Stone Forest Scenic Area
Stone Forest boasts the most extraordinary karst landscape in the world, attracting countless visitors from China and abroad, and is hailed as the “First Wonder Under Heaven”.…
Stone Forest Scenic Area, Kunming · AI illustration for China Trip
Key facts
- Admission
- ¥130
- Time needed
- 3 hours or more
- Getting there
- 1. Take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station to Shilin County town, about 2 hours, ¥35. From Shilin County town, you can take a bus to the scenic area. 2. Take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station directly to the Stone Forest scenic area, ¥34, about 1.5 hours. 3. Take a train to Shilin Railway Station, then take a taxi to the scenic area.
- By car
- Self-driving visitors can take the Kunming–Shilin Expressway to reach Stone Forest.
- Guidebook rating
- 5 / 5
From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 200. Open in Google Maps
About Stone Forest Scenic Area
Stone Forest boasts the most extraordinary karst landscape in the world, attracting countless visitors from China and abroad, and is hailed as the “First Wonder Under Heaven”. “Scenery of Stone Forest” is the most representative attraction here. Within the scenic area are “animal-shaped” rocks such as Tang Monk Rock, Monkey King Rock and Ashima, each with its own beautiful legend.
Tips from the guidebook
- 1. Hire a guide: It is well worth hiring a guide to explain the beautiful legend behind each rock. It is far more engaging than simply looking at them.
- 2. Torch Festival: Every year on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, the Yi people from around Stone Forest gather here for the Torch Festival, with ethnic song and dance, folk performances and bonfire parties. The sea of people may be the greatest spectacle of all.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Stone Forest Scenic Area cost?
Admission to Stone Forest Scenic Area is ¥130, as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.
How do I get to Stone Forest Scenic Area?
1. Take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station to Shilin County town, about 2 hours, ¥35. From Shilin County town, you can take a bus to the scenic area. 2. Take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station directly to the Stone Forest scenic area, ¥34, about 1.5 hours. 3. Take a train to Shilin Railway Station, then take a taxi to the scenic area.
How long should I spend at Stone Forest Scenic Area?
Plan on 3 hours or more for Stone Forest Scenic Area.
Where is Stone Forest Scenic Area?
Stone Forest Scenic Area is in Kunming, Yunnan Province, in the Southwest of China.
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