Stone Forest 石林 Travel Guide

The Stone Forest, or “Shilin” in Mandarin, is 85km outside of Kunming. The Karst formations cover an area of 2,670 square km and are believed to be 270 million years old. It’s a wonderful and unique area to wander around and deservedly popular with tourists. Almost always visited as a day trip from Yunnan’s capital of Kunming.

The uniqueness of the sight and relatively easy access as a day trip from Kunming.

Over such a large area it is unlikely you will see it all on one visit. Areas to visit include the Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone forest, Outer Stone Forest, Underground Stone Forest, Stone Forest Lake, and Da Dieshui Falls. The easiest way to appreciate the whole is to climb up some of the designated karsts for a view over endless rock formations which look like… well, a stone forest!

Unless you are rushing through Kunming we would recommend spending a full day at the Stone Forest.

Almost everyone stays in Kunming and makes the trip to the Stone Forest as a day tour. In Kunming we recommend the New Era Hotel as a good solid 4* option.

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By Phil Stanley & Headseast – TCTC Destination Expert.