Stone Forest Scenic Area Day Trip (Big & Small Stone Forest Route)

Stone Forest Scenic Area Day Trip (Big & Small Stone Forest Route)

The Stone Forest is a World Natural Heritage and the classic karst landscape — towering stone pillars rising like a "forest of stone." The Big and Small Stone Forests are the core, each unique.

This guide covers a day trip.

🏞️ About the Stone Forest

• Location: Shilin County, Kunming, about 90 km from Kunming
• Status: World Natural Heritage, World Geopark
• Features: karst stone forest, towering stone pillars
• Core: Big Stone Forest, Small Stone Forest

🗺️ Big & Small Stone Forest Route

1. Big Stone Forest (grand)

• Dense stone pillars, grand; the iconic "Stone Forest" view
• Shilin Scenic Point, Jianfeng Pool, Wangfeng Pavilion, etc.
• Winding paths like a stone maze

2. Small Stone Forest (graceful)

• Sparser pillars, foliage, more graceful
• Ashima Stone: the icon, said to be Ashima turned to stone
• Lakeside grass, pleasant walking

Route advice: Big Stone Forest first (grand), then Small (graceful); a day covers both.

🎫 Tickets & Transport

• Ticket: ~130 CNY (incl. shuttle, subject to year)
• Transport: about 1.5 hours from Kunming; self-drive/bus/high-speed rail (Shilin Station)
• In the area: shuttles link the sites

⏰ Time

• Core visit: about 3–4 hours
• All day, with nearby sights

📌 Practical Tips

1. The Stone Forest is large; wear comfortable shoes, pace yourself
2. Sunscreen: strong southern sun
3. Mind your step between the stones; some steps are slippery
4. Follow shuttles/signs; avoid getting lost
5. Hire a guide for the legends

The Stone Forest is a "forest of stone" — the Big's grandeur and the Small's grace each have their charm. Spend a day at this world wonder and marvel at nature's craft.