Stone Forest

Stone Forest is about 120km from Kunming City and requires only a three-hour drive. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers and included both large and small forest as well as many other scenic spots. It has been know since the Ming Dynasty as the First Wonder of the World.

The magnificent, strange and steep landscape of the Stone Forest creates countless labyrinthine vistas, all of which feature stones in various formations. Animals, plants, and even human figures can be found here. Some are elegant, some are rugged, and each is lifelike with its own distinguishing characteristics. Geologists say that the Stone Forest is a typical example of karsts topography. Approximately 270 million years ago - during the carboniferous period of the Paleozoic era - the region was a vast expanse of sea. Over years of movements, the lithosphere gradually caused a retreat of the waters and the rise of the limestone landscapes. Due to constant erosions by the elements, thee area finally developed into the present-day Stone Forest.

Recommended Kunming Tour: 4 Days Kunming Essence Tour
(Attractions: Western Hill & Dragon Gate, Village of Ethnics Culture, Qiongzhu Temple, Stone Forest)