1 Day Kunming Stone Forest Tour

• 1 Day
• Kunming

Kunming, with its perpetual spring-like weather which provides the ideal climate for plants and flowers,  is known as the “Spring City” and owns many attractions. For this 1 Day Kunming City Tour with the Stone Forest, you will visit the main attractions of Kunming – the Stone Forest wich is knowned as the “the first wonder of the world”;

📍 One-Day Stone Forest Adventure | Gen Z-Friendly Guide to Karst Wonders & Instagram Spots

🚗 Transportation Options (Kunming → Stone Forest)
▫️ Lazy Mode: High-speed train (18 mins, Kunming South → Shilin West, ¥25) + scenic shuttle (¥10)
▫️ Special Forces Edition: Tour bus (East Bus Station, 2h, ¥38)
▫️ Pro Move: Rent a convertible (VW Beetle recommended! Perfect for road-trip photos along Shilin Highway)

⏰ 09:00 Stone Forest Exploration Begins
🎫 Tickets: ¥130 (incl. electric cart ¥35 – worth it for the vast park!)

🗿 3 Core Zones for Must-Take Pics
❶ Stone Forest Scenic Area (Iconic Landmark)
→ Classic Shot: “Stone Forest” inscription + sword-like peaks (shoot from a low angle to elongate legs!)
→ Hidden Gem: Squeeze into “Thousand Jun Hair” rock crevice for an edgy photo (mind your head!)

❷ Ashima Rock (Legendary Love Symbol)
→ Photo Hack: Shoot at 2 PM for optimal side lighting on the statue
→ Easter Egg: Scan QR for Ashima legend (景区 WiFi: shilin123)

❸  Long Lake Secret Trail (Hiking Paradise)
→ Off-the-Beaten Path: 2km trek from Liziyuanqing (40 mins) – secluded and stunning
→ Must-Do: Float a “picnic on water” (bring your own coffee + bamboo basket!)

🍜 Food Guide (Eat Like a Local)
✔️ Must-Try: Shilin preserved tofu (¥5/can at Ashima Supermarket outside the park)
✔️ Recommended: fried potato (spicy potato cubes with Houttuynia cordata，¥8/box)
✖️ Avoid: Overpriced Crossing-the-bridge noodles inside the park (¥38 – better in downtown Kunming)

📸 Photography Kit List
▫️ Props: Vintage straw bag + ethnic shawl (rent for ¥20 inside the park)
▫️ Gear: GoPro for rock crevice POV, DJI Mini3 (register in advance for aerial photography)

🚶 Advanced Hiking Route (3h)
Liziyuanqing (Wild Stone Forest) → Bushao Mountain (panoramic views) → Little Stone Forest (Ashima) → 万年灵芝 (Giant Mushroom Rock) → Long Lake (bamboo rafting)

⏰ 15:00 Post-Exploration Bonus (Kunming Downtown)
▫️ Side Trip: Naigu Stone Forest (black karst formations, ¥25 – perfect for moody pics)
▫️ Urban Itinerary: Dounan Flower Market (after 5 PM – flowers by the kilo!) → Zhuanxin Market (5 PM buy-one-get-one-free bubble milk tea)

💡 Local Pro Tips
❶ Beat the Crowds: Arrive before 9 AM on weekdays for empty shots!
❷ Save Cash: Book via “Stone Forest Tourism” WeChat (¥20 discount for 1-day advance booking)
❸ Avoid Scams: Skip “Ashima guides” (¥100/person – just eavesdrop on free tours!)
❹ Gear Up: Non-slip shoes (slippery when wet) + mosquito repellent (Long Lake area)

📌 Sample Itinerary Timeline
07:30 Depart Kunming
09:30 Enter Stone Forest
12:00 Yi Ethnic Lunch ( ¥40/person – try lamb hotpot!)
13:30 Long Lake Hike + Bamboo Rafting
15:30 Naigu Stone Forest Aerial Shots
17:00 Dounan Flower Market Haul
19:00 Zhuanxin Night Market (Lao iced coffee + steamed pork – a must!)

✨ Bonus Play: Sunset highway photos at Shilin Toll Station – channel Interstellar vibes with karst backdrops!

Included and Excluded

Itinerary