Yunnan Stone Forest — Day Tour & Ticket Guide
UNESCO World Natural Heritage and a 270-million-year geological wonder. 350 km² of karst pinnacles and the home of the Yi-ethnic Ashima legend. Klook combo (with Kunming round-trip) from ¥160.
At a Glance
| Admission only | ¥200 / Klook ¥188 |
|---|---|
| Day tour (with Kunming round-trip) | ¥188 / Klook ¥160 |
| + lunch + show | ¥388 / Klook ¥328 |
| Opening hours | 07:30–17:30 |
| Location | 90 km southeast of Kunming |
| Time needed | Full day, 6–7 hours (incl. transit) |
| Size | 350 km² |
1. What the Stone Forest is
In Shilin Yi Autonomous County, 90 km southeast of Kunming. In 2007 it was inscribed (alongside Guilin, Wulong and others) as part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage "South China Karst."
270 million years ago (Permian), this was seabed laying down limestone. Tectonic uplift + millions of years of rain carved the 350 km² of "sword-shaped karst forest" — millions of stone pillars, 5–30 m tall, standing like upright blades. It is one of the most intact karst stone forests on Earth.
It is also the home of the Yi-ethnic Ashima legend. China's first colour film, Ashima (1964), was shot here, and the "Ashima Stone" — a pillar shaped like a basket-carrying maiden — has become the park's emblem.
2. Top 8 must-see sights
- Greater Stone Forest — the core area: Ashima Stone, Wangfeng Pavilion, "Hair-trigger Rock," "Two Birds Feeding," etc.
- Lesser Stone Forest — gentler, family- and senior-friendly.
- Ashima Stone — the basket-carrying maiden, must-photo.
- Wangfeng Pavilion — 1,800 m, panoramic view.
- Sword Peak Pool — sword-like pillars reflected in water.
- Lion Pool — formations resembling a crouching lion.
- Buqiao Hill — 200 stone steps to a summit panorama.
- Strange Wind Cave — underground karst cavern with stalactites.
3. Suggested 1-day itinerary
- 07:30 leave Kunming hotel;
- 09:30 arrive Stone Forest, ticket + shuttle;
- 10:00–12:00 Greater Stone Forest (Ashima Stone, Wangfeng);
- 12:30 lunch (Yi-style);
- 14:00–15:30 Lesser Stone Forest + Sword Peak Pool;
- 15:30 Yi ethnic show (16:00 daily);
- 17:00 head back to Kunming;
- 19:00 arrive.
4. Package comparison
| Package | Includes | Face value | Klook |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admission only | Park entry | ¥200 | ¥188 |
| Day tour | Kunming round-trip + admission | ¥188 | ¥160 |
| + lunch + show | + 4-course Yi meal + show | ¥388 | ¥328 |
| Child 1.0–1.4 m | — | 50% off | 50% off |
5. Best time to visit
- March–May, September–November: most comfortable weather.
- Early March: Yi Torch Festival (lunar 6/24) celebrations.
- Avoid: June–September rainy season (some caves close); Spring Festival packed.
6. How to get there / back
- Kunming → Stone Forest: HSR 18 min (fastest), coach 1.5 hr;
- Guided charter: 1.5 hr door-to-door, hassle-free;
- Didi / taxi: ~¥250 one way from Kunming.
7. How to save money
- Klook day-tour combo: with transport, ¥50 cheaper than buying separately;
- Children under 1.0 m free;
- 1.0–1.4 m half price;
- 60+ half price;
- Avoid public holidays: Torch Festival adds 30%.
8. Practical tips
- Bring: ID / passport, comfortable walking shoes (5+ km in the park), sunscreen, sunglasses, rain jacket;
- Not allowed: outside food, pets, selfie sticks;
- Accessibility: shuttle bypasses some sections; some trails are steep;
- Guide: Yi-ethnic guides offer Mandarin, English and Japanese.
9. Why book through us
- Includes Kunming round-trip charter + admission;
- Scan-and-enter;
- Voucher valid 6 months;
- Free cancellation up to 72 hours ahead.