Exploring Yunnan’s 5A Lever Scenic Spot - Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area
The Stone Forest is a magical and beautiful place that attracts countless tourists. It is known as the "First Wonder of the World" and a "National 5A Tourist Attraction." In 2007, it was successfully listed as a World Natural Heritage site as an important part of the "South China Karst."
The Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, 78 kilometers from Kunming. Shilin County enjoys a spring-like climate all year round, making it ideal for tourism throughout the year. It is a great place for sightseeing, vacationing, and escaping the heat or cold. The Stone Forest features typical karst topography with stone peaks, stone buds, sinkholes, and underground rivers. The peaks take on various shapes such as swords, towers, and mushrooms, creating a bizarre and stunning landscape.
The Stone Forest Scenic Area covers a vast expanse and boasts the world’s unique karst landscape, earning it the title of "World Natural Heritage." Here, you can admire the diverse and unique stone peaks and feel the wonders of nature as you stroll through the area.
The scenic area includes the Stone Forest Scenic Area, Heisongyan (Naigu Stone Forest) Scenic Area, Feilong Waterfall (Dadieshui) Scenic Area, Changhu Scenic Area, and more. These areas are relatively dispersed. When we refer to visiting the Stone Forest, it usually means the Large and Small Stone Forest.
The Large Stone Forest is composed of densely packed stone peaks, resembling a stone basin. The stone pillars here stand tall and abrupt, with smooth lines and a light grayish-blue color. The tallest independent rock column exceeds 40 meters in height. Key attractions include "Lotus Peak," "Sword Peak Pool," and "Phoenix Comb Wings," with the most famous being the "Stone Forest Wonderland" at Longyun’s inscription "Stone Forest." "Wangfeng Pavilion" is the best place to enjoy the "sea of stone forests."
Compared to the dense Large Stone Forest, the neighboring Small Stone Forest (Ashima Scenic Area) appears sparse and elegant. The thick and solid stone walls act like screens, dividing the Small Stone Forest (Ashima Scenic Area) into several gardens. The most famous attraction here is "Ashima." When night falls and the colorful lights shine, it becomes even more enchanting and charming.
Transportation:
High-speed Train:
From Kunming South Station, it takes just over 20 minutes to reach Shilin West Station.
Bus:
At Shilin West Station, the exit has the No. 99 bus that goes directly to the Stone Forest Scenic Area.
Bus:
Buses from Kunming East Bus Station (accessible by Metro Lines 3 and 6 to East Bus Station) go directly to the Stone Forest Scenic Area.
Self-driving:
The Stone Forest Scenic Area is about 80 kilometers from Kunming, taking roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes by car.