Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park
Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park
4.5
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This forest of stone, formed by erosion over millions of years, is comprised of many stone peaks, pillars and stalagmites rising abruptly from the ground and extending as far as the eye can see.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
9 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
1,129 reviews
Excellent
554
Very good
416
Average
133
Poor
19
Terrible
7
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Jim H
Wenzhou, China29 contributions
Jan 2020
Don't go. It's Disney World. It's not at all what you think. We went there for a day trip from Kunming and could not regret it more. It's beyond commodified. It's torture being there. Go anywhere else in Kunming (a great city) or just sit in your hotel and watch boring documentaries. Do anything other than visit this ridiculous place. Unless of course you enjoy being swarmed by throngs of selfie-obsessed morons.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
maximinu
Pétange, Luxembourg50 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Beautiful site classified by UNESCO, but managed in the Chinese style to get the most out of each tourist. Not worth the price, we were more than 60 euros for two without a guide (entrance to the park, parking, and minibus). The food there is a shame, no one really speaks English (a bit of a shame for an international site)
Written June 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LG_Kay
Singapore, Singapore7,512 contributions
Mar 2017 • Solo
Below are my experiences to share with you:
Transportation - The most convenient way is to take a bus. Head to Kunming East Bus Station (昆明东部客运站). When purchasing bus ticket, be specific and mention Shilin Scenic Area (石林景区), as opposed to Shilin City. Fare is 34rmb, journey about 1.5hours. There is no specific departure time, as bus leaves when full.
Shilin Scenic Area bus station -> ticket office -> park entrance
Bus will bring you to Shilin bus station. There are baggage storage area for travelers to deposit their stuff, 5rmb per piece, to be collected by 6pm.
Note the ticket office and park entrance are at different places, rather inconvenient. Way to the ticket office - First, get out of bus station. Turn left and walk 300m downhill along main road.
You need to purchase entrance ticket (175rmb) at counters 1 to 5, as well as battery car ticket (25rmb) at counters 6 or 7. You can choose not to buy the battery car ticket, but have to walk 2.5 km from the ticket office to the park entrance. To save time and energy, recommend to get the battery car ticket, which is for both ways. After purchasing the tickets, cross the road to take battery car to park entrance.
Exploring Shilin Forest
There are many signages inside the park, hence easy to explore the area. Toilet facilities also readily available. This park has 2 main sites, the major stone forest and the minor stone forest. Suggest you visit the major stone forest first, as it is nearest to the entrance.
Major Stone Forest
Here the karst rock formations are dense and beautiful. One can easily spend 2 to 3 hours wandering and enjoying the rock formations. This place is crowded with tour groups. Most popular (ie crowded) must see places are Stone Screen (石屏风) and Stone Forest Marvel (石林胜景). As expected, stalls renting traditional costumes and food stuff can be found here to cater to the bus loads of local tourists. Another popular site is the Peak View Pavilion (望峰亭), which provides a close and great view of the rock formations.
Though the above 3 sites are crowded, if you wait long enough, the tourist groups will disappear in batches. I manage to take some good photos without any of them in the frame.
Suggest you explore further and be rewarded with peace. Sites without tourist groups which are worth exploring are Lotus Flower Pond (莲花池), Sword Peak Pond (剑峰池). The best place to take a break is Lion Pavilion (狮子亭). I only met 3 westerners. Enjoy the breeze and tranquility, though view is not that great.
Minor Stone Forest
After exploring major stone forest, take the battery car to the minor stone forest. Over here, the rock formations are sparse and the area is much smaller, 30 mins to 1 hour is sufficient. It is less crowded here, as some tour groups skip this place. Look out for interesting formations such as elephant, tortoise, Aishima etc. After exploring minor Shilin, you can head to the nearby exit, which is also the entrance to get in.
The return journey is exactly the opposite of the forward one. I spent around 5 hours inside the park. Hence give yourself one full day to visit this natural stone forest. If you find this post helpful in planning your trip, kindly click "Helpful". Thanks so much.
Transportation - The most convenient way is to take a bus. Head to Kunming East Bus Station (昆明东部客运站). When purchasing bus ticket, be specific and mention Shilin Scenic Area (石林景区), as opposed to Shilin City. Fare is 34rmb, journey about 1.5hours. There is no specific departure time, as bus leaves when full.
Shilin Scenic Area bus station -> ticket office -> park entrance
Bus will bring you to Shilin bus station. There are baggage storage area for travelers to deposit their stuff, 5rmb per piece, to be collected by 6pm.
Note the ticket office and park entrance are at different places, rather inconvenient. Way to the ticket office - First, get out of bus station. Turn left and walk 300m downhill along main road.
You need to purchase entrance ticket (175rmb) at counters 1 to 5, as well as battery car ticket (25rmb) at counters 6 or 7. You can choose not to buy the battery car ticket, but have to walk 2.5 km from the ticket office to the park entrance. To save time and energy, recommend to get the battery car ticket, which is for both ways. After purchasing the tickets, cross the road to take battery car to park entrance.
Exploring Shilin Forest
There are many signages inside the park, hence easy to explore the area. Toilet facilities also readily available. This park has 2 main sites, the major stone forest and the minor stone forest. Suggest you visit the major stone forest first, as it is nearest to the entrance.
Major Stone Forest
Here the karst rock formations are dense and beautiful. One can easily spend 2 to 3 hours wandering and enjoying the rock formations. This place is crowded with tour groups. Most popular (ie crowded) must see places are Stone Screen (石屏风) and Stone Forest Marvel (石林胜景). As expected, stalls renting traditional costumes and food stuff can be found here to cater to the bus loads of local tourists. Another popular site is the Peak View Pavilion (望峰亭), which provides a close and great view of the rock formations.
Though the above 3 sites are crowded, if you wait long enough, the tourist groups will disappear in batches. I manage to take some good photos without any of them in the frame.
Suggest you explore further and be rewarded with peace. Sites without tourist groups which are worth exploring are Lotus Flower Pond (莲花池), Sword Peak Pond (剑峰池). The best place to take a break is Lion Pavilion (狮子亭). I only met 3 westerners. Enjoy the breeze and tranquility, though view is not that great.
Minor Stone Forest
After exploring major stone forest, take the battery car to the minor stone forest. Over here, the rock formations are sparse and the area is much smaller, 30 mins to 1 hour is sufficient. It is less crowded here, as some tour groups skip this place. Look out for interesting formations such as elephant, tortoise, Aishima etc. After exploring minor Shilin, you can head to the nearby exit, which is also the entrance to get in.
The return journey is exactly the opposite of the forward one. I spent around 5 hours inside the park. Hence give yourself one full day to visit this natural stone forest. If you find this post helpful in planning your trip, kindly click "Helpful". Thanks so much.
Written April 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
renee p
Hong Kong80 contributions
Back when I visited the Stone Forest in 1988, it was a great experience. In Yunnan's mild winter, the plum blossoms were highlighted gracefully against the strange gray rock formations, and at night, you could see a million stars. One step off the limited concrete paths, and the crowds dropped away, leaving you to get lost among the towering rocks.
All that is now changed. The Stone Forest is humanly sculpted beyond recognition - concrete paths, manicured lawns, man-made ponds and shrubbery now make a pretty garden but a mockery of the majestic stones. People, people everywhere, pointing their cameras and fingers and shouting: "That's the mother-holding-child stone!", "And there's the 5-wise-men-stone - No, wait! - that's the 5-wise-men-stone over there!" "Here, take my picture with the rented minority costume!". Tourist guides with red flags shuffle their groups past other tour groups led by yellow flags only to have to stand behind the groups led by blue or green flags...
In case all these distractions have not made you forget to get a good view overlooking the stone forest, you'll have to wait in line, or if you get tired of that, push your way violently through the crowds up the metal stairway and when you reach the little platform on top, lean way over the banister (try not to fall or get pushed over) so you can take a nice photo without the heads of all the tourists.
All that is now changed. The Stone Forest is humanly sculpted beyond recognition - concrete paths, manicured lawns, man-made ponds and shrubbery now make a pretty garden but a mockery of the majestic stones. People, people everywhere, pointing their cameras and fingers and shouting: "That's the mother-holding-child stone!", "And there's the 5-wise-men-stone - No, wait! - that's the 5-wise-men-stone over there!" "Here, take my picture with the rented minority costume!". Tourist guides with red flags shuffle their groups past other tour groups led by yellow flags only to have to stand behind the groups led by blue or green flags...
In case all these distractions have not made you forget to get a good view overlooking the stone forest, you'll have to wait in line, or if you get tired of that, push your way violently through the crowds up the metal stairway and when you reach the little platform on top, lean way over the banister (try not to fall or get pushed over) so you can take a nice photo without the heads of all the tourists.
Written January 17, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E52
Beijing, China151 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
My wife and I recently went to the Stone Forest outside of Kunming and it was absolutely fantastic! Had a great time, slight hassle getting there, but nothing out of the ordinary in China where for some reason they make it exceptionally difficult and needlessly complicated/frustrating to do the simplest things. BUT, once inside the park, either get a map at the entrance or take a foto of the main map up on the billboard that you can refer back to before heading into the park, you will thank me…
I had seen a post on here from someone saying that there was no need to buy/get a map of the park b/c there were lots of helpful signposts scattered throughout the park, well that is total bunk, there are signs with maps, but they are as useless as a muffin in a naval battle. If you get off the main ‘ring road’ and tourist traps, there ARE signs with 'maps', however, some deranged cartographer on acid did not design them in any logical or understandable way. Each signpost map has a unique orientation that defies the logic/norm of putting north at the top, does not show the small area in any larger context (such as its relation to the entrance), and in many cases, one map to the next (sometimes about 50-200m only between the two) will not show the area/attraction that you were just at so it is impossible to tell how far you have come, if you are heading where you want to go, and more importantly, if you are trying to leave the labyrinth, this makes things very difficult if you are not keen to retrace your steps. We ran into TONS of Chinese folks too that were turned around, trying to get out (many had bawling kids and most of the younger women were in high heels, and I mean HIGH like 6” stilettos high, for some unexplainable masochistic reason). So, lesson learned, take a map or take a foto of the very nice map at the entrance across the bridge, and wear decent walking shoes for cripes sake.
But enough about the maps, if you are in the least bit adventurous, get into the ‘wild’, and I STRONGLY suggest that you do! The paths are well maintained, with guardrails where needed and clear/easy concrete/stone steps so it is perfect for moderately active folks and kids. To do this, get off the main road that circles the park and head into the labyrinthine interior and stomp around thru the twisting and narrow paths. They are a bit claustrophobic at times if you are uncomfortable with tight spaces, and some of the stairways are quite steep, but the views are spectacular. Our logic whilst exploring was to head in the OPPOSITE direction of where people were coming from or going to (this defies 5,000 years of Chinese logic and culture so you will be almost guaranteed a lot of moments of alone time) and to take the paths that appeared the least used. While it is still somewhat crowded slithering thru small passages and tunnels between the rock walls, there are moments of tranquillity and we even had about a whole half hour walking and exploring where we didn’t see, hear or smell another human being (no seed spitting in all directions, no mindless/pointless screaming or talking at full inebriated club level volumes to people standing not 2 feet away, no tour guide on a bullhorn telling you how tranquil, quiet and peaceful the forest is (I always think this is the funniest of all and yet, the tour guides never seem to get the irony of what they are doing: i.e. ‘disturbing’ the very peace and tranquillity that they are screaming about)) just relative peace and quiet and blue sky soaring above the daggers of karst.
I had seen a post on here from someone saying that there was no need to buy/get a map of the park b/c there were lots of helpful signposts scattered throughout the park, well that is total bunk, there are signs with maps, but they are as useless as a muffin in a naval battle. If you get off the main ‘ring road’ and tourist traps, there ARE signs with 'maps', however, some deranged cartographer on acid did not design them in any logical or understandable way. Each signpost map has a unique orientation that defies the logic/norm of putting north at the top, does not show the small area in any larger context (such as its relation to the entrance), and in many cases, one map to the next (sometimes about 50-200m only between the two) will not show the area/attraction that you were just at so it is impossible to tell how far you have come, if you are heading where you want to go, and more importantly, if you are trying to leave the labyrinth, this makes things very difficult if you are not keen to retrace your steps. We ran into TONS of Chinese folks too that were turned around, trying to get out (many had bawling kids and most of the younger women were in high heels, and I mean HIGH like 6” stilettos high, for some unexplainable masochistic reason). So, lesson learned, take a map or take a foto of the very nice map at the entrance across the bridge, and wear decent walking shoes for cripes sake.
But enough about the maps, if you are in the least bit adventurous, get into the ‘wild’, and I STRONGLY suggest that you do! The paths are well maintained, with guardrails where needed and clear/easy concrete/stone steps so it is perfect for moderately active folks and kids. To do this, get off the main road that circles the park and head into the labyrinthine interior and stomp around thru the twisting and narrow paths. They are a bit claustrophobic at times if you are uncomfortable with tight spaces, and some of the stairways are quite steep, but the views are spectacular. Our logic whilst exploring was to head in the OPPOSITE direction of where people were coming from or going to (this defies 5,000 years of Chinese logic and culture so you will be almost guaranteed a lot of moments of alone time) and to take the paths that appeared the least used. While it is still somewhat crowded slithering thru small passages and tunnels between the rock walls, there are moments of tranquillity and we even had about a whole half hour walking and exploring where we didn’t see, hear or smell another human being (no seed spitting in all directions, no mindless/pointless screaming or talking at full inebriated club level volumes to people standing not 2 feet away, no tour guide on a bullhorn telling you how tranquil, quiet and peaceful the forest is (I always think this is the funniest of all and yet, the tour guides never seem to get the irony of what they are doing: i.e. ‘disturbing’ the very peace and tranquillity that they are screaming about)) just relative peace and quiet and blue sky soaring above the daggers of karst.
Written March 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SusanB131313
Melbourne, Australia43 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
We went to Stone Forest on our own, rather than do a tour. It gave us total freedom to see Stone Forest in our own time. Firstly, try to source an English Kunming city map. We got ours for Y12 from a hotel. Well worth it. We stayed on Renmin East Rd. It's a good location, as you can walk to the city (10 mins) and Green Lake (20 mins) too. Firstly, try to get your hotel to write "East Bus Station" and "Stone Forest" in Chinese. It's so much easier. Then take the K9 bus to East Bus Station for Y2 each. It runs down Renmin East Rd, going east. The East Bus Station is the end of the line and has a big sign in English on it. Numbers are clearly displayed both at the bus stops, and on the bus. At East Bus Station, head to the ticket counter of the building on the right, behind the row of food stalls. There you can book a bus to go to Stone Forest Y27 each. They book you on the next bus available. You cannot use the ticket for another bus time. You must get on the one that you purchased the ticket for. The trip up took around 1 hr 20 mins. The whole day started at around 8.00. We then spent around 3 hrs in the park, and got back to our hotel around 17.00. You just do the reverse to get back. At the time of writing, the last bus from Stone Forest leaves for Kunming at 18.00.
Stone Forest itself is not exactly my cup of tea, but I can see why they needed to develop it into parkland, rather than a national park. Given the population of China (1.3 billion and growing), and their love of tours, this place would be trampled to death if it didn't have well developed paths to keep the traffic on. We went during low season and could not believe the amount of Chinese that were there on tours. Luckily, the majority just stay on the main track. We explored all the nooks and crannies, and even found quiet times sitting on the many tables in between the stone pillars. The best advice I got was to get off the main track and take the stairs uphill where possible to get away from the crowds. It was nice and it was something we hadn't seen before. However, the crowds and price can be off putting, especially if you've seen something similar at another location (if there is something similar). Might pay to google images first. Price was Y175 for the park entry. They also sting you for a electric car trip to the front gate and back (Y25), which is actually 3kms away. You can walk, but that would mean a 6km return trip, plus the walking in the park. Overall, it's very well managed, but pricey. Also, take a lunch. I bought a bowl of packet noodles from a shop there, and paid more than a proper cooked meal! During low season there was no choice for anything fresh. It was all packaged and with very little choice. I thought the gardens and water surrounding the rocks were really well done. However, I found the minority group and their stalls annoying, but that's just me. I think this place would have been amazing if it had of been made into a national park, but was just above average as a structured tourist attraction. I imagine others love it like this. Read a few reviews, both good and bad before you dedicate the day and money to it.
Stone Forest itself is not exactly my cup of tea, but I can see why they needed to develop it into parkland, rather than a national park. Given the population of China (1.3 billion and growing), and their love of tours, this place would be trampled to death if it didn't have well developed paths to keep the traffic on. We went during low season and could not believe the amount of Chinese that were there on tours. Luckily, the majority just stay on the main track. We explored all the nooks and crannies, and even found quiet times sitting on the many tables in between the stone pillars. The best advice I got was to get off the main track and take the stairs uphill where possible to get away from the crowds. It was nice and it was something we hadn't seen before. However, the crowds and price can be off putting, especially if you've seen something similar at another location (if there is something similar). Might pay to google images first. Price was Y175 for the park entry. They also sting you for a electric car trip to the front gate and back (Y25), which is actually 3kms away. You can walk, but that would mean a 6km return trip, plus the walking in the park. Overall, it's very well managed, but pricey. Also, take a lunch. I bought a bowl of packet noodles from a shop there, and paid more than a proper cooked meal! During low season there was no choice for anything fresh. It was all packaged and with very little choice. I thought the gardens and water surrounding the rocks were really well done. However, I found the minority group and their stalls annoying, but that's just me. I think this place would have been amazing if it had of been made into a national park, but was just above average as a structured tourist attraction. I imagine others love it like this. Read a few reviews, both good and bad before you dedicate the day and money to it.
Written March 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mokkey8
Hong Kong, China466 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
The place itself is huge and most of this is inaccessible to the public. The concentration of karst rocks provides a unique experience for visitors - just randomly explore and enjoy this marvellous natural wonder.
It is a bit of a nightmare getting here plus it is a tourist trap but in my view, you will not find many places like this. The closest I have experienced was in Lima/Santiago (can't remember)
Tips:
- Try not to go on a weekend/Chinese public holiday - absolute chaos with tour groups of Chinese tourists with loudspeakers.
- Wear decent/comfortable shoes as a lot of walking of uneven and slippery stone steps (be very careful if it has been raining)
- Randomly explore but definitely go to the Peak Pavilion to get great views
- Bring snacks and water/drinks - the food here is a rip off and limited selection
- This is definitely not wheelchair or buggy friendly so be warned
Getting There:
- Take a bus/taxi to East Bus Station (I took #60 bus near Kunming Railway Station for RMB 2. The stop is on Yong Sheng Road (Lu = Road) just off Yong Ping Road which is the side street on Beijing Road just before the railway station)
- From East Bus Station, queue up and get a ticket to Shilin (Shi = Stone, Lin = Forest). Make sure you ask to go to the forest and not the town. Coach tickets cost RMB 30 (27 + 3 for compulsory insurance). Not sure if this is the normal price as I came here just before Chinese New Year and it was absolute chaos at this station
- Once you get a ticket, go down the pointless security gate, down the escalator and go to waiting area 2. Just show your ticket to the staff there - they will direct you to the right coach
- Coach trip is around 90 minutes - the coach terminates at a station and you need to walk around 500m to the ticket office. As mentioned, it is a tourist trap as it costs RMB 175 and also RMB 25 to get a electric cart to the actual entrance - it really is a bit too far to walk
For what amounts to over GBP 20 pounds, this is an expensive attraction but as there's not much things to do in Kunming, this is probably one of the more interesting things to do if you happen to be in Kunming
It is a bit of a nightmare getting here plus it is a tourist trap but in my view, you will not find many places like this. The closest I have experienced was in Lima/Santiago (can't remember)
Tips:
- Try not to go on a weekend/Chinese public holiday - absolute chaos with tour groups of Chinese tourists with loudspeakers.
- Wear decent/comfortable shoes as a lot of walking of uneven and slippery stone steps (be very careful if it has been raining)
- Randomly explore but definitely go to the Peak Pavilion to get great views
- Bring snacks and water/drinks - the food here is a rip off and limited selection
- This is definitely not wheelchair or buggy friendly so be warned
Getting There:
- Take a bus/taxi to East Bus Station (I took #60 bus near Kunming Railway Station for RMB 2. The stop is on Yong Sheng Road (Lu = Road) just off Yong Ping Road which is the side street on Beijing Road just before the railway station)
- From East Bus Station, queue up and get a ticket to Shilin (Shi = Stone, Lin = Forest). Make sure you ask to go to the forest and not the town. Coach tickets cost RMB 30 (27 + 3 for compulsory insurance). Not sure if this is the normal price as I came here just before Chinese New Year and it was absolute chaos at this station
- Once you get a ticket, go down the pointless security gate, down the escalator and go to waiting area 2. Just show your ticket to the staff there - they will direct you to the right coach
- Coach trip is around 90 minutes - the coach terminates at a station and you need to walk around 500m to the ticket office. As mentioned, it is a tourist trap as it costs RMB 175 and also RMB 25 to get a electric cart to the actual entrance - it really is a bit too far to walk
For what amounts to over GBP 20 pounds, this is an expensive attraction but as there's not much things to do in Kunming, this is probably one of the more interesting things to do if you happen to be in Kunming
Written February 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johann&Sandra
8,260 contributions
The Stone Forest is by far the #1 attraction in Kunming, a fact not lost on the local tour groups. Over 3 million tourists visit the Stone Forest every year, mostly big Chinese tour groups on big tour buses. The way to beat the crowds at Stone Forest is to go early (park opens at 9:00 AM) and go directly to the Big Stone Forest (the main part). You will have a good hour on 90% of the tour groups, so you'll be finishing the Big Stone Forest about as they are starting. Another good way is to go in the afternoon, after most of the tour groups have left. The park closes at 6:00 PM, and most tour groups will have left by early afternoon to go shopping or to Dragon's Gate. You cannot, under any circumstances, go on one of the major Chinese Holidays in March or October. You will be sorry. If you can go during the week and not on a weekend, that will help, if you go during off season, that will help a lot (July and August are Chinese Holiday months, avoid those).
We hired a private tour guide, and arranged to be there at about 9:00 AM. Unfortunately, the traffic in Kunming was really bad so we didn't get there until about 9:30 AM. You'll want to allow about 1.5 hours to get there at least, because Kunming has bad traffic most of the time. Once you hit the highway, it takes about 1 hour. When we arrived, there were only about three tour buses there, and we scooted ahead of them easily, and were lost in the giant pillars of stone by ourselves for most of our visit. We could hear birds singing, and there are no other tourists in our photos for the most part. This lasted for about 45 minutes, before the crowds started hitting with full force. The lookout pavilion was the most crowded, but not that bad, as we hit it pretty early. We were out of there before the really big groups came, and off to walk around the outside and visit the little stone forest.
We had a leisurely stroll along the outside pathway, viewing the Big Stone Forest, Forbidden Area, Mushroom Forest, and the rest of the site. It was a bright and sunny day, although back in Kunming in was cloudy and gray. Wildflowers were out, butterflies were everywhere, and no tourists except an occasional golf cart going by. We strolled through the Little Stone Forest, and by now there were starting to be quite a lot of tour groups. Yunnan Minority dancers were putting on a show, with music, the tourists were dancing along with them. The Yi minority costumes are beautiful, very unique.
We were out of there by noon, with minimal impact from tour groups, and had a very nice day. You don't really need a tour guide for the Stone Forest, but it was nice to have somebody to worry about transportation, parking, not getting lost, and to take photos of us, besides giving us additional insight into the history and geology of the forest.
If you've ever been to Bryce Canyon in Utah, this is a similar experience - large stone pillars carved by water for millions of years that sometimes make interesting formations. A nice half a day trip - takes about 6 hours including transportation. You can combine this with a day to the caves or to Dragon's Gate and the West Hills. This is not a tour that blends itself well to large tour groups, as the pathways are small and it gets crowded easily - a private guide or on your own is a much better option.
We hired a private tour guide, and arranged to be there at about 9:00 AM. Unfortunately, the traffic in Kunming was really bad so we didn't get there until about 9:30 AM. You'll want to allow about 1.5 hours to get there at least, because Kunming has bad traffic most of the time. Once you hit the highway, it takes about 1 hour. When we arrived, there were only about three tour buses there, and we scooted ahead of them easily, and were lost in the giant pillars of stone by ourselves for most of our visit. We could hear birds singing, and there are no other tourists in our photos for the most part. This lasted for about 45 minutes, before the crowds started hitting with full force. The lookout pavilion was the most crowded, but not that bad, as we hit it pretty early. We were out of there before the really big groups came, and off to walk around the outside and visit the little stone forest.
We had a leisurely stroll along the outside pathway, viewing the Big Stone Forest, Forbidden Area, Mushroom Forest, and the rest of the site. It was a bright and sunny day, although back in Kunming in was cloudy and gray. Wildflowers were out, butterflies were everywhere, and no tourists except an occasional golf cart going by. We strolled through the Little Stone Forest, and by now there were starting to be quite a lot of tour groups. Yunnan Minority dancers were putting on a show, with music, the tourists were dancing along with them. The Yi minority costumes are beautiful, very unique.
We were out of there by noon, with minimal impact from tour groups, and had a very nice day. You don't really need a tour guide for the Stone Forest, but it was nice to have somebody to worry about transportation, parking, not getting lost, and to take photos of us, besides giving us additional insight into the history and geology of the forest.
If you've ever been to Bryce Canyon in Utah, this is a similar experience - large stone pillars carved by water for millions of years that sometimes make interesting formations. A nice half a day trip - takes about 6 hours including transportation. You can combine this with a day to the caves or to Dragon's Gate and the West Hills. This is not a tour that blends itself well to large tour groups, as the pathways are small and it gets crowded easily - a private guide or on your own is a much better option.
Written September 23, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg1522
Sydney, Australia14 contributions
May 2018 • Solo
Amazing place and must see while in Kunming. You can go on a tour however it is much cheaper to take the Stone Forest Express from East Coach Station (end of Metro pink line 3, 6 stops from Dongfeng Square and takes about 20-30 minutes). The bus is clean and comfortable, leaves every hour from 8am and costs 35 yuan each way (you can only buy tickets on the day and you MUST HAVE YOUR PASSPORT). The bus takes about 90 minutes (sit on the right side facing the front both ways for the best views) and I think the last bus leaves for Kunming at 6 (but check this first). The bus takes you in to the park car park and you have to walk about 500 metres back out of the park to buy your entrance and mini bus ticket. The mini bus is near the ticket office and takes you a couple of kilometres to the actual park entrance. You then walk about a kilometre to the first scenic spot (there are 7 I think) where you can catch another mini bus that takes you around the park. I assumed this mini bus would stop and drop off or pick up at all scenic spots but it drove past the first 6 and only stopped at the 7th one. The park is quite big and you need to be prepared for a lot of walking but it is simply amazing and well worth the effort. There are toilets and refreshments available throughout the park (and in the most unexpected places). I never did make it back to the other scenic spots as there is a lot to see and do at the 7th one and I spent quite a few hours in this area. As well as the natural attractions there are many people dressed in Yunnan ethnic minority group outfits (who are both guides and people selling souvenirs) so the photo opportunities are endless. No one speaks English but at the first scenic spot you can actually hire guides and they list both Chinese and English speaking options (I think they were 200 yuan).Fabulous site and one of the best scenic spots in China.
Written May 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sarumanthewhite
Wuhan, China197 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Buses run to the park every half hour or so from the East Coach Station, Kunming. The park is 90kms away and it takes about 90 minutes to get there. Tickets 34 rmb. At the Park we were escorted, on foot, some considerable distance to the Centre, to buy entrance tickets. These are 175 rmb each, plus 25 rmb to use the electric cars to get around, as it is a vast site. The highlight is the Major Stone Forest, and here one can escape the madding crowd by exploring the maze of paths, steep steps and crevices between the incredible formations of limestone rock. We spent around 2 hours going up,down, through and under all shapes and sizes of stone, and a very tiring, but aamazing, adventure it was. Many will stay, linger and see all that there is to see, but for us, the Major Stone Forest exceeded all expectations, and was enough. Expensive entry fee, but very glad we went.
Written July 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
I am looking for Driver/Car to take me to Stone Forest. Have you got the contact details for the driver you used.
Thanks,
Written September 5, 2019
The hi-speed trains from/to Kunming are the fastest way. There's a shuttle bus from the Shilin high-speed station. the only downer is that some of the high-speed trains use the Kunming Main station, which is nightmare.
Written September 7, 2019
Hola Mónica! Estoy pasando por Kunming SÓLO para ir al Karst... me pregunto si vale la pena, sé que no te gustó mucho pero me hace dudar porque voy sola, se supone tengo que comerme el ida y vuelta en tren + taxi hasta el parque. ¿Cómo la ves?
Written May 31, 2019
Hi .Is better take the train or a bus from Kunming ? Thanks
a lot
Written September 25, 2017
I don't know about a train service to the Stone forest. The best way is to either hire a car, local bus or on a tour. My choice would be by tour.
Written September 26, 2017
What would be the cheapest daytour trip for going to Stone Forest? I am a solo traveller and want to join a group
Written February 27, 2017
You do not need to join a group. It is fun wondering around and avoiding the groups.
Written March 3, 2017
Sonia T
Milan, Italy
HI! I will be coming from Kunming airport and probably will take a taxi to Shilin. Is there any luggages deposit at the entrance? Is there enough place? do you think that it will be easy then in the afternoon to take a taxi from there to the train station? Thank you!
Written July 26, 2016
Go on internet "Gokunming site" and book a trip to Shilin.
Written July 27, 2016
I have 1 full day in Kunming (first place to arrive when coming from the USA ).We are in our mid-sixties and my question is : should we spend that one full day visiting the Stone Forest or should we rather visit Kunming,the nearby lake and the other surrounding attractions nearby ?
Written December 27, 2015
Hey Alexander, spend the day to visit the stone forest and the museum. Take some snacks with you or some fruit, there you get only cookies pr something else. For my opinion Kunming is not so nice special at this time. (spring should be different and at the moment a lot of construction around the attractions ongoing- lot of dust) The stone forest is very enjoyable. Hire a guide for the time in the park. it will cost you around 150-200 yuan. It's worth don't go with big group... terrible. If you have any more question if you go around Yunnan let me know. we traveled one month in that area just last month. Regards Joerg
Written December 29, 2015
There are so many stone forest in Shilin, are they all the same? Will the taxi driver know which one Is which?
Written September 23, 2015
ok. the main park called stone forest in this region is one. if you take busfrom bus terninal it goes directly to that park. i think taxi also could lift up you to the stone park as well.
Written September 24, 2015
LAN_129
Hanoi, Vietnam
How much is 1 ticket for 1 adult foreign visitor?
Is there any other compulsory fee to be paid?
Written March 19, 2015
Hi Lan,
I did everything myself and paid 165 rmb
When you Google gobackpackgo stoneforest you will find my blogpost about it.
Written March 19, 2015
Showing results 1-9 of 9
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing