Stone Forest
UNESCO World Natural Heritage site (inscribed 2007) and Global Geopark; limestone laid down on an ancient seabed 270 million years ago, carved by eons of water erosion and karstification into a karst wonderland of sword-, tower-, and mushroom-shaped stone peaks, hailed as 'the most spectacular wonder under heaven'
Visitor info
- Opening hours
- 08:00-18:00
- Ticket
- CNY 130
Price is indicative — final quote on inquiry.
A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site (inscribed 2007) and Global Geopark, where limestone deposited on an ancient seabed 270 million years ago has been sculpted by eons of water erosion and karstification into a karst wonderland of sword-, tower-, and mushroom-shaped stone peaks, hailed as 'the most spectacular wonder under heaven'. In the Greater Stone Forest (Dashilin) the peaks rise like a sea of swords, with the grandest view from Wangfeng Pavilion (Peak-Viewing Pavilion); the Lesser Stone Forest (Xiaoshilin) is more open and graceful. The legend of the 'Ashima' peak — a Sani girl turned to stone — is a household tale, and the long narrative poem 'Ashima' was born here. During the Torch Festival (24th day of the sixth lunar month), the Sani people (a branch of the Yi) hold bullfights, wrestling, and all-night song and dance — the most vibrant cultural scene at the Stone Forest.
Getting there: High-speed rail, Shilin West Station (bullet trains from Kunming South) / shuttle buses from the Eastern Bus Terminal
Photos
More in Kunming
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