The Famous Stone Forest in Yunnan, China

Continuing our article series on natural beauties, which started with the Clay Forest of Zhada, this time we’re going to Southwestern China, in the Yunnan province to see the famous Stone Forest in the Shilin County. Covering more than 400 km² and formed from tall rocks and stone peaks that abruptly break the ground up, stalagmites that look a lot like bamboo shoots. The illusion that there is a real forest made of stone (limestone), is actually real stunning scenery.

The strange giant rock formations are a unique experience and are known as “One of Earth’s Natural Wonders”.

Some 85 km from the city of Kunming, the forest has formed more than 270 million years ago from a place where an ocean used to be. These days there are only numerous lakes where the mountain peaks reflect themselves in.

Some of the places that one shouldn’t miss if you plan wandering in the area for some time, include the Greater Stone Forest, the Lesser Stone forest (some of the best views – rock of Ashima), the Outer Stone Forest, the Underground Stone Forest, the Stone Forest Lake, and the Da Dieshui Falls. However, the most beautiful place of them all are the vertical “Lotus Peak,” the majestic “Rhinoceros Admiring the Moon” and the graceful “Pavilion Observing the Peaks”.

The strange giant rock formations are a unique experience for both foreign and domestic tourists, and are known as “One of Earth’s Natural Wonders”. With good hotels and affordable prices, the easiest way to get to see the Stone Forest in Yunnan is on a bus tour from Kunming.

One last thing! Each year there is a Torch Festival – biggest Sani Festival of the Year, celebrated by Yi People around the 24th and 25th day of the sixth lunar month where you can see folk dances or get a chance to participate in one of the wrestling competitions. Therefore, my advice, if you plan on booking your reservations make sure you choose the right dates.