Atlas of China
Stone Forest 石林Shílín
A maze of limestone blades and towers you can lose yourself in
- Best time
- Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov
- Time needed
- Half a day on site
- Days to budget
- 1 day
- Stay in
- Kunming
- Region
- Yunnan
- Type
- Nature
- Listed as
- 5A scenic area, 4A scenic area, UNESCO World Heritage
Why go to Stone Forest
The Stone Forest is a vast field of grey limestone pinnacles, many taller than a house, weathered into blades, towers and narrow corridors. Paths loop through the Major and Minor Stone Forests, squeezing between rock walls and climbing to pavilions that look out over the whole maze.
The story
The pinnacles began as limestone laid down on an ancient sea floor, later lifted and carved by rain. The local Sani people, a branch of the Yi, tell of Ashima, a young woman turned to stone here, and one slender pillar is said to be her.
What to see at Stone Forest
- Major Stone Forest 大石林: The main area, with towering grey pinnacles, Lotus Peak and Sword Peak Pond. Pavilions on the high points give views across the whole maze.
- Minor Stone Forest and Ashima 小石林: A more intimate area of pools and lanes between the rocks, home to the pillar named for Ashima, a Sani Yi heroine of a famous folk epic.
- Naigu Stone Forest 乃古石林: A separate area about 9 km north-east of the Major Stone Forest, in dolomite rather than limestone, listed as part of the South China Karst World Heritage Site.
- Dadieshui Waterfall 大叠水瀑布: A waterfall in the wider Shilin scenic area, a cooler stop away from the rocks.
How to visit Stone Forest
Most visitors start at the main gate and walk the Major Stone Forest, then continue to the Minor Stone Forest, using the electric carts for the long stretches. Naigu and the waterfall are separate and need extra transport, so they suit a full day. A half day is enough for the two main forests.
How to get to Stone Forest
The Stone Forest is about 1.5 hours by bus from Kunming, or about 20 minutes by high-speed train to Shilin West station followed by a bus of around half an hour.
Where to stay
Stay in Shilin town, near the gate, if you want an early start or to see Naigu; otherwise Kunming is an easy base because of the direct high-speed train.
What to eat
- Fried goat's-milk cheese 煎羊乳饼: Slices of firm goat's-milk cheese pan-fried until golden, a Yunnan speciality seen on local menus.
- Mint stir-fried chicken 薄荷炒鸡: Chicken stir-fried with fresh mint, a Yi-style dish.
Tips for visiting Stone Forest
- Head beyond the main circuit to the Minor Stone Forest and outer loops, where the crowds thin quickly.
- Electric carts link the entrance with the main areas if you want to save your legs.
- The maze is easy to get lost in; note landmarks and stick to marked paths.
Nearby
- Chengjiang Fossil Site & Fuxian Lake 澄江化石地与抚仙湖 40 km
Half-billion-year-old fossils of early animals beside one of China's deepest lakes - Green Lake Park 翠湖公园 70 km
Kunming's favourite park, where wintering gulls wheel over willow-lined causeways - Western Hills & Dragon Gate 西山龙门 70 km
Taoist grottoes and a single-file ledge path cut into a cliff high above Dianchi Lake - Luoping Rapeseed Fields 罗平油菜花海 110 km
Seas of golden rapeseed flowers swirling around karst peaks and spiral terraces - Puzhehei 普者黑 110 km
Lotus-filled lakes winding between hundreds of green karst hills, explored by boat
Also within 30 km: Xinglin Grand View Garden 杏林大观园 (under 10 km), Jiuxiang Scenic Region 九乡风景区 (30 km).
Trips with Stone Forest
- Yunnan by train: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La 9 days · Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La
On the map
Open Stone Forest on the illustrated map to see the terrain around it, what else is close, and to add it to a trip and plan the days.
Open Stone Forest on the map