About
Stone Forest, also known as Shilin, is a limestone landscape in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, a short journey from Kunming in Yunnan Province, China. Its name describes what you see: towering stone pillars rise from the ground in dense clusters, resembling a forest that has turned to rock.
What the landscape is like
The formations are the product of karst geology, the process by which water slowly shapes soluble limestone over long periods. The result is a scene of sharp, grey pillars, narrow passages between them, and open clearings where the stone rises at different heights. Walking through the area, you move from one view to the next, with the shapes changing around each bend.
The site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its unusual karst landscape. Visitors come to see this landscape itself, and it makes a strong subject for photographs at almost any time of day.
Planning your visit
- Getting there: The scenic area lies in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, within reach of Kunming, the provincial capital.
- Who it suits: Those interested in geology and natural landscapes, and anyone wanting a day out of the city.
- Pace: The paths wind among the rocks, so allow time to wander rather than to tick off a checklist.
- Contact: For current information, the scenic area can be reached by phone at +86-871-7771-9006.
Around the site
Because the Stone Forest sits outside Kunming's centre, many visitors combine it with time in the city itself. The surrounding Shilin area is also a place where you can see the local Yi culture, which is part of the region's character and is reflected in the way the site is presented to visitors.
