Stone Forest Kunming Yunnan
Explore a surreal UNESCO World Heritage site of towering limestone karsts, a geological wonder sculpted over millennia.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Stone Forest Kunming Yunnan
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a surreal UNESCO World Heritage site of towering limestone karsts, a geological wonder sculpted over millennia.
"A beauty that is out of this world. 
🎟️ Buy Tram Tickets
The park is huge! The 25 RMB tram ticket is essential for getting around and saving energy. :ticket:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
It's very sunny with strong UV. Wear a hat, long sleeves, and sunscreen. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Major Stone Forest Scenic Area
Main entrance area
Iconic jagged limestone formations that create a surreal, otherworldly landscape. A must-see for any visitor.
Minor Stone Forest Scenic Area
Adjacent to Major Stone Forest
Offers a slightly different perspective on the karst formations, often less crowded than the main area.
Li Zhi Qing Scenic Area
Accessible via path from Major Stone Forest
Spectacular collection of karsts and pinnacles, offering stunning views and photo opportunities.
Antique Cliffy Paintings
Within the park
Discover ancient rock carvings, adding a historical layer to the natural wonder. Look for directional signs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tram Tickets
The park is huge! The 25 RMB tram ticket is essential for getting around and saving energy. :ticket:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
It's very sunny with strong UV. Wear a hat, long sleeves, and sunscreen. :sunwithface:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring uneven terrain.
📱 Train App for Tickets
Use the 'Railroad 12306' app or Alipay for train tickets if you have a China SIM. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tram Tickets
The park is huge! The 25 RMB tram ticket is essential for getting around and saving energy. :ticket:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
It's very sunny with strong UV. Wear a hat, long sleeves, and sunscreen. :sunwithface:
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring uneven terrain.
📱 Train App for Tickets
Use the 'Railroad 12306' app or Alipay for train tickets if you have a China SIM. :iphone:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. :droplet:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the unique and otherworldly beauty of the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sheer scale of the limestone formations is awe-inspiring, offering incredible photographic opportunities. However, many note that the park can become extremely crowded, especially during peak times, and recommend strategic planning to mitigate this.
"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 more people."
Live Life
"This area was impressive but really very crowded in summer. Besides the main scenic area, the area like 李子园 are much quieter."
Chin Zhi Hui
"One of the main attraction in Kunming. Part of attraction under UNESCO."
Farhanim Leman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You have two main options: take a high-speed train from Kunming Station to Stone Forest West Station (approx. 56 mins, 28 RMB), then bus 99 (50 mins, 10 RMB) to the scenic area. Alternatively, take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station (approx. 1.5 hrs, 30 RMB). Both arrive at the ticketing office.
Yes, it's feasible but requires careful planning. It's about 1.5 hours each way, so factor in travel time and allow ample time at the park. Consider staying overnight near Green Lake for easier access.
A tram car ticket (25 RMB) is highly recommended as the park is vast. It connects the main areas and saves significant walking time.
Yes, buses run from Kunming East Bus Station directly to the Stone Forest scenic area ticketing office.
Taxis are available, but can be more expensive than public transport. Ensure you agree on a price beforehand or use a metered taxi. Public transport is generally more reliable and cost-effective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance ticket is 130 RMB. You'll also need to purchase a tram car ticket for 25 RMB to navigate the park efficiently.
The park is generally open daily from morning to evening. It's best to check the latest official hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
While online booking might be available through specific platforms or apps like 'Railroad 12306' (for train tickets to the area), purchasing tickets at the ticketing office upon arrival is also common.
The main entrance ticket covers access to the park. While there are five distinct scenic areas, the tram system helps you access them. Some areas might have specific entry points, but the primary ticket is for the overall park.
The last bus returning to Kunming from the Stone Forest scenic area is typically around 6 PM. Ensure you plan your visit accordingly.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
To fully appreciate the main areas and some of the quieter spots, allocate at least 3-4 hours. If you plan to explore all five scenic areas, you might need a full day.
Yes, you can hire local guides near the entrance. They can provide historical context and help you spot formations resembling animals.
The five areas are: Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest, Li Zhi Qing, Wan Nian Ling Zhi (Thousand Year Ginseng), and Bu Shao Hill.
Absolutely! The unique geological formations offer incredible photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset if accessible.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing. Given the strong sun, long sleeves and a hat are highly recommended for sun protection.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are restaurants and shops located in the ticketing office area where you can buy souvenirs and food.
Expect local Yunnan cuisine. You might find options for simple meals and snacks. For a wider variety, consider dining in Kunming.
Bringing your own water and snacks is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring. Check park regulations regarding outside food.
While specific options may vary, many Chinese restaurants offer vegetable-based dishes. It's advisable to inquire about ingredients.
In Kunming, try Wild Mushroom Hotpot and Flower Pastries. These are popular local delicacies.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'sword pond' section in the Major Stone Forest is iconic. The Li Zhi Qing area also offers dramatic vistas. Explore different angles to capture the scale.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the stone formations. Avoid midday sun if possible.
Drone usage is typically restricted in national parks and heritage sites. It's best to check the latest regulations with park authorities before flying a drone.
The tram stops in the Li Zhi Qing and Bu Shao Hill areas offer excellent vantage points without extensive walking.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the formations. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing details.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiring a guide who can make the experience more interactive by pointing out animal-shaped rocks and sharing simple stories about the formations. The sheer scale of the landscape is impressive for all ages, and the opportunity to see ancient rock paintings adds an educational element.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Look for local eateries outside the main tourist areas for more budget-friendly meal options. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons to potentially find better deals on accommodation in Kunming.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and perspectives to highlight the scale and textures. The 'sword pond' and the Li Zhi Qing area are particularly photogenic. For the best light, aim for early morning or late afternoon. The interplay of light and shadow can create stunning effects. While drones are generally restricted, explore the park's natural beauty through your lens, focusing on the intricate details and the surreal atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Stone Forest's Geology
The horizontal lines visible on some of the rocks are remnants of ancient sea levels, providing a fascinating glimpse into the region's geological past. The sheer scale and intricate shapes of the stones make it feel like an alien world, inspiring awe and wonder in visitors.
While the most famous formations are concentrated in the Major Stone Forest, the park encompasses several other scenic areas, each offering a unique perspective on this natural phenomenon. Exploring these different zones reveals the diversity of karst topography.
Navigating the Vast Park
While the tram is efficient, don't hesitate to explore some of the paths leading off the main routes. Areas like Li Zhi Qing and Wan Nian Ling Zhi offer spectacular views and are often less crowded than the main attractions. Look out for directional signs to find hidden gems like the 'Antique cliffy paintings on stone wall'.
For those who prefer a more in-depth understanding, hiring a local guide at the entrance can enhance the experience. Guides can share historical anecdotes, point out rock formations that resemble animals, and help you navigate the park more effectively.
Best Times to Visit for a Better Experience
Even during peak times, strategic timing can make a difference. Arriving early in the morning, shortly after opening, or visiting later in the afternoon, as tour groups begin to depart, can offer a more serene experience. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends.
Avoid visiting during the hottest summer months (July-August) if you dislike crowds and intense heat. The weather can be very hot and sunny, requiring extra precautions for sun protection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit