Kunming Stone Forest, Kunming 石林
The Stone Forest (Shilin), 120 kilometers or two or three hours by bus south east from Kunming East Coach Station in Kunming, is a spectacular area of limestone peaks, caves and crags covering over 400 square kilometers. Two parts of the Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest and Suogeyi Village are both classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, a part of the South China Karst.
History
The impressive limestone karst, at an altitude of over 1700 meters, was formed by retreating seas around 270 million years ago. Nowadays visitors can enjoy wandering around the eerie and strange rock and cave formations - many of which have resonant names such as Hanging Rock (an aptly named oblong boulder delicately balanced between two pillars) and Strange Wind Cave. There is even an underground river.
The Stone Forest is associated with the indigenous Yi (Sani) people's legend of Ashima, a beautiful girl who was turned into stone after not being allowed to marry her chosen sweetheart. Each year the Sani (a branch of the Yi) celebrate the Torch Festival with folk dances and wrestling matches in the area. Sani villages in the area also utilize the limestone in their construction for walls, roof tiles, roads and even utensils.
Kunming Stone Forest Access - how to get to Kunming Stone Forest
There are hourly buses running to Kunming Stone Forest from Kunming Airport. From Kunming South Railway Station there are high speed trains (HSTs) to Shilin West (20 minutes) from where the 99 Bus runs to the the Stone Forest (50 minutes). From Kunming East Coach Station there are regular buses taking about 2-3 hours.
Many tour operators in Kunming offer various guided tours of the Stone Forest including cycling and hiking tours.
Yunnan Nationalities Village is another of the many attractions Kunming has to offer.
Kunming Hotels
The Kunming Stone Forest Homestay offers accommodation right in the Stone Forest area along with free bikes and Wifi. Yinruilin International Hotel is a five star hotel 10 minutes by car from the Stone Forest. See a list of hotels in and around the Stone Forest.
There are some excellent hotels to stay back in Kunming. These include the 5-star Green Lake Hotel which offers a business centre, an indoor pool, and three restaurants. The stylish, 5-star Grand Park Hotel has over 300 rooms and suites close to Green Lake Park.
The Kunming Uchoice Hotel and the Enjoying International Hotel are both convenient for downtown Kunming.
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