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Where is Stone Forest & How to Get There from Kunming
The Stone Forest, or Shilin, is located in the Yunnan Province, Southwestern China, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of the provincial capital, Kunming. You can reach Stone Forest from Kunming by Bus or train, with car being the best choice.
The Stone Forest, the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site with dramatic landscape and ethnic cultural value, draws tourists thanks to its proximity to Kunming, making Kunming to Stone Forest a popular side trip.
Here's an overview of ways to get to the county, Shilin, where Stone Forest is located, from Kunming.
| Transportation | Distance | Travel Time | Travel Cost (RMB) | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car (Rental or Tour Arranged) | 80 km (50 miles) | 1.5 - 2 hours | Varies | Best |
| Bullet Train (Kunming South Railway Station) | 81 km (50 miles) | 18-20 minutes | ¥18 - ¥45.5 | Fastest |
| Regular Train (Kunming Railway Station) | 81 km (50 miles) | 1.5 - 3.5 hours | ¥18.5 - ¥142.5 | Budget |
| Bus from Kunming Changshui Airport | 90 km (56 miles) | 2 - 2.5 hours | ¥45 | Direct service |
| Bus from Kunming East Coach Station | 85 km (53 miles) | 1.5 - 2 hours | ¥25 | Affordable |
Best Option from Kunming to Stone Forest: Get to Stone Forest By Car
As you can see above, getting to Stone Forest from Kunming is not that far in distance, yet there would be some transfer involved which would result in a bit challenging scenarios with language barrier and varying schedules for buses and trains from Kunming to Stone Forest.
The private car would be your best option to go to Stone Forest. You can rent a car and drive from Kunming to the Stone Forest. The drive takes approximately 1.5 hours via the Kunming-Shilin Expressway (G85).
Alternatively, join a tour offered by Asia Odyssey Travel to enjoy hotel-to-attraction transportation for hassle-free travel all the way to the Stone Forest.
Kunming Airport to Stone Forest by Bus: Straightforward Way
The straightforward way to travel from Kunming to Stone Forest is by taking a direct shuttle bus from Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场) to Stone Forest (石林). After you land in Kunming, you can take a bus directly to Stone Forest.
The journey from Kunming to Stone Forest by shuttle bus is approximately 2 hours and costs RMB 60. The distance from the airport of Kunming to Stone Forest is about 85 kilometers, or 53 miles.
To reach Stone Forest from Kunming Airport, you can board a bus at Kunming Changshui International Airport that goes directly to Stone Forest. There are several buses from Kunming to Stone Forest each day, with service times at 09:40, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30, and 18:30.
For a hassle-free journey to Stone Forest, consider joining a 3 Days Kunming World Heritage Tour: Stone Forest with private transportation and a local guide. This eliminates the need for research and language barriers.
Here are the recommended steps to get to Stone Forest from Kunming Airport by shuttle bus:
- Start your journey at Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场), located in Changshui Village, Guandu District, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (昆明市官渡区长水村).
- Purchase your tickets at the counter located in Kunming Airport. Don't forget to bring your ID for check-in.
- Board the shuttle bus to Stone Forest (石林). The bus departs at the following times: 09:40, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30, and 18:30.
- After a bus ride from Kunming of around 2 hours, you will arrive at Shilin County. From there, you can take a taxi or carpool to Stone Forest Scenic Area for less than RMB 10, or you can choose to walk to Stone Forest Scenic Area.
How to Get to Stone Forest from Kunming City by Bus: Budget Option
If you are staying in Kunming city area, taking a direct bus is the budget way to get from Kunming to the Stone Forest. You can take the direct bus from Kunming East Bus Station (昆明东部汽车客运站) to Shilin County, then take a short taxi ride of 20 minutes to get to the scenic area of the Stone Forest.
The whole journey from Kunming to the Stone Forest by bus would take around 2 hours and cost around RMB 35, taxi fare excluded. The distance from Kunming to the Stone Forest is approximately 100 kilometers, which is about 62 miles.
To get to the Stone Forest from Kunming by direct bus, you can take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station to the Stone Forest in Shilin County, then take a short taxi ride to the scenic area of the Stone Forest.
As we have observed in 2024, there are also shuttle buses departing from Kunming Changshui International Airport to the Stone Forest directly at 7:20, 8:30, 9:00, 11:30, 12:00, 13:30, 15:00, 16:00, 17:20, 18:00.
Recommended Bus Route to Get to the Stone Forest from Kunming
1. First, you go to Kunming East Bus Station (昆明东部汽车客运站). The address is Zhaoqing Road, Panlong District, Kunming City (昆明市盘龙区照青路). Buy tickets at the counter or book in advance online. Bring your ID for check-in.
2. Then, board the bus to reach the stone forest (石林). The bus departs once it's full, so the departure time is only for reference.
3. After around 2 hours bus ride from Kunming, get off at Shilin County. Then take a short taxi ride to the scenic area of the stone forest, which usually costs less than RMB 10, and takes around 20 minutes.
Tip: You can also consider joining a tour for a hassle-free travel to Stone Forest, with private transportation and an insightful local guide. No research needed, no language barrier to worry about.Contact your travel expert to locak your Stone Forest trip!
How to Get to Stone Forest By Train: High Speed Train & Bus Combo
You can take a train from Kunming to the county of Stone Forest, then switch to a bus to Stone Forest Scenic Area. The whole journey with high speed train and bus from Kunming to Stone Forest shall take about 1.5 hour and less than RMB 40,which is a pretty beginner friendly Yunnan High-Speed Train Tours. Here are the 2 train options from Kunming to Shilin county.
| Travel Method | Travel Time | Ticket Price (RMB) |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Train (Kunming Railway Station) | 1.5 - 3.5 hours | ¥18.5 - ¥142.5 |
| Bullet Train (Kunming South Railway Station) | 18-20 minutes | ¥18 - ¥45.5 |
You can take a train from Kunming Railway Station(昆明火车站) to Stone Forest. This station offers slower trains that take about 1.5 to 3.5 hours to reach Shilin Station. This station is more conveniently located if you're staying in Kunming city center.
Or you can take a train from Kunming South Railway Station(昆明火车南站) to Stone Forest. This station offers high-speed trains that zip you to Shilin West Railway Station in just 18-20 minutes! Tickets to Shilin cost around RMB 30. This station of Kunming is farther from the city center but offers a much faster travel time.
Onward travel to Stone Forest Scenic Area: Shilin Station is located about 3 kilometers from the Stone Forest Scenic Area, so you can easily walk or take a taxi. Shilin West Station is farther, about 22 kilometers from the Stone Forest. You can take public buses (routes A2 or 99) to cover this distance, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour.
Note 1: The train and bus combo from Kunming to the Stone Forest would require changes in Shilin County, so you should allow extra waiting time when planning your trip with a train from Kunming to the Stone Forest. Alternatively, you can join a 3 Days Kunming World Heritage Tour: Stone Forest for seamless transportation.
Note 2: The high-speed train in China has actually become an attraction in itself for many foreign visitors since 2024. However, if you would like to really experience the high-speed train, consider joining a China High Speed Train Tour/.
The high-speed train from Kunming to the Stone Forest only takes less than 20 minutes, which is not enough time to fully experience the state-of-the-art high-speed train.
How to Get Around in Stone Forest Scenic Area
There are two main areas to explore in Stone Forest:
- Greater Stone Forest (Da Shilin, 大石林): The most popular and largest area with the tallest stone formations.
- Lesser Stone Forest (Xiao Shilin, 小石林): A smaller, less crowded area with unique rock formations.
Best Way to Get Around in Stone Forest:
- Walking: Most of the classic route can be comfortably covered on foot.
- Shuttle Bus: Use the internal shuttle buses for longer distances or to save time.
- Guided Tour: Guided tours offered by Asia Odyssey Travel are available and can provide detailed information about the geology, history, and folklore of the area.
Check detail on How to Visit the Stone Forest.
How to Plan a Kunming to Stone Forest Tour
Kick off your Yunnan adventure in Kunming, the "City of Eternal Spring." Immerse yourself in its mild climate and explore captivating attractions before venturing out to the awe-inspiring Stone Forest.
How to Plan a Kunming Tour, Ultimate Kunming Trip Guide 2024
Day 1: Arrival in Kunming
Arrive in Kunming, the vibrant capital of Yunnan Province. Settle into your accommodation and freshen up.
Depending on your arrival time, immerse yourself in Kunming's bustling atmosphere. Explore local markets, indulge in delicious Yunnan cuisine, or unwind in the serene Green Lake Park.
Day 2: Journey to the Stone Forest
Gear up for an adventure! The awe-inspiring Stone Forest (Shilin) lies approximately 81 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Kunming.
Upon arrival at the Stone Forest Scenic Area, embark on a journey through a mesmerizing landscape. Witness towering limestone formations sculpted by nature over millions of years, resembling a petrified forest.
Day 3: Exploring Further or Relaxing in Kunming
Return to Kunming: Relax and delve deeper into Kunming's cultural offerings. Visit historical sites like Yuantong Temple. Savor a traditional Yunnan lunch near the Stone Forest and experience the unique local flavors, the refreshing Food in Yunnan.
More Options from Kunming to Stone Forest & Beyond:
Yuanyang Rice Terraces (2-3 Days): Hike or take best photo with great views of the Terraces.
Dali (2-3 days): Explore the Nanzhao Kingdom and Erhai Lake.
Lijiang (2-3 days): Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge (optional) or see Lugu Lake.
Shangri-La (2-3 days): Visit Songzanlin Monastery.
Xishuangbanna (1-2 days): Explore rainforests and Dai villages.
Optional destinations: Tengchong (hot springs), Pu'er (tea). Consider Laos and Southeast Asia via new China-Laos Railway.
Visit Stone Forest Kunming, Journey to Permian Period with Asia Odyssey Travel
Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring in China, welcomes you any time. Experience the awe-inspiring Stone Forest dating back to Permian Period, take a leisurely stroll around Dianchi Lake, or capture the stunning views from Western Hills. Open your horizon by embracing the culture of 25 ethnic groups - explore the Yunnan Ethnic Village or the historic sites at Kunming Western Hill.
270 million years history of Stone Forest, 25 ethnic groups, all in Yunnan!
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel - Walk into Permian Stone Forest
- Authentic Experience: Discover the Most Unique Yunnan Cuisines with local guides
- Genuine Service: Personalized itinerary, lock the Besttime to visit Yunnan
- Skip the Tourist Routine: Walk into Everlasting Spring, live like a local
- Exclusive Access: Secure your tickets and beds even in high seasons
- Travel Made Easy: Flights, hotels, activities - all taken care of!
- 24/7 Support: Peace of mind throughout your trip
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