Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area Travel Guide

Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, about 78 kilometers from downtown Kunming. It is one of China's first World Natural Heritage sites and a national 5A-level scenic spot, known as the 'First Wonder of the World.' The core area covers 350 square kilometers, including the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests, Naigu Stone Forest, and Changhu Lake. The area features sword-shaped karst formations formed over 270 million years of geological evolution, earning it the title of 'Natural Museum of Geomorphic Formations.' Transportation Guide From Kunming High-speed train: It takes only 18 minutes from Kunming South Station to Shilin West Station, with a ticket price of 18 yuan. Transfer to bus No. 99 to reach the scenic area (10 yuan). Bus: Buses depart from the East Bus Station from 7:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily, with ticket prices ranging from 26 to 43 yuan and a travel time of 1.5 hours. Self-drive: Take the Shankun Expressway and transfer to the Jiushi-A Tourist Line, arriving in about 90 minutes. The scenic area parking fee is 10 yuan per day. In-scenic area transportation: Electric cars are available for 25 yuan per person, connecting the core attractions and saving energy. Must-visit Attractions and Routes Classic Route (4-6 hours) Greater Stone Forest: Known for its steep stone peaks, check out the 'Stone Forest Wonderland' cliff inscription, the thrilling 'A Close Call' stone gate, and the Sword Peak Pool reflection. Lesser Stone Forest: The Ashima Stone is a landmark attraction. It is recommended to rent Yi ethnic costumes (30 yuan per set) for taking ethnic-style photos. Sentinel Hill: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the Stone Forest and see marine fossils from 270 million years ago along the way. In-depth Route (6-8 hours) Lizi Garden: Explore ancient Yi cliff paintings and hike through the secluded Orchid Valley. Millennium Ganoderma Area: The mushroom-shaped stone peaks are spectacular, perfect for photographing the 'Overlooking the Small Mountains' at sunset. Tickets and Discounts Full ticket: 130 yuan per person (including five major areas), electric car 25 yuan recommended. Discounts: Half price for seniors aged 60-70 and students, free for those over 70, military personnel, and disabled individuals. Food Recommendations Yi Cuisine: Nearby restaurants offer horse meat hotpot, milk cake, and Stone Forest marinated tofu (50 yuan per person). Tofu Feast: Shilin County has 48 tofu dishes, with an average cost of 80 yuan per person. Photography and Cultural Experience Golden Hours: Capture backlit silhouettes at Wangfeng Pavilion from 7:30-9:00 AM; capture side-lit textures at Lesser Stone Forest from 3:00-5:00 PM. Yi Culture: Participate in the Torch Festival interaction and watch the Big Sanxian Dance performance at 3:00 PM daily to experience the enthusiasm of the Sani people. Tips to Avoid Pitfalls Clothing: Wear non-slip athletic shoes and a sun hat in summer due to strong UV rays. Off-peak Visits: Avoid weekends; Thursdays or Fridays have fewer tourists. Visit the Millennium Ganoderma Area first, then the core area. Guides: Rent a guide (150 yuan for 2 hours) or use Baidu Maps navigation within the scenic area. The Stone Forest combines natural wonders and cultural styles, offering unforgettable experiences whether you are exploring geology or immersing in culture. It is recommended to allocate a full day for an in-depth tour to feel the shock and poetry of the 'Karst Essence!'