Plizio Visual Lab
Stone Forest
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Forest
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Stone Forest, or Shilin, located in Yunnan Province, is a spectacular landscape of limestone formations that resemble a petrified forest. Spanning approximately 400 square kilometers, these karst pillars were formed about 270 million years ago during the Permian period when the region was submerged under a shallow sea. Over eons, tectonic uplift combined with wind and water erosion dissolved the limestone into jagged, needle-like structures. In 2007, Shilin was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site as part of the South China Karst. The area is deeply intertwined with the culture of the local Yi people, particularly the legend of Ashima, a beautiful girl who turned to stone. Visitors can navigate a labyrinth of narrow passages, caves, and towering karst peaks. The park is categorized into several areas, including the Major Stone Forest, Minor Stone Forest, and Naigu Stone Forest.
- Location: China
- Top sights: Eternal Mushroom Scenic Area · Ancient Cliff Paintings · Strolling Mother with Son
- Nearby: Yuanyang Rice Terraces (78 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 7 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 20 | 21 | 21 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 11 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 24 | 12 | 22 | 37 | 89 | 189 | 171 | 140 | 97 | 71 | 23 | 17 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Located in Yunnan Province, the Shilin or Stone Forest is generally reached via buses or trains from Kunming, the provincial capital. A dedicated tourist infrastructure typically guides visitors directly to the main entrance.
Best season
Spring and autumn are widely considered the optimal seasons to explore the limestone formations, thanks to mild temperatures. The summer months can be quite rainy and humid, while winter brings cooler conditions.
Terrain & paths
The complex is characterized by a labyrinth of paved pathways winding between towering, petrified tree-like rocks. While the main routes are relatively flat, navigating narrower sections might require climbing stairs.
What to bring
Sturdy walking shoes with good grip are essential for safely traversing the extensive stone pathways and steps. A lightweight rain jacket is recommended if visiting during the typical summer wet season.
Parking
Large, designated parking facilities are consistently available near the visitor center to accommodate numerous tour buses and private vehicles. Shuttle services frequently transport visitors from remote parking lots to the entrance.
Safety
The stone surfaces can become surprisingly slippery after rain, requiring careful footing at all times. Staying on marked trails is highly recommended, as it is easy to become disoriented in the maze of tall pillars.
Time needed
Exploring the primary sections of the Stone Forest typically requires three to four hours for a comprehensive visit. Those wishing to delve into the less crowded, peripheral areas should allocate a full day.
Geography
Facts
- The Stone Forest was formed approximately 270 million years ago.
- It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2007 (South China Karst).
- Some of the tallest limestone pillars reach heights of up to 40 meters.
- The site is located about 78 kilometers from the provincial capital, Kunming.
- The local Sani people, a branch of the Yi, celebrate the Torch Festival here.
- The geological process that formed Shilin is known as karstification.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Stone Forest (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Stone Forest?
An impressive collection of tall limestone formations.
Where is the Stone Forest located?
It is located about 90 kilometers away from Kunming.
Who are the Sani people?
A branch of the Yi people who are indigenous to this region.
Are there hiking trails?
Yes, there are well-maintained paths through the stone labyrinth.
How much time is needed for a visit?
You should plan for at least 3 to 4 hours.
Stone Forest: where is it located?
Stone Forest is located in China.
Stone Forest: what is there to see?
Highlights include Eternal Mushroom Scenic Area, Ancient Cliff Paintings, Strolling Mother with Son.
Stone Forest: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
Stone Forest: why is it worth visiting?
The Stone Forest, or Shilin, located in Yunnan Province, is a spectacular landscape of limestone formations that resemble a petrified forest.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in China →
Nearby cities
Kunming
The capital of Yunnan province, known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' for its mild climate.
Sin Ho
Sin Ho is a remote mountain town on a high plateau, famous for its cool climate, ethnic diversity, and traditional medicinal herbal baths.
Lai Châu
The capital of the province of the same name in one of Vietnam's most remote and mountainous regions.
Yuanyang Rice Terraces
The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are a breathtaking agricultural masterpiece, sculpted into the mountains over centuries by the Hani people.
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
Dounan Flower Market
Dounan Flower Market near Kunming grew from a small local market into Asia's largest flower market.
Yunnan Rice Terraces
Spectacular man-made terraces carved into the hillsides of Yunnan by the Hani people over 1,300 years ago.
Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau
A large highland region in southwestern China, stretching across Yunnan and Guizhou provinces.
Three Pagodas
Three independent pagodas arranged in a triangle, near the city of Dali.
Pudacuo National Park
The first national park in China to meet IUCN international standards.
Pu Chi Leng Mountain
A high peak in the Hoàng Liên Sơn range, considered one of the most difficult and rewarding treks in Vietnam.