The Stone Forest: A Natural Wonder Just a Step Away from Kunming

The Stone Forest (石林) is the star attraction in the Kunming area. Located 86 kilometers from the city, it is an extensive labyrinth of sharp limestone pinnacles, some reaching up to thirty meters in height. The Stone Forest is a unique karst formation in the world, a geological miracle that forms a natural art gallery. Because of this, and because it is the only karst landscape located on a subtropical plateau, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Experts say that these rocks, which are usually found deep underground, emerged to the surface due to the convulsions of the Earth’s crust. In fact, about 270 million years ago, the region was submerged under the sea, which gradually receded because of movements of the Earth’s crust.

A Park and Various Attractions
The Stone Forest Geological Park is divided into several attractions, including different rock formations, lakes, caves, and ponds. Outside the official park boundaries, this landscape can be found across an area of about 30,000 hectares, although the part where the most fantastically shaped rocks are concentrated lies at the heart of the tourist site. The uniqueness of these rocks has long led people to find resemblances to different objects. Some say they see elephants, others lions, and many recognize natural shapes in the whimsical formations of the stones.

Legends About Its Origin
There are many legends about the origin of the Stone Forest. One tale says that immortals shattered a mountain into a thousand pieces to create a private shelter for two lovers. Another legend tells of an evil god who tried to block the Nanpan River to flood the Sani people’s lands and destroy them. He used a magical whip that allowed him to drive stones as effortlessly as a shepherd drives sheep. A Sani hero confronted the god, forcing him to flee and leaving behind the stones meant to block the river — stones that now form the Stone Forest.

The Best Itinerary
An interesting route that allows you to experience the most spectacular scenery in just a couple of hours involves first skirting the Karst Lake, enjoying the landscape of rocks over the water. You can climb up to the Lion Pavilion, which offers a good panoramic view of the entire area. Then, head towards the interior to reach the Stone Screen. Return to the main path — just about 20 meters — and continue until you reach the Stone Forest sign (石林). This sign holds great significance for Chinese visitors; many consider their visit complete simply by reaching it and taking a photo. This is because Chinese characters are believed to have magical meaning: the name embodies the place itself. During the Cultural Revolution, when the park was targeted for destruction, they simply destroyed the sign — which has since been restored.

The Secret Path
Just to the left of the rock bearing the «Shilin 石林» calligraphy, a narrow path leads into the most beautiful part of the forest — a labyrinth of huge stones piled in curious ways to create ever-changing landscapes. Walking leisurely along the winding path, you reach the Sword Pond, where the beautiful stone scenery reflects in the pond’s waters.
A smart traveler will continue around the pond, where some of the most beautiful and least-visited views can be found. In front of the pond, paths climb and descend over the larger stones, offering a handful of breathtaking views, including landscapes known as The Two Birds, The Elephant on a Platform, and The Hundred-Year-Old Turtle. From there, you can see a lookout with a small Chinese-style roof that offers a magnificent view of the entire area.

An Electric Car Also Takes You to the Outer Area
An electric car departs from near the Lion Pavilion crossing and circles around this central core, showcasing other broader, beautiful landscapes before finishing at the Small Stone Forest. There, you can visit the lake and Ashima Rock, named because it is said to resemble the famous heroine, standing out in a neatly maintained grassy clearing.

Open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
It is necessary to take an electric car from the ticket office to the park entrance. It is recommended to visit in the afternoon, when there are very few tourists.