Explore the stunning stone formations at Liziqing Stone Forest, an awe-inspiring natural landscape with towering limestone pillars and scenic walking trails. It is ideal for hiking, photography, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

Liziqing Stone Forest, also known as Stone Forest Park, covers a total area of approximately 12 square kilometers, with a tourist area of approximately 1,200 mu. It comprises Stone Forest Lake, the Big Stone Forest, the Small Stone Forest, the Outer Stone Forest, and the Plum Garden. With a walking path of over 5,000 meters, it is the largest, most concentrated, and most beautiful section of the Stone Forest Scenic Area. Legend has it that someone saw a plum tree on a cliff in the evening, laden with large, red plums. When they returned the next day to pick the plums, the tree was nowhere to be found, hence the name Liziqing Stone Forest.
Lizijing Stone Forest boasts 31 inscriptions, including "Stone Forest," "Wonder Created by Nature," and "Deep in Colorful Clouds." A stroll through the forest offers visitors a breathtaking array of wonders, perilous landscapes, winding paths, and otherworldly wonders, often captivating and captivating. Youlan Valley boasts the highest peaks in the stone forest, reaching over 50 meters in height. Bu Shao Mountain, the highest point in the forest, sits at 1,875 meters above sea level.
A visit to Liziqing Stone Forest also allows you to experience the unique customs of the Sani people, a minority ethnic group. The Sani have lived by the Stone Forest Lake for generations, preserving their simple folk customs. The annual Torch Festival is held in Liziqing Stone Forest.
The low-latitude plateau mountain has a monsoon climate; the stone pillars, stone walls and stone peaks in Liziqing Stone Forest are of various shapes and sizes, competing with each other for beauty. The scenery is unique and beautiful, making it suitable for travel in all seasons.
It is recommended to play for 2-3 hours
Free, included in the entrance fee to Stone Forest Scenic Area.
08:30-17:30
Liziqing Stone Forest is a unique geological site in Kunming, known for its impressive karst formations. It holds both scientific value and cultural significance, being a place of natural beauty that attracts geologists and tourists alike.
Liziqing Stone Forest is located in the eastern part of Kunming. Visitors can reach the site by taxi or bus from the city center. It's about a 30-minute drive from Kunming's central area.
The site is open daily, typically from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the cooler weather.
The entrance fee is approximately 50 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through online platforms for convenience.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but it is recommended during peak seasons or weekends to ensure entry. Tickets can be bought online a few days ahead of your visit.
It typically takes about 2-3 hours to fully explore the stone forest, depending on how much time you spend on the trails and taking in the views.
The must-see highlights are the towering stone pillars, the meandering pathways, and the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. There are also scenic viewpoints ideal for photography.
Guided tours are available on-site in Mandarin. Audio guides in multiple languages may be available during peak tourist seasons.
The best photography spots are around the highest stone pillars and from the lookout points scattered across the park. The formations against the backdrop of the blue sky or sunset offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Start from the main entrance and follow the designated walking paths to explore the stone formations. It’s recommended to take the circular route that leads to the most significant viewpoints and back to the starting point.
There are no night visits or light shows at Liziqing Stone Forest. It is best enjoyed during daylight hours, especially for photography.
The stone forest can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are early mornings during weekdays, especially off-season.
There are basic facilities available including toilets and rest areas. Small shops sell snacks and souvenirs, but for larger meals, visitors should consider eating in Kunming before or after the visit.
The attraction is moderately accessible for elderly and children, though the paths can be uneven. Disabled access may be challenging due to the natural terrain, but there are some paved areas around the main entrance.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in the area. It’s advisable to carry a small amount of cash just in case.
There are a few local eateries near the entrance of the stone forest, offering basic Yunnan cuisine. For more options, you can head to Kunming city center.
Some restaurants near the stone forest offer vegetarian options, and there are halal restaurants in Kunming city that cater to diverse dietary preferences.
There are a few guesthouses and hotels near the stone forest, with more options available in Kunming. For higher-end accommodations, staying in the city center is a good choice.
Nearby attractions include the Yunnan Nationalities Village, Dianchi Lake, and Kunming’s Botanical Garden. These can be easily combined into a day trip for nature and cultural exploration.
There are small souvenir shops selling local crafts, stone carvings, and postcards. Typical souvenirs include ethnic handicrafts and small replicas of the stone formations.
After visiting, the best transportation options are taxis or public buses to continue exploring Kunming’s other attractions or to return to the city center.