Stone Forest in Yunnan
Discover Stone Forest with Huatu International: A Tailored Journey of Taste & Comfort
Explore Yunnan's UNESCO Stone Forest with Huatu International, your expert in inbound tours since 2005. We craft personalized itineraries that reveal both magnificent karst landscapes and authentic Yi culture.
• Dine in Style: Savor local specialties like Guishan black goat hotpot and ginseng fruit feasts at our carefully selected restaurants
• Rest Well: Stay at handpicked hotels combining comfort with local character
• Complete Customization: Adjust your tour daily - whether more photography time or cultural immersion
• Local Expertise: Our native guides bring legends like Ashima to life while ensuring seamless experiences
From the dramatic Greater Stone Forest to intimate Yi village encounters, we create meaningful travel memories. Private groups available - your journey, your way.
Contact us to begin designing your perfect Stone Forest adventure!
Stone Forest, Yunnan: A Journey Through Karst Marvels & Yi Culture
Welcome, travelers, to the magnificent Stone Forest (Shilin) in Kunming, Yunnan! Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007 under "South China Karst," this spectacular destination is also a Global Geopark and a top-rated 5A scenic area. Located just 1.5 hours from Kunming, the Stone Forest offers a breathtaking blend of 270 million years of geological history and the rich cultural traditions of the Yi people. Let’s explore this natural wonder where ancient stones and ethnic heritage meet!
1. Greater Stone Forest: Giants of Karst
Begin your adventure in the Greater Stone Forest, the core area of Shilin. Here, you’ll be surrounded by towering limestone pillars—some over 40 meters high—that form a dramatic skyline. These formations, made of pure limestone and dolomite, have been shaped over millions of years by tectonic shifts and erosion.
Must-See Spots:
"Stone Forest" Inscription: A stone-carved calligraphy by Long Yun, a historical figure from Yunnan—perfect for photos!
Sword Peak Pond: A serene pool reflecting sharp stone peaks. According to legend, a hero named Ahei split a rock to release water here, saving his people from drought.
Lotus Peak & Elephant-Trunk Platform: Rock clusters resembling a blooming lotus and two stone "elephants" with intertwined trunks.
Single Thread of Sky: Narrow passages where sunlight filters through rock crevices, creating beautiful light patterns.
2. Lesser Stone Forest: The Legend of Ashima
Just across a stream lies the Lesser Stone Forest, known for its elegant, garden-like rock formations and lush greenery. The highlight here is the Ashima Stone Peak—a pillar resembling a Sani Yi maiden in traditional dress, carrying a basket on her back.
Cultural Insight:
Ashima’s Story: A beloved folktale of love and bravery. Ashima, a clever Sani girl, and her lover Ahei fought against a tyrant. Tragically, Ashima turned to stone during a flood, forever watching over her land.
Yi Dance & Music: Don’t miss live performances of Sani songs and dances. Join in if invited—it’s a wonderful cultural experience!
3. Bushao Mountain: Panoramic Views & Ancient Fossils
Climb to Bushao Mountain, the highest point in Stone Forest, for stunning views of pine forests and karst landscapes. This area was once a lookout for the Sani people.
Key Features:
Marine Fossils: Look closely at the rocks—you’ll find fossils of shells and corals, evidence that this area was once an ancient ocean.
Bushao Five Stone Gates & Pine Waves: Natural stone arches and a soothing pine forest where the wind sounds like ocean waves.
Hiking Trails: Explore winding paths for an up-close encounter with the stone pillars.
4. Liziyuanqing: Primitive Karst & Ancient Rock Art
Adjacent to Bushao Mountain, Liziyuanqing offers a wild, untouched karst landscape. Here, you’ll find ancient Yi rock paintings depicting hunting, farming, and rituals—dating back thousands of years.
Highlights:
Yi Ancestral Caves: Explore caves where Yi people once lived, with remnants of stone stoves and beds.
Cultural Significance: These sites reflect the harmony between the Yi people and nature, offering a glimpse into their ancient way of life.
5. Ten-Thousand-Year Ganoderma: Sunset Views
Visit the Ten-Thousand-Year Ganoderma area, named for a mushroom-shaped stone peak. This spot is especially magical at sunset, when the rocks glow golden against the sky.
Legend & Views:
According to local lore, a fairy’s magical mushroom turned to stone, blessing the area with healing spring water.
Best Time to Visit: Late afternoon for unforgettable sunset photos.
6. Yi Cuisine: Local Flavors to Try
Complete your Stone Forest experience with authentic Yi dishes:
Banqiao Cold Rice Noodles: A refreshing mix of handmade noodles, peanut sauce, and local toppings. Try them at Chen’s Laoyan Cold Rice Noodles in Banqiao.
Ginseng Fruit Feast: Creative dishes made from local ginseng fruit—sweet and unique. Yi Rice Water Town in Ashima Tourism Town is a great spot.
Pan-Fried Milk Cake: A savory-sweet treat made from goat’s milk, often enjoyed during festivals.
Guishan Black Goat Hot Pot: A rich, comforting dish served with spicy dips. Enjoy it at Stone Forest Hot Pot Rainbow Feast.
Buckwheat Cake with Honey: A healthy snack combining earthy buckwheat and sweet honey—available at street stalls.
7. Plan Your Visit
Travel Tips:
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for pleasant weather.
Getting There: The Stone Forest is 80 km from Kunming. Buses and private cars are available.
Local Festivals: If possible, visit during the Torch Festival (June or July) for vibrant Yi celebrations.
Final Thoughts
The Stone Forest is more than a natural wonder—it’s a living landscape where geology and culture intertwine. From the epic karst formations and ancient legends to the warm hospitality of the Yi people, every moment here is memorable.
As a Sani saying goes: "Rivers flow even if mountains don’t; people meet again even if paths don’t." We hope to welcome you back someday. Safe travels and enjoy your journey!
