Stone Forest Travel Guide
Karst Sword-shaped Peak Forest · Ashima · Yi Sani People
The Stone Forest was formed from limestone on the seabed 270 million years ago, eroded into a forest of sword-shaped peaks. Gray-black stone pillars stand in clusters in the depressions, reaching heights of thirty to forty meters. Walking into the crevices and looking up, the sky remains only a thin line.
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Destination Details
The Stone Forest is located about 80 kilometers southeast of Kunming, in Lunan Yi Autonomous County. Geologically, it belongs to karst sword-shaped formations and is a classic example of such landscapes worldwide. The surfaces of the stone pillars have vertical grooves carved by rainwater, resembling blade edges, and the contrast between light and shadow is particularly striking when sunlight hits at an angle.
Main Highlights
Big Stone Forest
The core area of the scenic spot, where the stone pillars are most densely packed and largest in size. The classic "One Line Sky" is found between two massive stones; the passage is so narrow that only one person can pass, and when you look up, you see only a sliver of the sky. Climbing the "Wangfeng Pavilion" allows you to overlook the orientation of the entire stone sea.
Small Stone Forest and Ashima
The stone pillars in the Small Stone Forest are comparatively scattered, with lawns in between, making it the most comfortable spot for taking photos. The stone pillar called "Ashima" stands by the pool, shaped like a Sani girl carrying a bamboo basket on her back, representing the most famous figure in Yi legends.
Suggested Routes
- Classic: Big Stone Forest → Wangfeng Pavilion → Small Stone Forest → Ashima, about 3 hours.
- In-depth: Add Naigu Stone Forest (the Black Stone Forest, fewer people and wilder), taking most of a half-day.
Practical Information
Visiting the scenic area involves a lot of walking, and the stone steps are numerous and slippery, so be sure to wear non-slip shoes. Ultraviolet rays are strong in Kunming during the summer, so hats and sunscreen are essential. It is entirely feasible to return the same day from Kunming, or you can combine it with Jiuxiang or Jiulong Waterfall for a two-day trip in eastern Yunnan.
