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Top 10 attractions in Shilin

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Stone Forest Scenic Area
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Stone Forest Scenic Area

8.7
4.7/5
18.8k reviews
The Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin County, Kunming, and is one of the key attractions in the city. This scenic area showcases typical karst landforms, featuring stone peaks, pinnacles, sinkholes, and underground rivers. The towering rock formations take on various shapes—sword-like, pagoda-like, mushroom-like, and more—creating a breathtaking and fantastical landscape. The Stone Forest Scenic Area is divided into several widely spaced sections, with the Greater and Lesser Stone Forest attractions at its core. The Naigu Stone Forest is located approx. 12 km north of the main attractions, while the Dadie Waterfall scenic area sits approx. 29 km southwest. The Changhu Lake area is positioned 26 km southeast of the main site. When visitors refer to touring the Stone Forest, they typically mean exploring the Greater and Lesser Stone Forest sections. The Greater and Lesser Shilin are located in the same area. After purchasing tickets at the main entrance and walking along the path for 20 minutes, you'll find the smaller and more gently sloped Lesser Shilin Scenic Area on your left. Amidst the dense cluster of peaks stands the famous Ashima Stone, where the majestic karst formations resemble a graceful Yi ethnic maiden named Ashima, seemingly waving to visitors—a favorite photo spot for travelers. Beyond the striking Ashima, the Lesser Shilin area features other captivating views like the Steed and Pillar Supporting the Sky, each with unique shapes. This is where your imagination is put to the test. If you find your imagination lacking, we recommend hiring a guide who can offer fresh perspectives on these remarkable formations. As you drive leisurely along the highway, you'll encounter a series of remarkable rock formations lining the roadside—the Tang Monk Stone, Stone Prison, Phoenix Combing Its Wings, and Lingzhi Mushroom Rock—each vividly lifelike and exquisitely crafted by nature's artistry, presenting their unique postures to showcase Earth's wondrous creations. Strolling along the pathway, you'll unexpectedly arrive at the Great Stone Forest Scenic Area. After marveling at wonders like "Two Birds Sharing Food," "Rhinoceros Gazing at the Moon," "Lotus Peak," "Shilin Grand View," and "Stone Screen," you might feel slightly fatigued. Take a peaceful break at Lion Pavilion while admiring the inverted peaks reflected in Lion Pool across the way. After prolonged exposure to these karst formations, visual fatigue may set in—making it the perfect moment to shift perspectives. Board a cruise on Shilin Lake, where mountain vistas and water scenery converge into one breathtaking panorama, dissolving all stress and worries. If you prefer not to walk, electric carts driven by Yi ethnic women shuttle between attractions and stop upon request. You can still marvel at the wonders of the Stone Forest Scenic Area, and some friendly drivers may even share interesting local anecdotes along the way. Naigu Stone Forest, also known as New Stone Forest or Mozhai Stone Forest, is located 13 km north of the Stone Forest Scenic Area. It features a landscape composed of stone formations, Baiyun Lake, Shifeng Mountain, and Yougu Xianpu Waterfall. Compared to the Stone Forest Scenic Area, this site offers a distinct style. The towering gray-black stone pillars here are densely packed, resembling castles, towers, and mushrooms. The rugged, primitive rock formations surge skyward like waves, creating a majestic atmosphere. Walking through these dark peaks feels like stepping into a primeval world.Shilin · 6.1 km from downtown
Minor Stone Forest - Ashima
Selected for Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Minor Stone Forest - Ashima

5.9
4.6/5
381 reviews
Minor Stone Forest - Ashima is a representative view within the Minor Stone Forest peak cluster. It is primarily composed of naturally formed karst peaks, stone pillars, and peak clusters, where long-term geological processes have shaped the rocks into a diverse stone forest view with varying heights and unique forms. "Ashima" is one of the most recognizable figurative rocks here. Its silhouette is said to resemble a graceful Yi woman in traditional ethnic attire, hence the name. It is not only a natural stone view of the Minor Stone Forest but also closely linked to the Sani Yi people's narrative poem "Ashima" and related ethnic culture.Shilin · 6.4 km from downtown
Stone Forest Scenic Area-Swords Pool
Selected for Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Stone Forest Scenic Area-Swords Pool

5.3
4.6/5
58 reviews
Jianfeng Pond is located in Shilin Town, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan Province. It is a pond under the Lotus Peak. There is a curved bridge on the pond that winds above the water and meanders between the stone peaks. The water is clear and bright, and the sky, clouds, and peaks all fall into the pond. There is a collapsed stone peak by the pond, shaped like a sharp sword, with the sword body exposed above the water and the hilt submerged in the water. Unfortunately, the sword has been broken, but the tip of the sword can still be vaguely seen on the water surface, as if waiting for a peerless sword-making master to bring it out of the water, recast the sword body, and pierce the sky again.Shilin · 5.9 km from downtown
Naigu Stone Forest
No. 2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Shilin

Naigu Stone Forest

4.1
4.8/5
149 reviews
Naigu Stone Forest is located in Shilin County, Kunming. It is about 8 kilometers north of the main scenic spot of the Stone Forest. You can play together. Naigu means black. There are many black stone forests with peculiar shapes in the scenic area. Although they are not as tall and majestic as the main scenic spot, there are few people and quiet, and there are often wild flowers in bloom, which is not wild. The scenic area is divided into east area, west area, Baiyun Lake, Baiyun Cave, ancient battlefield and other parts. There is a total of 6 kilometers of stone road. You can walk along the road. The stone road leads to the top of the mountain, and you can overlook the beautiful scenery on the mountain. Very open. In addition to the peculiar black stone pillars, Baiyun Lake, Baiyun Cave and the ancient battlefield are quite distinctive. Baiyun Lake is not far from the entrance of the scenic spot. The lake water is very clear. There are two small islands in the lake, which are called "Penglai" and "Yingzhou". Baiyun Cave is located in the middle of Naigu Stone Forest Scenic Area. It is amazing that the sound of waves is often heard in the cave, but the water source can never be found, which is quite strange. On the lonely mountain of the ancient stone forest, there are many weathered stone pillars, some like war horses, some like bunkers, so this stone forest is called the ancient battlefield, and it is also one of the locations of the TV series "Romance of the Three Kingdoms".Shilin · 15.8 km from downtown
Shilin Snow and Ocean Park

Shilin Snow and Ocean Park

4
4.3/5
1.5k reviews
Shilin Ice and Snow Ocean World is located on Shilin Avenue and comprises a polar area, an ocean aquarium, and a dolphinarium. You can see all kinds of marine animals at Shilin Ice and Snow Ocean World. There are also exciting performances such as mermaid. This is a great place to visit with children. See polar animals in the polar area: penguins, beluga whales, sea lions, seals, and more!Shilin · 4.9 km from downtown
Stone Forest Scenic Area - Electric Vehicle Return Station

Stone Forest Scenic Area - Electric Vehicle Return Station

3.9
3.5/5
4 reviews
Shilin · 6.7 km from downtown
Mt. Jinping Scenic Resort
No. 20 of Best Things to Do in Yunnan

Mt. Jinping Scenic Resort

8
4.6/5
7k reviews
Jinping Mountain Scenic Area is located more than 10 kilometers north of Mile City. The mountains are full of spiritual energy and the trees are lush and green. From a distance, it looks like a giant Buddha sitting peacefully. Mile has been known as the blessed land of southern Yunnan since ancient times, and has the same name as the future Buddha "Maitreya". Jinping Mountain has a thousand-year-old temple Maitreya Temple, where the main Buddha is Maitreya, so the city name, temple name, and Buddha name are the same. Maitreya Temple was built during the Tianqi period of the Ming Dynasty, rebuilt during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, and expanded and completed in 1999. It has five courtyards: Maitreya Buddha, Dayun Courtyard, Daxiong Hall, Tianwang Hall, and Dazhi Hall. It has the best Maitreya Bag Phase, Maitreya Qiangba Phase, Maitreya Immortal Light Phase, Maitreya Tianguan Phase, and Maitreya Thinking Phase.Mile · 35.7 km from Shilin
Keyi Town And Ancient Village
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Mile

Keyi Town And Ancient Village

6.9
4.1/5
1k reviews
Keyi Village is hidden inside a forest and offers visitors an insight into the lives of the Yi people. The locals stage traditional music and dance performances for visitors, and there is also a museum with exhibits on Yi culture and customs.Mile · 30.3 km from Shilin
Wangfeng Pavilion

Wangfeng Pavilion

3.6
4.5/5
2 reviews
Shilin · 6 km from downtown
Shilin Xinglin Grand View Garden  Scenic Area

Shilin Xinglin Grand View Garden Scenic Area

3.6
4.3/5
13 reviews
The Heishiqing Scenic Attraction of ​​the Stone Forest and Xinglin Grand View Garden is famous for its unique karst landforms, with many strange rocks and deep stone valleys. Visitors can stroll along the stone paths, explore the stone forest maze, and admire the stalagmites and stone pillars of various shapes, feeling the wonders of nature. In addition, there are clear springs and rich vegetation in the Attraction, providing a good place for visitors to get close to nature and relax.Shilin · 14.4 km from downtown

Experiences you can't miss in Shilin

Featured Day tours in Shilin

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Early pickup from second ring road | Stone Forest Scenic Area + Jiuxiang 1-day tour ◆ optional upgrade to new route⁄15 person group reliable pure play
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4.9/5
· 699 reviews· 1.9k booked
Duration: 11.8 hrs
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[Pure Fun] One-Day Tour to Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area + Jiuxiang | Optional Private Car with Professional Transfer
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4.7/5
· 118 reviews· 568 booked
Duration: 15 hrs
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Foreign Tourists Private Tour: Stone Forest (Shilin) + Yiliang Roast Duck + Kunming City
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4.9/5
· 27 reviews· 239 booked
Duration: 9 hrs
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[Early pickup from second ring road] 1-day tour to Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area + Dianchi Lake · Excellent guide + pure play with no shopping
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4.9/5
· 131 reviews· 392 booked
Duration: 7 hrs
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97.7% of travelers recommend
From£32.86
[Early pickup from second ring road] 1-day tour to Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area · Optional small group for 15 people + excellent guide
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4.7/5
· 54 reviews· 304 booked
Duration: 7.6 hrs
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94.4% of travelers recommend
From£27.25
Kunming Stone Forest + Dianchi Lake One-Day Tour [Pure Play with Chartered Car, Dedicated Pick-up Service]
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4.8/5
· 106 reviews· 498 booked
Duration: 9.5 hrs
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93.4% of travelers recommend
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Kunming Shilin private tour 1-day tour: includes private car pick-up and drop-off, admission ticket, English guide for the attraction
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4.9/5
· 13 reviews· 174 booked
Duration: 5.5 hrs
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Explore Shilin Stone Forest Scenic Area and Jiuxiang Scenic Area in Kunming, Yunnan, China for one day [Private charter option available]
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4.9/5
· 55 reviews· 515 booked
Duration: 7.5 hrs
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Featured Cultural experiences in Shilin

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Discover Kunming's Hidden Gems: A Private Journey to Stone Forest & Chengzi Ancient Town
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Duration: 9.5 hrs
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One-day private chartered car tour to Kunming Yunnan Safari Park and Kunming Old Street [Team favorite]
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Duration: 3.8 hrs
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Mile Dongfengyun Scenic Area + Keyi Town And Ancient Village + Jinping Mountain day tour [Private chartered car + admission ticket]
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From£49.32
Guided tours in Chinese and English for Yunnan Kunming's Dianchi Lake, Stone Forest, Green Lake, Western Hills, Yunnan Ethnic Village, and the city center.
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5.0/5
· 6 reviews· 174 booked
Duration: 10 hrs
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Kunming: Immersive Ancient Dian Epic Royal Feast with Yunnan Wild Mushroom Dishes
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Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Kunming Immersive Dinner: Ancient Dian Costume Shooting & Full Cultural Live Show
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1.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 1.5 hrs
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Featured Food & drink in Shilin

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Kunming Jueyan Banquet: A Feast of Millennium Yunnan Flavors, An Immersive Enjoyment of Six Senses
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4.7/5
· 6 reviews· 57 booked
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Yunnan Special Lunch Show | 40-minute performance + Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles Set – Jué Yàn
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5.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 2 hrs
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KUNMING JUE YAN in Yunnan: A Millennium Banquet of Dian Culture, A Feast for the Senses Celebrating Ancient and Modern Legends
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Kunming Banquet: Six-Sense Immersive Experience, Taste the Glory of Ancient Yunnan
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Duration: 90 mins
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Kunming Southwest Ancient Kingdom Banquet | Enjoy Food and Performance Simultaneously | 9 Exquisite Dishes + 90-Minute Music and Dance Performance – Jué Yàn
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From£12.34
Kunming city private charter, Zhuanxin Farmers' Market, Xishan scenic area, Haihong Wetland, Dounan Flower Market
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5.0/5
· 8 reviews· 21 booked
Duration: 9 hrs
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Private Tours in Shilin

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Free things to do in Shilin

What travelers say about Shilin

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_TI***72October 12, 2026
5.0
Excellent package. No Q and vip treatment. The assigned tour guide is friendly and good!

Stone Forest Scenic Area

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博😘😘肖November 1, 2025
5.0
Here, the sparse yet vibrant stone peaks are a highlight, the most striking being the Ashima Stone—a rock pillar resembling a beautiful maiden from Yi folklore. At dusk, when the colorful lights illuminate the landscape, the stone formations are bathed in a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty! The lake reflects the stone shadows, the grasslands stretch endlessly, and the vegetation is abundant, the air so pure it feels like natural oxygen. Strolling through this area, the tranquility and mystery are captivating, as if stepping into a living garden painting. Note: It's recommended to visit in the evening for better photos under the lights; remember to wear comfortable shoes to explore the stone paths.

Minor Stone Forest - Ashima

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孟_子_皿January 1, 2026
5.0
Jianfeng Pool is a particularly beautiful place, with water and rocks, making it perfect for taking photos. You can walk around the entire pool. It's also quite interesting, with its winding and meandering paths.

Stone Forest Scenic Area-Swords Pool

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D29***51January 28, 2022
4.0
Great park outside of Kunming. The stone structures are really amazing. The lakes around the stones are also great. Not too crowded and a very big place. Only problem was that we had trouble finding the entrance and where to buy bus tickets. Requires a lot of walking

Naigu Stone Forest

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M58***08February 20, 2021
5.0
The kids love to play here, it's actually pretty good, but because it's an older ocean world, it's smaller in every way, but small doesn't mean bad, they have a lot of stuff, and the animals are well maintained. One thing to say is that their mermaid show is the most sincere among the current ocean worlds.

Shilin Snow and Ocean Park

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冬冬龙冬冬June 27, 2026
5.0
It's great, convenient for tourists, the service is friendly, and it's safe and reliable. It's really good for us seniors, thank you!

Stone Forest Scenic Area - Electric Vehicle Return Station

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E00***72October 19, 2026
5.0
The Maitreya Buddha statue in Jinping Mountain Scenic Area is located at the summit. Those with less stamina can take a bus up the mountain and walk down, visiting the temples along the way. We hiked up and took a bus down, which was good exercise and helped protect our knees.

Mt. Jinping Scenic Resort

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Anonymous userOctober 21, 2026
5.0
From the entrance to the village, after exploring the village, we took a bus to Tiger Roaring Forest, then another bus to the exit, and finally visited Mizhi Wonderland. Since we weren't going back the way we came, we descended the mountain from another exit, and eventually took the sightseeing bus back to the exit. Although each section of the road wasn't long, there wasn't much scenery along the way, and it added up to several kilometers, but it was still worth it!

Keyi Town And Ancient Village

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阳关道888August 17, 2026
5.0
The highest point in the scenic area offers exceptional views; if you have the energy, try to go up and take a look.

Wangfeng Pavilion

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凉凉小四月June 20, 2023
4.0
After visiting Shilin, I came to Shilin Xinglin Grand View Garden, which is located at No. 1 Heilongtan Road, Farmers Entrepreneurship Park, Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City. It is not far from Shilin and smaller than Shilin. It has karst landform, beautiful mountains and rivers, and fresh air. It is a place that integrates traditional Chinese medicine health care, leisure tourism and vacation, as well as ecological agricultural sightseeing. There are Xinglin Zen Temple, Sakura Valley, hot springs, etc.

Shilin Xinglin Grand View Garden Scenic Area

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Frequently asked questions

You can give Kunming Jueyan Banquet: A Feast of Millennium Yunnan Flavors, An Immersive Enjoyment of Six Senses and Yunnan Special Lunch Show | 40-minute performance + Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles Set – Jué Yàn a try. Before you go, please check their opening hours and menus online. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Early pickup from second ring road | Stone Forest Scenic Area + Jiuxiang 1-day tour ◆ optional upgrade to new route⁄15 person group reliable pure play, [Pure Fun] One-Day Tour to Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area + Jiuxiang | Optional Private Car with Professional Transfer, and Foreign Tourists Private Tour: Stone Forest (Shilin) + Yiliang Roast Duck + Kunming City. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of October 24, 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Shilin is around GBP 16.63 – GBP 75.69. Rates vary by duration, group size, transportation, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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