Stone Forest, Yunnan
Quick links
Vital statistics
| Length: | Variable |
| Maximum Altitude: | N/A |
| Level of Difficulty: | Moderate |
Walkopedia rating
Beauty
|
30 |
Natural interest |
17 |
Human interest
|
8 |
Charisma |
32 |
Negative points |
(5) |
Total rating |
82 |
| Note: Negs: crowds in places | |
China
Key information
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The Stone Forest is a weird crowd of fluted and scoured pillars and towers of heavily eroded Karst limestone, set in pleasing countryside south of Kunming in Yunnan. A World Heritage Site.
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Wander along paths that become almost subterranean as you pass under crazily leaning monoliths, passing quiet glades and slightly sinister green, shaded pools, occasionally surfacing to take in the scene from a viewpoint pavillion.
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When it is all getting a bit claustrophobic, the rock jungle disperses and you are in cropped meadows from which the rocks protrude as monoliths. Enjoy an atmospheric picnic, then wander out along the lanes to the nearby villages. Real rural China.
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Be prepared for mass tourism, though. The Stone Forest is famous in China, and the crowds can be depressing. The good thing, though, is that 95% don't go beyond the central sites, so you can still find seclusion.
This walk description page is at an early stage of development, and will be expanded over time. Your comments on this walk, your experiences and tips, and your photos are very welcome.
Other accounts and travel writing
Your comments on this walk, your experiences and suggestions, and your photos are very welcome. Where appropriate, you will be credited for your contribution.
Read about our travel writing and other competitions.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more
Practical information
See also expedition planning, including our universal expedition checklist. Walkopedia encourages responsible travel.
Guidebooks/maps/background reading
Guidebooks
Section in Southwest China – Lonely Planet: good information and basic map.
Section in Southwest China Off the Beaten Track by K. Mark Stevens and George E. Wehrfritz. Nice hand-drawn map. (1988 – now out of date.)
Section in Sichuan – Mary Holdsworth for Odyssey Guides. (1992 – also out of date, but good depth and quality of information.)
Section in China – Rough Guides.
Other books
Maps
The routes are fairly obvious, and the plans in the guidebooks will be sufficient for most purposes.
Stanfords: www.stanfords.co.uk. An excellent (and user-friendly) online specialist source of worldwide maps (it is also good for guidebooks).
Best times to walk/weather
Best times to walk
Spring and Autumn.
Weather
Yunnan is temperate by Chinese standards, but it can still get uncomfortably cold or hot at certain times.
For detailed weather information, have a look at: www.worldweather.org or www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world/country-guides
Getting there/transport/permits/fees
A couple of hours by bus (or shared taxi) from Kunming.
Foreigners will need to pay an entrance fee.
Route(s)
Wander – away from the crowds.
Possible problems, health, other warnings
Heat and strong sun in summer. Carry enough water and protect yourself.
Harmful animals, including snakes.
Health risks: This is a relatively undeveloped country, and you will not get prompt medical help of a standard available elsewhere if you become ill. Come prepared, including getting all appropriate inoculations/medications.
See also the websites in our useful links page for more detailed, and up-to-date, information.
Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk. Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to “Important information” for further important information.
Make sure you have appropriate insurance.
Guided or independent?
Independent
Most people do this walk independently.
Guided/supported
Some people form or join organised/supported groups.. This is not necessary, but some will prefer to do it this way, and walking here with a knowledgeable guide has advantages.
Accommodation
Most people come here for the day from Kunming, where there are loads of places to stay. Have a look at the guidebooks.
Other information and tips
Useful websites and information
Not specially good online information. A google search will show up some good photos.
Other things to do in the area
Other walks
Head towards Dali, Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Other activities
Add your experiences, suggestions and photos. We would be delighted to receive your writing and ideas (which will be attributed appropriately where published).
See our Fun page for some entertainment and to read about our travel writing and other competitions.
Anyone planning an expedition to this place should see further important information about this walk.
Responsible travel matters, a lot. How you travel will make a real difference - for better or worse. PLEASE consider this when making plans. Read more