Stone Forest (Shilin)

Stone Forest (Shilin) Review

One of the most interesting sites near Kunming is a geological phenomenon known as the Stone Forest. This cluster of dark gray-limestone karst formations has been twisted into unusual shapes since being formed beneath the sea 270 million years ago. Many have been given names to describe their resemblances to real or mythological animals (phoenixes, elephants, and turtles).

You can take walks through the park, which is dotted with small lakes and pools. Here you'll find plenty of Sani women eager to act as guides and sell you their handicrafts. The area where most tourists venture has, inevitably, become rather commercialized, but there are plenty of similar formations in other parts of the park if you wander off the main trail. The journey here takes you through the hilly countryside dotted with timber-frame architecture typical of the area.