Stone Forest in Kunming

Question

Hi.. May I know how to go to the Stone Forest from Kunming city centre by ourselves? Thank you.

Answer

The Stone Forest (Shilin) is located about 90 km southeast of Kunming city centre and is one of Yunnan's most famous natural attractions. You can reach it independently without joining a tour.

Here are the main ways to get there:

By public bus: From Kunming East Bus Station (Dong Bus Station), you can take a long-distance bus to Shilin (Stone Forest). Buses run frequently from early morning until late afternoon, with a journey time of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Once at the Stone Forest bus station, you can take a short local bus or taxi to the park entrance.
By train: Kunming has a high-speed rail connection to Shilin (Shilin North Station). From there, a local taxi or bus can take you to the main Stone Forest park entrance. The train takes about 30–40 minutes, making it a faster option than the bus.
By taxi or DiDi: You can book a taxi or use the DiDi app for a private ride directly from your hotel in Kunming to the Stone Forest. This is the most convenient option but also the most expensive. Expect a journey of about 1.5 hours one way.
By self-drive: Renting a car is possible if you have a Chinese driving license. The drive takes around 1.5 hours, following the G320 highway and then local roads toward Shilin.

Tips for visiting:

Arrive early to avoid large tour groups that often dominate the site from late morning onward.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the park has uneven limestone paths.
Bring water and snacks if you plan to explore the park extensively, as on-site options are limited and crowded during peak hours.

Overall, the bus from Kunming East Bus Station is the most cost-effective and straightforward method for independent travelers, while the train or DiDi offers faster and more flexible alternatives.