Stone Forest Review

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Stone Forest

  • Address: Lunan, Kunming

Fodor's Review:

One of the most interesting sites near Kunming is a geological phenomenon known as the Stone Forest (Shilin). 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). The journey here takes you through the hilly countryside dotted with timber-frame architecture typical of the area.

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 Stone Forest is 125 km (78 mi) southeast of Kunming. There are several ways to get here, the best being a car and driver. One can be arranged through your hotel and should cost between Y500 and Y600. Another option is the cheap bus tours (Y20 round-trip) that leave each morning from the area around the train station. This trip takes at least four hours, as the driver makes numerous stops at souvenir stands and junk stores along the way.

  • Cost: Y80
  • Open: 24 hrs
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