The Mysterious Landscape of Kunming Stone Forest

The Mysterious Landscape
of Kunming Stone Forest

Experience the surreal landscape of Kunming Stone Forest where strangely-shaped
stone pillars rise across the mysterious landscape. Wander through a labyrinth
of limestone pinnacles and listen to thrilling legends and myths.

WHY THIS TOUR?

Prepare to have your breath blown away as you stand in awe among the incredible Kunming Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s natural wonders. This attraction spans an area of 400 sq-km and it features forested areas and an abundance of scenic spots.

The entire area was believed to have once been submerged below the sea, until the waters receded and exposed the extraordinary landscape. Over a time-span of 270 million years, the terrain has been eroded by the elements into surreal-looking formations, some of which resemble animals, plants and even human figures. As you wander through the maze of giant stalagmites, it is easy to see why the area is teeming with myths and legends.

TRAIL ITINERARY

The Mysterious Landscape of Kunming Stone Forest

08:00 - 17:00

In the morning, the driver and guide will collect you from the hotel for the one-hour drive to Shilin county. En route, you can admire the landscape and get a quick glimpse into the local life.

The Kunming Stone Forest is a bizarre and magical place where striking limestone pillars rise up amongst lakes, ponds, forests, caves, underground rivers and waterfalls, to create a unique landscape. Walking through the labyrinth of tightly-packed, natural stone formations will confirm that you are among something remarkable.

You will explore the area by following a series of winding paths, leading from one breathtaking vista to the next. As befits such an enchanted landscape, the region comes with its own fables. According to the Yi people, the forest was the birthplace of a beautiful girl called Ashima who was forbidden to marry her true love and so she chose instead to turn into a stone pillar in the forest. There is even a rock within the forest said to be that of Ashima – it resembles a young girl with a scarf on her head and a basket on her back.

After wandering through these intricate formations, sit and relax over lunch in a local restaurant near the Stone Forest. At the end of the meal, the driver will take you back to the hotel in Kunming.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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INCLUSIONS

  • A full-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
  • All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges
  • Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)

EXCLUSIONS

  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying inside downtown Kunming. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside this area such as the Stone Forest, any cruise and ferry terminal and Kunming International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions
  • Customers are advised that during the Lunar Festival celebrations (celebration of Chinese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal
  • We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant
  • We regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself
  • We will always make the effort to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour
  • Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off
  • Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this
  • Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sun’s rays are still very powerful
  • We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests
  • The protection of the country’s flora and fauna is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities for guests that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request
  • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

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