Last updated: November 5, 2026
The Stone Forest is Yunnan’s best-known day trip and a UNESCO-listed karst landscape: grey limestone pillars rising out of the ground like a petrified woodland. It is easy to reach from Kunming, which makes it a natural stop before Dali or Lijiang. This guide covers tickets, transport, a half-day route and the mistakes that waste time.
What is the Stone Forest?
Shilin means “stone forest” in Chinese. The pillars formed from limestone laid down in an ancient sea and later carved by water. The area is also the homeland of the Sani, a branch of the Yi ethnic group, and local legend ties the rocks to Ashima, a Sani heroine. The scenic area is large and divided into zones; most visitors see the Greater Stone Forest and the Lesser Stone Forest, which are connected by paths and boardwalks, and some add Naigu, a quieter zone a short drive north.
Tickets and prices
Pricing is the area where sources disagree, so read this carefully. Most 2026 guides and the dated official ticket table list the main admission at CNY 130 for adults and CNY 65 for half-price categories. One guide that cites the park’s own site mentions CNY 175 in peak season (March to November). We could not confirm which applies on a given day, so budget up to CNY 175 and check the official Shilin channel or your booking app before paying.
| Item | Approx. price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Main admission | CNY 130 (~US$18); some sources say up to CNY 175 (~US$24) in peak season | Covers the main zones; check the day’s price |
| Electric cart (main route) | ~CNY 25 (~US$3.50) | Sold separately; shorter routes reported at CNY 10–15 |
| Naigu Stone Forest | CNY 25 or more (~US$3.50) | Sources differ; some say it is included |
| Train, Kunming South to Shilin West | CNY 18–34 (~US$2.50–5) | 20–25 minutes |
| Bus 99 from the station | ~CNY 5 (~US$0.70) | About 40–50 minutes |
| Direct coach from Kunming East Bus Station | CNY 30–60 (~US$4–8) | 1.5–2 hours |
| Private car or DiDi | CNY 250–400 (~US$35–55) | One way or round trip depending on the driver |
| Local guide at the gate | Fixed fees per visit | Optional; confirm the fee before starting |
US$ figures use roughly CNY 7.1 per dollar. Children under 1.2 m and seniors over 70 are generally listed as free, but concessions often depend on ID, so bring your passport.
How to get there from Kunming
Option 1: High-speed train (fastest)
- Book a D-train from Kunming South to Shilin West (石林西). Check that the train stops there, since not all do. See our China train booking guide.
- Allow 20–25 minutes on board.
- At Shilin West, take bus 99 (about CNY 5) or a taxi (about CNY 20–40) to the scenic area.
Door to door this is about 1.5 hours and the cheapest sensible option.
Option 2: Direct coach
Tourist coaches run from Kunming East Bus Station (Metro Line 3) to the scenic-area car park, with departures listed from about 07:20 to 16:30 and returns until around 18:00. Check the same-day timetable.
Option 3: Private car or DiDi
About 1.5 hours by expressway. Worth it for groups or if you want to add Naigu. Set your map to the scenic area car park in Chinese. Our DiDi guide explains foreign-card setup.
| Method | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train + bus 99 | ~1.5 h | ~CNY 25–40 | Solo and budget travelers |
| Coach | 1.5–2 h | CNY 30–60 | No train transfer |
| Private car | ~1.5 h | CNY 250–400 | Groups, flexible stops |
Opening hours and best time to go
Hours reported for March to October are about 07:30–18:30, and about 08:00–18:00 from November to February, with last entry roughly 30–60 minutes earlier. Trip.com showed 07:30–18:00 for early November 2026. Seasonal hours shift, so verify before you leave.
Go on a weekday at opening time. Tour coaches arrive from about 10:00 and the main viewpoints fill up. Late afternoon light is softer for photos, but plan your return transport first. Kunming’s mild climate makes the area comfortable year-round; read our best time to visit China guide for wider timing. Avoid national holidays such as the early-October Golden Week, when the park can be very crowded.
A half-day route
- 8:00 – Enter and take the cart. Ride the electric cart to the inner loop so you start at the far end while the crowds are still at the gate.
- 8:30 – Greater Stone Forest. Walk the boardwalks and climb to the pavilion viewpoint, the classic photo spot.
- 9:45 – Lesser Stone Forest. Quieter, with narrower lanes between pillars, lawns and small pools.
- 11:00 – Optional Naigu. Darker, wilder rock and fewer people; allow 1–2 hours and a short taxi.
- 12:30 – Lunch and return. Eat in Shilin town or back in Kunming, then catch the train or coach.
Booking tickets as a foreign visitor
Tickets are real-name. You can usually buy through Trip.com or Ctrip, Meituan, or the official Shilin mini-program on WeChat using your passport number. Buying at the ticket window with your passport also works according to several guides. Have Alipay or WeChat Pay set up or carry a foreign card plus some cash, and keep a data connection from an eSIM for maps and QR codes. The essential apps list covers the rest.
Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unusual landscape, UNESCO recognition | Very crowded at peak hours |
| Fast train from Kunming | Last mile needs a bus or taxi |
| Cheap compared with most big sights | Prices vary by source and season |
| Easy to combine with Kunming or Dali | Touts and extra paid add-ons |
Tips and common mistakes
- Do not buy tickets from touts outside the station or the gate; use the official channels or a major app.
- Check train stops. Some trains skip Shilin West, so confirm before booking.
- Wear grippy shoes. Limestone paths and steps are slippery after rain.
- Bring your passport for ticket entry and any ID checks.
- Agree on any guide’s fee first if you hire one at the gate.
- Do not rush back. If you only have a morning, skip Naigu and see both main zones properly.
Where it fits in a Yunnan trip
Many travelers base themselves in Kunming for a night, visit the Stone Forest in the morning, and fly or take a train to Dali and Lijiang. For budgeting the whole trip, see how much a China trip costs.
FAQ
How long do I need at the Stone Forest?
Plan 3–4 hours for the main zones, or 5–6 hours with Naigu and a relaxed lunch.
Is the Stone Forest worth it?
Yes if you like unusual landscapes and want an easy day out of Kunming. Go early to avoid the crowds.
Can I go on my own without a tour?
Yes. The train plus bus route is simple, and tickets can be booked online with a passport.
Is the electric cart necessary?
Not strictly, but it saves a lot of walking between zones, and most guides recommend it.
Can I visit in winter?
Yes. Kunming’s winters are mild, and hours are slightly shorter from November to February.
Want help planning Yunnan?
If you would like a Kunming, Dali and Lijiang route built around your dates, with train bookings, payment setup and WhatsApp support in China, our Travel Concierge service can help. Quotes are made on request: message us on WhatsApp with your dates and interests.
Prices and hours are drawn from several 2026 travel sources and an official ticket table, and can change. Confirm on the official channel before you go.