has a rich ecosystem due to the varied climate conditions that range from subtropical to temperate. This diversity allows a wide range of flora and fauna to thrive, many of which are endemic to the region.

  • Flora: The region’s vegetation includes subtropical forests, tropical rainforests, and alpine meadows. These areas are rich in species of ferns, orchids, and other plants.

  • Fauna: The South China Karst is home to several endangered species, including:

    • Chinese giant salamander: The world’s largest amphibian.

    • Golden monkey: Found in the mountainous areas of the region.

    • Cave-dwelling animals: The region is home to many species of bats and insects that are adapted to life in caves.

Cultural Significance

The South China Karst region is also rich in cultural heritage. Several ethnic minorities, including the Yi, Miao, Dong, and Zhuang, inhabit the karst regions, and their traditions, architecture, and festivals are deeply connected to the landscape.

  • Traditional Villages: The karst areas are home to picturesque villages where people live in traditional wooden houses, and local festivals such as Miao New Year and Dong Drum Festival take place.

  • Legends and Myths: The Stone Forest in Yunnan, for instance, is a sacred site in Sani folklore, and many myths revolve around the origins of the forest and its creation by gods and spirits.

The South China Karst is a remarkable World Heritage Site, not just for its stunning natural beauty but also for its rich cultural and ecological diversity. The interplay between the unique geological features and the traditional cultures of the area makes it an essential destination for anyone interested in natural history, ecology, and cultural exploration.

Whether you’re wandering the towering limestone spires of Shilin, cruising down the Li River in Guilin, or exploring the lush karst forests of Libo, the South China Karst offers one of the most unforgettable natural landscapes in the world.