Do you want to see all of the representative karst stone forest landforms in just one place? Go to Yunnan's Stone Forest. It is the only karst stone forest in a subtropical plateau region in the world.
Scroll down and find out what to see and other travel tips for the Stone Forest.
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Two Main Areas to Visit in the Stone Forest
The Stone Forest Scenic Area covers a vast expanse. The Stone Forest that we commonly say primarily refers to the Greater Stone Forest and the Lesser Stone Forest. These two areas are the main destinations for visitors exploring the site.
The Greater Stone Forest
The Greater Stone ForestScale and density: The Greater Stone Forest is renowned for its spectacular and dense array of limestone pillars. The numerous rocks are closely packed together, creating a maze-like scene.
Landscape features: The rock formations come in all sorts of bizarre shapes, some resembling swords pointing to the sky, while others look like various animals or human figures. You could experience a sense of grandeur and mystery there.
Touring experience: Due to the abundance of rocks and the more complex pathways, exploring the Greater Stone Forest usually takes more time. Additionally, it is the most crowded area, with relatively well-developed tourist facilities.
Tips for a family with kids:
The Greater Stone Forest is more suitable for active children as it offers them the opportunity to appreciate the massive scale of the stones and experience the varied textures of the rock surfaces by touch.
Behind the Greater Stone Forest, Liziyuanjing receives fewer visitors. The stone formations there are smaller and lower, making them perfect for exploration. Children could weave freely through the clusters and stalagmites and navigate a maze.
There's also the option to climb up to Wangfeng Pavilion (which is manageable even for 3-year-olds), where they could gain an understanding of height and enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.
The Lesser Stone Forest
Ashima Statue in Stone Forest Scale and density: Compared to the Greater Stone Forest, the rocks in the Lesser Stone Forest are more sparsely distributed, giving a more open and tranquil feeling.
Landscape features: The stone shapes there are equally peculiar but overall appear softer and more elegant. One of the most famous attractions is "Ashima", a rock that resembles a Yi ethnic girl, symbolizing a beautiful local legend.
Touring experience: The Lesser Stone Forest offers a closer-to-nature experience, with a quieter and more serene environment, suitable for visitors who enjoy peaceful strolls and natural scenery. It also retains more vegetation, adding a lush green touch to the landscape.
However, in the Lesser Stone Forest, the stone formations are often enclosed and not accessible for close exploration, offering less of an exploratory experience compared to the Greater Stone Forest.
Is a Lot of Walking Needed in the Stone Forest?
Walking is the main way to travel around the Stone Forest. Sightseeing carts are available to escort you between sightseeing spots.
The amount of walking depends on your preferences. If you're full of energy, you could climb up and down steps, ascend for panoramic views, and explore caves and rock formations.
The Greater Stone Forest requires more physical effort, with steps and staircases to navigate. In contrast, the Lesser Stone Forest is flatter and more accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
Even for seniors or those with mobility issues, the stone forests could still be enjoyed. These scenic areas are open, allowing you to choose paths that suit your capabilities — climbing is not a necessity.
Naigu Stone Forest: Less Crowded
Our guest in Naigu Stone ForestMost people who visit Kunming make sure to check out the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests so these places are crowded at most times, especially during the peak tourist season.
If you want to get away from the tourist crowds, Naigu Stone Forest is a good option. It is 8 kilometers (5 miles) northeast of the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests and is older and quieter than they are.
It features spiky stones, karst caves, a large waterfall, a vast grassland, and an impressive causeway of black volcanic blocks.
If you go there between September and November, you would be mesmerized by a sea of flowers flanked by the Stone Forest.
The Greater and Lesser Stone Forests vs Naigu Stone Forest: Which One to Choose
The Greater and Lesser Stone Forests are must-see attractions for Chinese tourists so countless tourist groups swarm into them during the peak season.
We recommend that you see the less-visited Naigu Stone Forest to guarantee a better experience.
| The Greater and Lesser Stone Forests | Naigu Stone Forest | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 12 sq km (5 sq mi) | 10 sq km (4 sq mi) |
| Rock | Limestone | Dolomite |
| Color | Light gray | Dark gray, black |
| Sights | More varied formations, lakes | Spiky formations, caves, causeway, waterfall, flower fields |
| Reputation | Very famous | Newly growing in popularity |
| Crowds | Very crowded | Less crowded |
| Status | Commercial | More rustic |
Suggested Visiting Time
We recommend spending half a day visiting both the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests.
It's usually best to arrive between 9am and 10am when there are fewer visitors, or you could choose to visit in the afternoon.
Is It Possible to Take a Day Trip from Kunming?
Taking a day trip to the Stone Forest from Kunming is feasible.
Traveling between Kunming city and the Stone Forest is very convenient, especially if you opt for a private transfer.
But if you would like to explore the karst landscapes deeply and experience the local minority culture, you could consider staying overnight there.
See our 3-Day Essence of Kunming with the Stone Forest
How to Get to the Stone Forest from Kunming
The Stone Forest is in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, which is about 77 km (48 miles) east of Kunming city.
By Public Transportation
You could take either a 1½-hour coach ride from Kunming East Bus Station or a 40-minute bullet train ride to Shilin County Town, and then change to a public bus or taxi to reach the scenic areas. The whole journey takes at least 2 hours. It could be a challenge if you don't speak Chinese.
By Private Vehicle
A more hassle-free way, especially for families with children or the elderly, is to take a private vehicle. It takes about 1½ hours with a direct transfer from your hotel.
In addition, you would be accompanied by a local guide into the scenic area to show you the best sights in a well-planned day trip with interesting explanations, such as taking you to explore the remnants of when the Stone Forest area was once beneath the sea.
Best Times to Visit the Stone Forest
The best times to visit the Stone Forest in Kunming are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer mild, cool weather, making them perfect for outdoor activities.
While the rainy season in July and August brings more humid conditions, the lush, green vegetation makes the Stone Forest particularly captivating. Just be sure to take rain gear in case of showers.
If you prefer a quieter travel experience, winter (December to February) is also a great option. Kunming's winter climate is relatively mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F).
However, the vegetation in the Stone Forest is sparser during this time, making the scenery less vibrant compared to spring and autumn.