Stone Forest Scenic — Attraction in Kunming

I am aware of 2 ways to get here :

1. Take high speed train from Kunming station to Stone forest west station. (28 RMB, 56 min) , then take bus 99 (10 RMB, 50 min) outside Stone forest west station to the ticketing office at Stone forest scenic area.

Take note of the train destinations and schedule as it may differ. For convenience, you may download “Railroad 12306” app when you reach China using the country’s network. This app is used to buy train tickets online. But you would need to register using a China mobile number, which means getting a China SIM card. Alternatively , the app is also available in the Alipay app.

2. Take bus from Kunming east bus station , located at Kunming east coach subway station. (30 RMB, 1.5 hr )

Both buses will reach the bus station at stone forest scenic area ticketing office. The last bus to return back is 6pm.

There are some restaurants and shops to buy souvenirs and eat at the ticketing office area.

The entrance ticket is 130 RMB and you would need to also buy a tram car (25 RMB) ticket that would bring you to and fro the park entrance which is 2 km away from the ticketing office.

There are actually 5 scenic areas in this massive park.

1. Major stone forest scenic area

As the main entrance is located near here, most tourists would visit here and in particular , only one section which is the “sword pond” section.

2. Minor stone forest scenic area

As this area is located next to the Big Forest area, most tourists would also visit here next.

3. Li Zhi Qing scenic area

This area is a collection of spectacular karsts and pinnacles worth a look. After reaching the “sword pond”, there is a path leading to this area.

4. Wan Nian Ling Zhi (Thousand year Ginseng plant ) scenic area

There is a mushroom shaped rock sculpture like a “ling Zhi” (Ginseng plant) which you would need to walk into this area to see it. There is also a path leading to this area from the “sword pond”

5. Bu Shao hill scenic area

This is another collection of rock sculptures but nothing really spectacular here.

Fortunately , there is a free internal tram car service that goes around the park where you can drop off at (3) , (4) and (5) to explore instead of walking all around the park.

I would recommend taking the tram car to visit (3) as the view is amazing just from the tram car stop.

Also , there is a path leading to an ancient writing on a rock wall that is known as “Antique cliffy paintings of stone forest”

Suggested itinerary :

1. Major stone forest scenic area
2. Minor stone forest scenic area
3. Take the free internal tram car to visit (3) and (5) to take photos from just the tram stops. For (4), you would need to venture into the scenic area to spot the mushroom shaped rock sculpture.

For the “Antique cliffy paintings on stone wall” , you also would need to walk into the scenic area. Look out for the directional signs.

Overall , this park is worth a visit and you can also hire a guide near the entrance who can explain the background of the park and also get you to notice how the rock sculptures resemble certain animals.

The park is mostly open space and it is quite sunny so do wear a hat and long sleeve clothing to block out the strong sunlight.

It is recommended to visit before July and August where there would be...

I visited Stone Forrest in 2018. As I entered the Stone Forest, I found myself surrounded by a vast expanse of limestone pillars, meticulously carved over millions of years by the forces of wind and water. Each stone formation stood tall, resembling a myriad of intricate shapes ranging from towering spires to delicate petal-like structures. Walking through this ethereal landscape felt like stepping into a surreal world, where time seemed to stand still.The Stone Forest offers a labyrinth of pathways and trails that weave their way through the complex maze of limestone pillars. Exploring these paths was like embarking on an adventure, where every turn revealed a new and captivating vista. The sight of sunlight filtering through the canopy, casting a soft glow on the stone formations, added a touch of magic to the entire experience.The local culture surrounding the Stone Forest is equally captivating. The Yi and Sani ethnic minorities, who call this region home, have a deep connection with the land. Their warm hospitality and unique traditions provide visitors with a glimpse into their...

A history visit at Stone Forest, Kunming. Beautiful scenery views of the nature stones standing at that specific area where the famous Avatar was filmed.

There are many local and foreign tourists, local people and guides displaying their costumes and attires showing or explaining the history on the site. Beautiful scenery and beauties around are really matching. The beauties spoke their own local dialects within themselves and mandarin is spoken widely.

Beside this Stone Forest, adventure to the “Mountain Cave” attraction - a nature wonder with lake within. Wow the interior sceneries are amazing with deities, painting and lighting displayed. Cooling atmosphere inside the cave. Don’t miss the cable car ride.

Spring and Autumn weather is better. Winter...