Stone Forest One-Day Tour Guide | Venture into the Karst "Stone Forest" for a Billion-Year Appointment

Stone Forest, a secret realm rated by National Geographic as "China's Most Beautiful Karst," hides the earth's billion-year masterpiece: sword-shaped stone peaks piercing the sky, maze-like stone alleys winding and twisting, and the legend of Ashima flowing in the wind... One day is enough to understand the grandeur and romance of this "stone forest." 🌞 Morning: Dive deep into the Stone Forest and unlock the "Billion-Year Stone Story" 08:30-12:00 Great Stone Forest — Explore the sword peaks The Stone Forest scenic area is divided into the Great Stone Forest and the Small Stone Forest. It’s recommended to visit the Great Stone Forest first, as it is the essence! Upon entering, you’ll see the two bright red characters "Stone Forest" carved on a huge rock—taking photos here is a must! As you go further, the stone peaks become denser, like countless sharp swords pointing straight to the sky. The highest "Wangfeng Pavilion" is an excellent spot for panoramic views. Climb up to see the peaks undulating like waves, majestic and imposing. Don’t miss the "Sword Peak Pool," where the water reflects the stone peaks like a flowing ink painting; the narrow gap between two huge stones called "A Hair’s Breadth" only allows one person to pass through. Walking through it always makes you hold your breath, adding a strong sense of ceremony. Tips: The Great Stone Forest is like a natural maze. Follow the signposts and avoid taking small paths alone to prevent detours; wear comfortable sports shoes as the stone paths are steep and hard on the feet. 🍜 Noon: Taste the "Stone Forest flavor" to recharge and set off again 12:30-13:30 Find food around the scenic area or in the county town, and unlock Yi ethnic flavors After touring the Great Stone Forest, you’ll be hungry. It’s recommended to eat at restaurants near the scenic area exit or drive 10 minutes to Shilin County for some specialties: - Stone Forest hot pot: local black goat or yellow cattle meat cooked in hot pot, tender meat dipped in chili sauce, warming and appetizing; - Rupi (milk cheese): cheese made from goat milk, pan-fried crispy outside and tender inside, with a milky aroma, a favorite snack in Yunnan; - Corn baba: freshly steamed corn cakes, sweet and refreshing, perfect for cutting grease and filling you up. After eating and resting a bit, get ready for the afternoon itinerary~ 🌿 Afternoon: Visit the Small Stone Forest to meet Ashima, relax at Chang Lake 14:00-16:00 Small Stone Forest — Encounter the hometown of "Ashima" The Small Stone Forest is more delicate than the Great Stone Forest, with lawns and lakes hidden among the stone peaks. The most famous is the "Ashima" stone peak—a huge rock shaped like a Yi ethnic girl, standing gracefully with a basket on her back. Nearby, the "Jade Bird Pool" reflects her figure. Legend says Ashima turned into stone here, waiting for her lover’s return. You can stroll slowly in the Small Stone Forest. Sunlight filters through the gaps between the peaks, creating changing light and shadow—perfect for photos. If you meet someone dressed as Ashima in Yi costume, you can take photos together (remember to ask in advance if there is a fee). 16:30-18:00 Chang Lake — Watch the sunset in the "Stone Forest’s backyard" If time allows, strongly recommend visiting "Chang Lake," a 20-minute drive from the main scenic area! This natural lake hidden in the mountains is shaped like a lying dragon. The lakeside has lawns and Yi ethnic villages, adding a gentle touch beyond the Stone Forest. Rent a small boat to drift on the lake, watching the green mountains and stone peaks reflected in the water, with fish occasionally jumping out; or sit on the grass by the lake, watching the sunset dye the water golden, the evening breeze carrying the scent of grass and trees, instantly healing all fatigue. Tips: Chang Lake is less crowded and suitable for those who like tranquility; mosquitoes are more active in the evening, so remember to bring mosquito repellent. 🌙 Evening: A little surprise before returning, take home a "Stone Forest memory" 18:30 Buy souvenirs to lock in the taste of the trip Before leaving, you can buy some souvenirs at the scenic area entrance or in the county town: - Stone Forest sweet persimmons: large and sweet in autumn, juicy and rich; - Yi embroidery: small embroidered bags and coasters with ethnic patterns; - Yunnan small-grain coffee: bring some home to brew a cup and savor the trip’s leisure. ✨ Practical Tips 1. Transportation: High-speed train from Kunming to Stone Forest takes 18 minutes, then a 10-minute taxi to the scenic area; the area is large, so you can take a sightseeing bus (25 RMB/person, recommended to save energy). 2. Best season: March to May for rapeseed flowers, September to November for clear autumn weather; avoid summer rainy season (risk of falling rocks). 3. Dress: Wear light-colored clothes to contrast with the gray stone peaks for better photos; apply sunscreen as UV rays in the Stone Forest are very strong! A day in the Stone Forest is a day of dialogue with billion-year-old stones, a day traveling through legends, a journey from grandeur to gentleness. When you leave this stone forest, you’ll realize: the earth’s rings can be so breathtaking.