Stone Forest (Shilin)

石林风景区

Part of the 'South China Karst' World Natural Heritage Site, this sword-shaped limestone peak forest formed from a shallow sea 270 million years ago. It is also the home of Ashima, the heroine of Sani folklore.

Shilin lies about 90 kilometers southeast of Kunming, in Shilin Yi Autonomous County. Its limestone formed 270 million years ago in a shallow sea. Uplift of the crust and rain-driven dissolution then sculpted dense clusters of sword-like and tower-like pillars, some dozens of meters high, that look like a forest of stone. In 2007 the area was inscribed as part of the 'South China Karst' World Natural Heritage Site. It is also the home of Ashima, the heroine of the Sani people's legend. The scenic area is divided into sections: Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, and Changhu Lake. The main area, which includes Greater and Lesser Stone Forest, covers about 12 square kilometers. Highlights include the 'Shilin' inscription at Greater Stone Forest, Wangfeng Pavilion (for a high view of the peaks), Jianfeng Pool, Lotus Peak, and the labyrinthine stone paths of Greater Stone Forest. In Lesser Stone Forest, look for the Ashima Stone, a silhouette of a Sani girl that has become the symbol of Shilin, as well as Yuniao Pool. Naigu Stone Forest is about 8 kilometers north of the main area. Its dark stone formations are much quieter, and it requires a separate ticket. Admission is about 130 yuan (reduced to about 100 yuan after 2023, but check the official site). An electric shuttle costs about 25 yuan. Visitors can hire a Sani guide inside the park. A suggested route is Greater Stone Forest entrance, Shilin Lake, Wangfeng Pavilion, Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone Forest, and Ashima Stone, which takes about 3 to 4 hours. On holidays, there are Yi song-and-dance performances, and during the Torch Festival on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, there are wrestling, bullfighting, and bonfires. Getting there: buses run directly from Kunming Eastern Bus Station to Shilin in about 1.5 to 2 hours, for roughly 30 to 40 yuan. You can also take a high-speed train from Kunming South Station to Shilin West Station in about 20 minutes, then transfer by bus or taxi for another 20 minutes. Day tours from travel agencies cost about 100 to 200 yuan per person. Tips: the paths branch often, so it is easy to get lost. Follow the main route signs. The stone gets very hot in the sun, so bring a sun hat and water in summer. Food in the park is expensive, so bring your own if you can. Do not climb in the stone gaps.

Stone Forest (Shilin)

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