The Stone Forest in Kunming, aka Shilin, is one of the most spectacular karst landscapes in China, and also one of the the must-see attractions on any Yunnan tour. About 78 kilometers from Kunming city center, this UNESCO-listed natural landmark in Yunnan is known for the majestic and rugged landscape of various-shaped limestone pillars and the unique Yi ethnic culture.
The entire scenic area covers an area of over 350 square kilometers and is composed of several attractions, including Greater and Lesser Stone Forests, Naigu Stone Forest, Long Lake, Dadieshui Waterfall, etc. Each site will entertain you with its unique charm and touching legend.
Fast Facts of Stone Forest
- Chinese name: 石林 Shílín
- Location: East side of Shilin Avenue, Shilin Town, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, about 78 kilometers from Kunming city center.
- Area: About 350 square kilometers
- Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 from March to November, 8:00-17:30 from December to February.
- Ticket: CNY 130 per person; CNY 25 for battery car
- Best time to visit: All year round
- Visiting time needed: 3-4 hours
- Recommended activities: See karst caves and pillars of various shapes, experience unique life and customs of Sani people (a branch of the Yi), photography
Why Visit Stone Forest
As the only karst landscape in the subtropical highland region, the Shilin Stone Forest in Kunming will offer you a visually stunning experience. It is known worldwide for the intricate maze of towering limestone formations and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can expect to see all the representative karst stone forms, including fierce animals, swords, towers, and legendary figures.
More than the charming karst landforms, the Shilin region is also home to Yi people and several other ethnic minority groups. The rich cultural traditions and customs are still well preserved in this region, offering visitors a chance to immerse in local festivals and folk activities.
How Was the Stone Forest Formed?
The Shilin Scenic Area in Yunnan was formed by a unique combination of tectonic uplift, sedimentation, erosive forces of underground and surface water for about 270 million years.
During the Late Paleozoic Era, this region was a coastal-shallow sea, seeing abundant rainfall and high temperatures. A large amount of calcareous sediments and limestone thus were accumulated. These are the foundation for the Stone Forest.
Over time, continuous tectonic movements uplifted the limestone layers above sea level. The repeated episodes of uplift, erosion, and sediment deposition carved a complex geological structure in this region.
Following the limestone uplift, the dissolution of underground water and erosion of surface water together further further dissolve and erode the limestone. Over millions of years, the rocks and limestones were carved into distinctive stone pillars, peaks, and formations we see today.
The rock evolution history:
Marine sediments (270 million years ago) → crustal uplift → water dissolution → weathering carving → Today’s Stone Forest
Fossils in the Stone Forest
In the history of the stone forest there was a very long shallow sea period, deposited thousands of meters of limestone and dolomite. At that time, life in the sea was happy, and this history is confirmed by fossil corals. In addition to coral fossils, the rocks in the Shilin are also extremely rich in fossils of other species of organisms, such as brachiopod fossils, trilobite fossils, ammonoids, arrows, owl snails and so on.
Yunnan Stone Forest is Part of South China Karst
Shilin Scenic Area is famous for its magnificent, strange, dangerous, beautiful and secluded landscape characteristics. It is the most famous karst landform destination in the world and is called “natural Museum of sculptural landform” by international karst experts.
In 2004, it was awarded the first “World Geopark”. In 2007, the first phase of South China Karst, which includes the Shilin Karst in Yunnan Province, Libo Karst in Guizhou Province and Wulong Karst in Chongqing, was selected as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site.
What to See at the Stone Forest?
The entire Shilin Scenic Area is composed of multiple scenic areas and attractions. Some of the major attractions include the Stone Forest Scenic Area (The Greater and Lesser Stone Forests), Heisongyan (Naigu Stone Forest) Scenic Area, Feilong Waterfall (Dadieshui) Scenic Area, and Changhu Scenic Area.
The Greater and Lesser Stone Forests
As the core area of the Stone Forest, both Greater and Lesser Stone Forests are rich in stunning karst landscapes and natural formations.
The Greater Stone Forest area is characterized by dense stone peak clusters and a grand and spectacular atmosphere. Here you can see peaks sharp like swords piercing the sky, or standing like towers of strength. Major sites in this area include the Stone Forest Viewpoint, Lotus Peak, Sword Peak Pond, and several other awe-inspiring landmarks.
In contrast to the Greater Stone Forest, the Lesser Stone Forest area is teemed with peaks with more intricate shapes. The delicate beauty in this area offers visitors an excellent close-up viewing experience. The most iconic site in this area is the Ashima Statue, which is a cultural symbol and looks like a Yi ethnic girl.
Bushao Hill
Sitting at the east of the Greater Stone Forest and south of the Lesser Stone Forest, Bushao Hill is the highest peak in the Shilin Scenic Area. With an elevation of about 1,796.7 meters, Bushao Hill is ever 50 meters higher than the Wangfeng Pavilion in the Greater Stone Forest, offering an excellent spot to enjoy the panoramic views of the entire Shilin Scenic Area. In addition to the dedicated viewing platform on its summit, Bushao Hill is also home to several large marine fossils dating back 270 million years.
Naigu Stone Forest
Naigu Stone Forest is about 10 kilometers from the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests, covering an area of about 10 square kilometers. “Naigu” means ancient black in the local Yi language. It is named so because of the distinct gray-black stone peaks in this area. Compared to the Greater Stone Forest area, this area features a more pristine and natural state, with most stone peaks being taller, older, and more majestic. A stroll around this area will also reward you with the opportunity to explore many stunning underground karst caves.
Changhu Scenic Area
Changhu (Long Lake) Scenic Area is about 26 kilometers from the Shilin Scenic Area. Being fed by underground springs, the lake is in an elongated shape and is surrounded by rolling mountains, dense forests, fields, and some Yi villages. It is the key venue where local Yi people host various ethnic festivals and celebrations.
Recommended Kunming Tours including Stone Forest
Ethnic Festivals Held in Shilin
Experience the Torch Festival of Yi People
The Torch Festival is one of the most important festivals for the Yi people. Each year, on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, Shilin Yi Autonomous County will host particularly grand torch festivities, offering visitors a deeper touch and understanding of brilliant Yi culture and the rich legendaries and history of the Stone Forest.
During the three-day celebration of the Torch Festival in Shilin Scenic Area, visitors can take part in a variety of lively events and activities. A fire-lighting ritual and ethnic cultural performances are showcased at the opening ceremony. Visitors can also join the bonfire parties with locals, singing and dancing around the bonfires and ultimately experiencing the festival atmosphere. Besides all of this, you can also experience many traditional competitions, such as horse racing, bullfighting, archery, and wrestling during the celebration.
Mizhi Festival of Sani Ethnic People in Shilin County
Because the participants are men and women do not participate, it is known as the only men’s day in the world. The festival lasts for 7 days from Rat Day to Horse Day in November each year. In every Sani Village of Shilin, there is a dense branch forest, which is the “sacred forest” of the stockade, and it is forbidden to cut down and hunt.
The festival of sacrifice is held in the forest. At the dawn of Rat Day, the entire clergy entered the forest. The Secret branch God is a hundred years old tree in the secret branch forest. While Bi Mo chants, the host oversees the sacrifice of a pure white sheep to the god, and they pray for peace, favourable weather, and a bountiful harvest of grain.
The clergy prepares picnic foods, mostly mutton, taro, etc., in the Mizhi forest, where people can express their frustrations and even curse in person. The reprimanded individuals can only meet one another with wine and smiles.
Suggested Visiting Routes of Stone Forest
- For geological research: Focus on the Wonders of Heaven Area (Jianfeng Pond – Lotus Peak – Double Bird Crossing Food).
- For cultural tracing: Yi Village (Nuohei Village) → Shilin Museum → Ashima Cultural Park.
- For adventure challenge:a hiking loop for about 15 km
Best Time to Visit
The Shilin Scenic Area enjoys a subtropical, low-latitude, plateau monsoon climate, with no scorching summer nor severe cold winter. It is great to visit all year round. Since the site is an outside attraction, you’d better check the weather forecast and avoid rainy days for a better experience. Most rainfall is seen in July and August.
Chinese public holidays, like National Day and Labor Day, are also not recommended as the area may see large crowds by then.
How to Get to the Stone Forest from Kunming
The Stone Forest is about 78 kilometers east from Kunming, and can be easily reached from Kunming.
By Train
A high-speed train ride from Kunming South Station to Shilin West Station takes only about 20 minutes. After arriving, you can take Bus No. 99 to reach the scenic area in about 45-60 minutes, and the bus ride will cost CNY 10 per person. A taxi ride from Shilin West Station to the Stong Forest Scenic Area will take about 35 minutes and cost about CNY 50.
By Bus
Buses from Kunming East Bus Station to Shilin Scenic Area run frequently every day, taking about 1.5-2 hours, and costing about CNY 19 per person.
By Private Vehicle
Taking a private vehicle is the most convenient way to reach Shilin, taking about 1.5 hours, with hotel pick-up/drop-off services included.
Considering the vast area of Shilin Scenic Area, it’s highly recommended to join a private guided tour. The English-speaking guide will inform you about the best highlights and rich legends of this area and help you arrange a customized trip. For example, they can combine your Stone Forest trip with a visit to the nearby Yuanyang Rice Terraces or other attractions based on your preferences for a full day trip.
Best Yunnan Tours including Stone Forest:
- 6 days Yunnan In-depth Minority Tour in Kunming – Jianshui – Yuanyang – Kunming
- 6 Days Yunnan Kunming Dali Lijiang Tour
- 8 Days Yunnan Pu’er Tour with Kunming & Xishuangbanna
- 8 Days Yunnan Photography Tour to Dongchuan, Yuanyang, Jianshui
Attractions Nearby the Shilin Scenic Area
- Jiuxiang Scenic Area: About 37 kilometers from Kunming Shilin; is known for stunning karst landscapes, cave systems, underground rivers, and rich biodiversity.
- West Hills Forest Park (Xishan): Around 90 kilometers from Shilin Scenic Area; known for the brilliant Dragon Gate Grottoes, and Kunming panorama from the peak summit.
- Yuantong Temple: Approximately 78 kilometers from the Stone Forest; it boasts the oldest Buddhist temple in Kunming, with numerous exquisite architecture and Buddha murals and sculptures.
- Dianchi Lake: About 90 kilometers from the Shilin; Is the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan and also the natural landmark of Kunming, offering picturesque views and various leisure activities.
