Live Your Best Lives
The Stone Forest Karst Geological Museum is ideal for learning about the unique karst formations and geological features of the region. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the rich diversity of rocks, minerals, and fossils found in the Stone Forest. It's also a great place for photography, educational tours, and exploring interactive exhibits on the Earth's geological history.
The China Stone Forest Karst Geological Museum is located in the Stone Forest Scenic Area, a "World Natural Heritage", "World Geopark" and a national AAAAA-level scenic spot, which is surrounded by mountains and rivers and has many stone cliff wonders. The Stone Forest Karst Geological Museum collects and displays tens of thousands of exhibits and collections, hundreds of which are national treasures. Ten of the exhibits have been rated as the best in China by the Shanghai World Guinness Headquarters. The geological culture it displays is a wonderful interpretation and effective supplement to the natural landscape of the Stone Forest.
The Stone Forest Karst Geological Museum houses numerous rare stalactites, revealing these hidden treasures of time. These beautiful stones, surviving tens of thousands of years of obscurity, are now breathtakingly beautiful. The museum seamlessly integrates natural resources with cultural heritage, making it a renowned scientific and cultural tourist attraction beloved by both domestic and international audiences who love earth science and nature, and a popular educational hub for young people interested in Earth science.
The low-latitude plateau mountain monsoon climate; the Stone Forest Karst Geological Museum integrates collection exhibition, cultural communication, academic exchange, and tourism. It is the largest and most exhibit-rich geological museum in the country and is suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
Full ticket: 120 yuan/person
Half-price ticket: 60 yuan/person
Discounted ticket (for those holding tickets to the Stone Forest Scenic Area): 90 yuan per person
Discounted ticket (for those holding Stone Forest Scenic Area tickets) half-price ticket: 45 yuan/person
08:30-18:00
The Stone Forest Karst Geological Museum is dedicated to the fascinating karst landforms found in the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Yunnan. The museum helps visitors understand the geological processes that shaped these stunning limestone formations over millions of years, making it an important educational and cultural destination.
The museum is located in Shilin County, about 90 kilometers from Kunming city center. You can take a bus or taxi from Kunming to the Stone Forest area, which typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. There is no metro directly connecting to the museum, so public transportation or taxis are the best options.
The museum is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are early mornings and late afternoons to avoid crowds. The museum can be busiest on weekends and public holidays, so weekdays are preferable for a more relaxed experience.
The entrance fee for the Stone Forest Karst Geological Museum is approximately 60-80 RMB. Tickets can be purchased onsite at the museum's entrance. Online booking options are available through some travel platforms if you prefer to buy in advance.
Booking tickets in advance is not usually necessary unless you plan to visit during peak seasons like public holidays. However, booking tickets online can save time, especially if you prefer to skip the lines.
It typically takes 1 to 2 hours to explore the museum. If you're interested in reading all the exhibits and engaging with the interactive displays, plan for about 2 hours. Visitors may spend more time in the surrounding Stone Forest area if they wish to explore the natural landscape further.
The must-see highlights include the geological exhibits that explain the karst formations, fossils, and minerals. The interactive displays that showcase the Earth's geological history are also a key attraction. Visitors should also take a look at the sections explaining the region's biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some English-speaking guides may also be available upon request. Audio guides in multiple languages, including English, are offered to enhance the visitor experience.
The best photography spots are around the museum's panoramic windows, where you can capture the vastness of the Stone Forest's karst formations. Inside, the mineral and fossil exhibits also provide great opportunities for photography, especially if you enjoy capturing geological details.
Start by visiting the introductory exhibits on the formation of karst landscapes, followed by the fossil and mineral displays. Don’t miss the interactive sections, which help visualize the Earth's geological history. If you have time, take a walk around the surrounding Stone Forest to appreciate the natural formations in detail.
There are no night visits or light shows available at the museum. It operates during regular daylight hours. However, the surrounding Stone Forest area may offer special tours or events at certain times, especially during festivals.
The museum can be crowded during weekends and public holidays. To avoid crowds, plan to visit early in the morning on weekdays. The museum is generally quieter in the off-season, particularly in the winter months.
The museum has rest areas, public toilets, and a small shop selling souvenirs. There is also a café and vending machines where you can purchase snacks and drinks. It’s recommended to bring your own water if you plan to explore the outdoor Stone Forest area.
The museum is accessible for elderly visitors, children, and people with disabilities. The main areas inside the museum are wheelchair accessible, and there are ramps for easier access. However, the Stone Forest's natural terrain can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are widely accepted at the museum. Credit and debit cards are also commonly used. It’s still a good idea to carry some cash, particularly if you plan to buy snacks or souvenirs at small kiosks.
Inside the museum, there is a small café offering drinks and light snacks. Nearby, you can find local Yunnan restaurants serving traditional dishes, such as "crossing-the-bridge noodles" and other regional specialties.
Vegetarian food options are available at some restaurants near the museum. Vegan and halal food options may be more limited, but you can find vegetarian-friendly dishes at local eateries in Kunming.
There are several hotels and guesthouses near the Stone Forest area, ranging from budget to mid-range options. Kunming city center also offers a wider variety of accommodations, and it’s just a short drive away if you prefer to stay in the city.
The Stone Forest itself is the main nearby attraction, but you can also visit the Yi ethnic villages or the Shilin Museum. Kunming city center offers other popular spots, such as Dianchi Lake, Yunnan Nationalities Village, and the Kunming Zoo, all within a few hours' drive.
Yes, the museum has a souvenir shop selling items related to geology, fossils, and local crafts. Popular souvenirs include replicas of fossils, mineral samples, and traditional Yunnan handicrafts such as embroidered textiles and pottery.
After visiting the museum, taxis and buses are available to continue your trip to nearby attractions or back to Kunming. You can also hire a private car for more flexibility in visiting other landmarks in the area.
