Autumn Wonders of the Stone Forest! A Dream Journey Through 300 Million Years of Geological Legend

In autumn, the Stone Forest is a symphony of geological marvels and ethnic customs! This 300-million-year-old karst museum sheds the summer heat in autumn, with green peaks like swords against the blue sky, a sea of cosmos flowers colliding with the Black Stone Castle to create a romantic scene. This guide will take you on a 2-day journey through the Stone Forest’s unique peaks and stones, flower seas, and lakes, deeply experiencing the charm of Ashima culture.
🌿Highlights of the Trip
Immersive Geological Wonders: The large and small Stone Forests are layered with verdant peaks; Bushaoshan hides marine fossil secrets; the Naigu Stone Forest’s black-gray stone pillars are rugged and primitive, with cosmos flowers blooming beautifully in autumn.
Ethnic Cultural Experience: Daily Sani ethnic song and dance performances, Ashima welcoming parades, and the option to rent Yi ethnic costumes to transform into “Ashima” for ethnic-themed photoshoots.
Autumn-Exclusive Scenery: The Changhu Scenic Area in October offers lake and mountain views perfect for camping and stargazing; the Naigu Stone Forest’s gesang flower sea and stone peaks form a picturesque oil painting backdrop.
📅2-Day Itinerary Plan
Day 1: Core Geological Exploration
Arrive at the Great Stone Forest at 7 AM to avoid crowds and capture the morning light on the “Stone Forest Scenic Spot” inscription. Hike up to Wangfeng Pavilion for a panoramic view of the stone sea; challenge the “Critical Moment” dangerous path requiring hands and feet.
At noon, dine outside the scenic area at Yimi Water Village with braised native chicken and cheese, about 50 RMB per person for a full meal.
In the afternoon, explore the Small Stone Forest, find the Ashima statue and listen to the love legend; then head to Bushaoshan to search for 500-million-year-old marine fossils.
At dusk, visit the Naigu Stone Forest, where the cosmos flower sea glows romantic purple-pink under the sunset, framed with the Black Stone Castle like a medieval oil painting.
Day 2: Lake and Flower Sea Stroll
Early morning, go to the Changhu Scenic Area, the filming location of the movie “Ashima,” where morning mist rises over the lake; camping, barbecuing, and mountain hiking are available.
In the morning, participate in apple picking at Azhodi Village (autumn exclusive) and experience Yi ethnic farming fun.
In the afternoon, return to the main scenic area to visit the Karst Geological Museum to learn about landform evolution, and join a fossil rubbing workshop with children.
🍜Autumn Food Map
Must-try “Stone Forest Three Delicacies”: Beef soup pot (warming in autumn), Guishan smoked bacon (smoky and savory), ginseng fruit (sweet and juicy).
Snack recommendations: fried rice cakes, Stone Forest marinated tofu, roasted potatoes with spicy dipping sauce, starting at 5 RMB at Dongmenfang Night Market.
💡Off-the-Beaten-Path Activities
Night tour of Changhu for stargazing: high chance of clear skies in autumn, the Milky Way is clearly visible, telescopes available for rent in the scenic area.
Intangible cultural heritage experience: contact the scenic area guide to join the Yi embroidery workshop and make autumn leaf-themed embroidery pieces.
Transportation: High-speed train from Kunming South Station to Shilin West Station (20 minutes, 18 RMB), then transfer to bus 99 direct; self-driving navigation to “Stone Forest Scenic Area Parking Lot” with free parking.
Tickets: Large and Small Stone Forest 130 RMB (half price for students), Naigu Stone Forest 25 RMB, Changhu 10 RMB; sightseeing bus 25 RMB is a must-buy.