Exploring Yunnan Stone Forest: Uncovering the mystery of karst landforms and exploring the magical codes of nature

#Mainland Travel The following is a travel guide to Yunnan Stone Forest Scenic Area: Trip Overview Yunnan Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City. It is a famous geological park in China and a world natural heritage. It has a unique karst landform with stones of various shapes and is known as "the first wonder in the world". This trip will take you to appreciate the magnificent scenery of the Stone Forest, learn about the Yi culture, and taste the special food. Trip Plan Day 1: Arrive in Kunming - Kunming City to Stone Forest Scenic Area • Transportation recommendations: ◦ Public transportation: Take a direct bus from Kunming Railway Station or Eastern Bus Station to Stone Forest Scenic Area. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. ◦ Self-driving: Drive along the Guangkun Expressway, get off at the Shilin West Exit, and follow the road signs to the scenic area. The journey takes about 1 hour. • Scenic spot introduction: After arriving at the Stone Forest Scenic Area, first enjoy the panoramic view of the Stone Forest at the gate and feel the wonders of nature. Afterwards, you can take the scenic sightseeing bus to visit the main attractions. • Food recommendation: Taste the local flavor of Shilin in restaurants near the scenic area, such as Shilin Rubing, Yiling Roast Duck, etc. Day 2: Explore the Stone Forest Scenic Area • Transportation recommendation: Walk or take the scenic sightseeing bus to continue the tour. • Attractions: ◦ Stone Forest Wonders: There are various peculiar stone forest landscapes here, such as sword-shaped stone forests, mushroom stone forests, columnar stone forests, etc., which are lifelike and amazing. ◦ Dashilin Scenic Area: There are many scenic spots, including the famous "Ashima" stone statue, which is the iconic landscape of the Stone Forest. According to legend, it is the incarnation of the Yi girl Ashima. ◦ Naigu Stone Forest Scenic Area: It is very different from the Big and Small Stone Forests in style. It is characterized by black pine rock. The stone is black in color, which makes it more mysterious. • Food recommendation: You can try the traditional snacks of the Yi ethnic group, such as buckwheat cakes, roasted potatoes, etc. Day 3: Shilin Scenic Area - Yi Culture Experience - Return • Transportation recommendation: Take the scenic sightseeing bus back to the scenic area gate, and then return by the same transportation method as when you came. • Attraction introduction: Go to the Yi village and experience the Yi people’s traditional culture and lifestyle. Watch Yi folk song and dance performances and learn about the Yi people’s history, culture and customs. • Food recommendation: Taste the Yi ethnic minority’s specialties, such as the Yi family’s eight bowls, and experience the Yi ethnic minority’s food culture. Accommodation Recommendations • Hotels in the Stone Forest Scenic Area: Such as the Stone Forest Tianqi Hotel, which are convenient for touring the scenic area, and some rooms offer views of the Stone Forest, but the prices may be relatively high. • Shilin County Hotels: Staying in the county, there are more accommodation options and the prices are relatively affordable, such as Shilin Tianhu Hotel, but it takes a certain amount of time to travel to and from the scenic area every day. Precautions • The roads in the Stone Forest Scenic Area are complex, so it is best to wear comfortable shoes for easy walking when visiting. • The sunlight in the scenic area is strong, so please take sun protection measures and bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, etc. • Respect the customs and habits of the local Yi people, especially when visiting Yi villages, do not take photos or behave inappropriately. Cost Estimation • Ticket price: Adult ticket is about 130 yuan/person, sightseeing bus fare is 25 yuan/person. • Transportation costs: Public transportation costs about 50-100 yuan per person (round trip), and self-driving costs mainly depend on the departure place and traffic conditions. • Accommodation costs: Hotels in the scenic area are relatively expensive, about 300-800 yuan per night; hotels in the county town are relatively affordable, about 200-500 yuan per night. • Food and Beverage Expenses: Daily food and beverage expenses depend on individual consumption, approximately RMB 100 - 200 per person.