Stone Forest 石林

About Stone Forest

In the Major Stone Forest, the rocks rise around you like walls; the Minor Stone Forest gives more space to see individual formations against grass and water. Ashima Rock is associated with a Sani Yi story, adding a local cultural interpretation to the weathered stone. Concentrate on these connected visitor areas for a first visit: Naigu Stone Forest is a separate section and requires its own transfer.

The area lay beneath a shallow sea about 270 million years ago. Sandstone deposits accumulated and were overlain by limestone during the Permian period. Later uplift exposed these rocks to wind and running water. Different parts of the landscape contain nearly pure limestone, dolomite or dolomitic limestone, reflecting variations in the original deposits.

Microscopic examination reveals small fossil organisms within some of the rocks, although larger fossil remains are uncommon in the altered limestone. Naigu Stone Forest (乃古石林) and Suogeyi Village (所各邑村) were inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2007 as parts of the South China Karst. The wider formations cover about 500 square kilometres.

What to look for

• The Major Stone Forest has tall limestone pillars separated by narrow rock passages.
• Ashima Rock in the Minor Stone Forest is a named formation associated with a Sani Yi legend.

Location & getting there

Getting to Stone Forest

Use the main Stone Forest scenic-area visitor centre in Shilin County. The Kunming guide identifies Kunming East Bus Station as the city departure point for the Stone Forest; confirm the current service and its scenic-area drop-off before travelling.