[2025 Shilin Attraction] Travel Guide for Naigu Stone Forest (Updated Apr)

#earthdayjourney We visited the breathtaking Shilin Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases one of the most extraordinary karst landscapes in the world. As we explored its towering limestone pillars and winding stone paths, we learned how millions of years of geological evolution shaped this natural wonder. What made this visit special for Earth Day was seeing how local Sani people (a Yi ethnic group) act as guardians of the land, promoting eco-tourism and cultural education. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to witness nature’s artistry while supporting conservation. Address: Shilin Stone Forest Scenic Area, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming, Yunnan, China ⛰️🌿🪨 We spent a quiet morning at the Naigu Stone Forest, a lesser-known section that felt more peaceful and untouched. The biodiversity here is surprisingly rich, with native plants and birdlife thriving among the rocks. This area is less commercialized, making it ideal for slow travel and mindful exploration. On Earth Day, it felt grounding to walk through a landscape shaped by time and left mostly undisturbed. I would definitely recommend this spot for anyone looking to connect deeply with Earth’s natural rhythms. Address: Naigu Stone Forest, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming, Yunnan, China 🦜🌱🪨 We also visited a nearby Sani minority village, where traditional homes blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment. The locals showed us how they use local materials like stone and wood to build sustainably, and how their farming techniques preserve the land across generations. It was inspiring to see a community living in harmony with the Earth, not just for Earth Day, but as a way of life. I would highly recommend visiting to learn how indigenous knowledge supports sustainability. Address: Sani Minority Village, near Shilin Scenic Area, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming, Yunnan, China 🏡🧺🌾

🕘[Opening Hours]: 07:30–17:30 💴[Ticket Price]: CNY 130/person ⛺[Recommended Activities]: Major Shilin Geological Park 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Minor Shilin Geological Park 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Naigu Shilin 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Bushaoshan Mountain 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Yi Ethnic Folk Activities 🌟🌟🌟🌟 Shilin Ice and Snow Ocean World 🌟🌟🌟🌟 👉[Travel Tips]: The scenic area is open from 07:30 to 17:30, and the last admission is at 17:30. Please arrange your visit accordingly to avoid missing the admission time. There are many attractions in Shilin Scenic Area. You can plan your route according to your time and interests. If you have enough time, you can slowly visit Major Shilin Geological Park, Minor Shilin Geological Park, Naigu Shilin, Bushaoshan Mountain, and other attractions. If you are short on time, you can focus on Major Shilin Geological Park and Minor Shilin Geological Park, as these two areas are the core landscapes of Shilin. The weather in Yunnan is changeable, sometimes rainy and sometimes sunny. Bring rain gear with you, which can protect you from rain and sun. 🧡[Pre-trip Preparation]: ID card, light and breathable clothing, sunglasses, non-glass water cup, rain gear, parasol

It was a trip to Kunming, China 🇨🇳 When we visited Kunming, the “Spring City”, we were amazed by its mild climate, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage 😍 Whether you’re capturing majestic stone formations, tranquil lakes, or vibrant flower 🌺 fields, Kunming offers endless photography opportunities 🙌 Our first stop was the Stone Forest (Shilin), one of China’s most spectacular natural landscapes. The towering karst formations create a dramatic and otherworldly backdrop. The best time for photos 📸 is in the morning, when the sunlight ✨ casts long shadows and highlights the unique rock textures. We highly recommend visiting the Naigu Stone Forest section for fewer crowds and more serene shots 🙌 📍Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming, Yunnan, China We also visited Dian Lake, the largest lake in Yunnan. The best photo spots 📸 are along the Haigeng Park area, where you can capture seagulls flying over the water with the mountains ⛰️ in the background. If you visit in the late afternoon, you’ll witness a breathtaking sunset reflecting on the lake 🌇 📍Xishan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China For a touch of history and spirituality, we explored Yuantong Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Kunming 😍 The colorful temple roofs, intricate carvings, and serene ponds provide endless photo opportunities 📸 The best shot is from the stone bridge, capturing the reflection of the temple in the water. We recommend visiting in the morning ☀️ when the temple is quiet and peaceful 💯 📍Yuantong Street, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan, China We then strolled through Green Lake Park, one of the most charming spots in Kunming. The best time to visit is in the afternoon, when the light ✨ beautifully illuminates the lotus-filled ponds, traditional pavilions, and willow trees 🌳 If you’re visiting in winter (November to March), the park is full of migrating seagulls, making for fantastic bird 🐦 photography. 📍Cuihu South Road, Wuhua District, Kunming, Yunnan, China To end our journey, we took a short trip to Dongchuan Red Land, known for its vivid red soil, rolling hills, and patchwork farmland. This is a must-visit for landscape photographers 💕 with the best time for photos being sunrise or sunset 🌇 when the golden light enhances the red and green hues of the land. 📍Dongchuan District, Kunming, Yunnan, China Kunming’s mix of breathtaking nature, historical charm, and vibrant city life makes it a paradise for photography lovers 🙌🙌🙌 #discoverchina #Vacation #travel

❤Recommended reason: There is more than one stone forest around Kunming, and Naigu Stone Forest is one of the karst landform wonders. Naigu means "black" in Yi language, and Naigu Stone Forest is also known as "Black Pine Rock" because it looks like a black pine forest. 👍Most recommended: Naigu Stone Forest is very different from the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests, and the scenic area consists of the East District, West District, Baiyun Lake, Baiyun Cave, and Ancient Battlefield. From a distance, the dense black stone cliffs look like ancient city walls, majestic and magnificent. The main attractions include: Liang Zhu Meeting, United as One, View from the Peak, Ancient Battlefield, Pigsy Carrying His Wife, Stone Forest, Buddha Hand Screen, Thousand Blade Peak, Peacock Spreading Its Tail, and Two Lions in Love. The stone path leads all the way to the top of the mountain, and walking along it, you can feel the desolation and grandeur of the place. From the top of the peak, you can see a vast black stone sea, which is quite impressive. 🌟Highlights: In addition to the continuous and peculiar black stone pillars, there are caves everywhere underground in Naigu Stone Forest, forming the characteristics of "looking from the peak, walking in the forest, and drilling underground", "looking like a forest from afar, like a shield forest from the middle, and a stone forest from up close".

We first traveled here in late September 2024. As we all know, the weather in Yunnan is very good. It can be called the Land of Spring. When we arrived at Shilin Stone Mountain, the weather was super good. The more we walked into the stone mountain, the more we could feel the nature and its beauty. Everything was perfect. The entrance fee by car is not expensive at all. It is 25 yuan per person. When we reached the entrance of the Stone Forest Park, the entrance fee was 130 yuan. There were also foreigners visiting, which was okay because there were signs in English for us. We could pay with Alipay, which supported foreigners like us well. When we came out, there was a souvenir shop. - Stone Mountain Ice Cream, very delicious and smooth. I highly recommend it. Note: If anyone is going to travel here, I recommend wearing sneakers. It is called a stone mountain. The way up and down is like going up and down a mountain. That's the end of the review. Thank you for reading until the end. I recommend going here. Anyone who likes nature, this is the place for you. #100TravelTips #NatureAttractions #trip #china #yunnan #foresttrip

The Stone Forest Scenic Area in Kunming, also known as the Yunnan Stone Forest, is located within the territory of the Shilin Yi Autonomous County in Kunming, 78 kilometers away from Kunming, the provincial capital of Yunnan. It covers an area of 350 square kilometers. The main developed areas for tourism in the Stone Forest Scenic Area of Kunming are: Stone Forest Scenic Area, Heisongyan (Naigu Stone Forest) Scenic Area, Feilong Waterfall (Dadieshui) Scenic Area, and Changhu Scenic Area. The Stone Forest Scenic Area in Kunming has been recognized by UNESCO as a 'World Geopark' and 'World Natural Heritage Site'. In 1982, it was approved by the State Council to become one of the first national key scenic spots, and it is a national 5A-level tourist attraction and a national civilized scenic tourist area. On November 18, 2021, the Stone Forest Scenic Area was listed in the first batch of national civilized tourism demonstration units.

#falltrip The Naigu Stone Forest, also known as the "Black Stone Forest," is a unique geological formation located in the Shilin Yi Autonomous County of Yunnan Province, China. It is part of the larger Shilin Stone Forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Naigu Stone Forest is famous for its towering limestone karst formations. These natural stone pillars and pinnacles create a surreal and maze-like landscape. The name "Naigu" means "internal skeleton" in the local Yi language, alluding to the stony pillars resembling a forest of petrified trees. Karst landscapes, like those found in the Naigu Stone Forest, are formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks (such as limestone) over time. Rainwater and underground rivers have sculpted the stone into various shapes, including peaks, columns, and ravines. The Naigu Stone Forest has an otherworldly quality, with narrow, winding paths and valleys which visitors are free to explore. Tips and Tricks ⁉️ 🚌 The Naigu Stone Forest is easily accessible from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province. It's a few hours' drive from the city, making it a great day trip or an extended visit for those who wish to explore the surrounding area. 🎎 The Shilin Stone Forest, including Naigu, is significant in the culture of the local Yi people. It has been the backdrop for traditional festivals and ceremonies for centuries, and you may have the opportunity to witness Yi cultural performances while visiting. #SpinTheWorld #wecreate #trip