[2025 Shilin Attraction] Travel Guide for Changhu Lake (Updated Jul)

🕹️ Stone Forest is located in the suburbs of Kunming, Yunnan, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique karst landscape. The best time to visit is during spring and fall when the weather is pleasant. 🚙 Transportation: Take a bus from Kunming East Bus Station directly to the Stone Forest scenic area, which takes about 2 hours and costs approx. CNY 40. It's recommended to depart at 8am to avoid crowds. 👀 Must-see attractions: 1. Major Stone Forest: The iconic area with towering limestone pillars in various shapes, such as "Ashima" and "Sword Peak Pond." 2. Minor Stone Forest: More gentle terrain, perfect for photos, featuring the famous "Stone Forest Scenic Spot" stele. 3. Long Lake: Crystal-clear lake water reflecting the stone peaks, with boating available. 🥗🥗🥗 Food recommendations: 1. Stone Forest milk cake: A local dairy specialty that can be fried or pan-fried. 2. Yi ethnic cuisine: Try sour fish soup and cured meat. 3. Wild mushroom hotpot: Especially delicious during the rainy season. 🚨🚨🚨 Tips: 1. Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes as there are many stone steps. 2. Bring sun protection due to strong high-altitude UV rays. 3. Walking through the scenic area takes about 4-5 hours; battery cars are available to save energy. 4. Avoid holidays for a better experience with fewer tourists. 🎫 Budget reference: Ticket CNY 175, transportation and meals approx. CNY 200/person.

Kunming Stone Forest is located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, about 78 km away from Kunming city center. It is a world natural heritage site and a national 5A tourist attraction. The Stone Forest is famous for its unique karst landform and is known as the "First Wonder of the World." Here, there are towering peaks and grotesque rocks, like a stone forest, which is a masterpiece of nature. The Stone Forest Scenic Area covers a total area of about 400 square kilometers, mainly composed of attractions such as the Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Chang Lake, and Feilong Waterfall. The Greater Stone Forest is the core scenic area, with dense stone peaks of various shapes, some like animals and some like people, which are lifelike. The famous "Ashima" stone statue is located in the Lesser Stone Forest Scenic Area. This stone peak, which resembles a Yi girl, has become a landmark landscape of the Stone Forest. The Naigu Stone Forest is more primitive and rugged, with black stone peaks and a majestic momentum. The best seasons to visit the Stone Forest are spring and autumn, when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is the most beautiful. It is recommended to spend 4–6 hours visiting. There are electric cars in the scenic area that can be used as transportation. After entering the scenic area, you can first visit the Greater Stone Forest, walk along the winding stone paths between the stone peaks, and admire the wonders such as "Sword Peak Pool" and "Lotus Peak." Then go to the Lesser Stone Forest and take photos in front of the "Ashima" stone statue. If you have enough time, you can also go to the Naigu Stone Forest to experience a different style of stone forest. The Stone Forest is not only a natural wonder but also a display of Yi culture. The Torch Festival on the 24th day of the sixth month of the lunar calendar every year is the most grand festival here, with wonderful ethnic song and dance performances and bonfire parties. There are also Yi villages in the scenic area where tourists can experience the customs of ethnic minorities and taste Yi cuisine. In terms of transportation, there are direct buses to the Stone Forest from Kunming East Bus Station, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. If you are driving, you can take the Kunshi Expressway, which is very convenient. The entrance ticket to the scenic area is CNY 175, including the cost of the electric car. It is recommended to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen, and remember to bring an umbrella in the rainy season. The Stone Forest Scenic Area has complete facilities, including restaurants, shops, and rest areas, which can meet the basic needs of tourists.

| Enter a Dreamland of Stones and Experience Nature's Masterpiece. 🧐 📍 Location: Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Stone Forest Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City, Yunnan Province🗺️. 🚗 Transportation - 🚗 Self-driving: From downtown Kunming, navigate to Stone Forest Scenic Area, approximately 1.5 - 2 hours drive. The scenic area has a parking lot🅿. - 🚌 Public transportation: Buses to Stone Forest Scenic Area are available at Kunming East Bus Station. After arriving at Stone Forest County, you can take local buses or taxis to the scenic area🚍. 🌟 Must-visit Attractions - 🌄 Stone Forest Core Scenic Area: Here you'll find bizarre rocks of various shapes, including many lifelike stone formations such as the "Ashima" stone, which resembles a Yi ethnic minority girl carrying a bamboo basket. Wander through this forest of stones and marvel at nature's extraordinary craftsmanship🌳. - 🌊 Naigu Stone Forest: Compared to the core scenic area, this area is more rustic and grand. The stone peaks have unique formations, accompanied by large lawns and blue skies, making it perfect for photography📸. - 🌼 Long Lake: The lake water is crystal clear, surrounded by green mountains and lush vegetation. You can stroll along the lakeside, breathe fresh air, enjoy the scenery, and experience the beauty of tranquility🌳. 🎫 Ticket Information - Adult ticket: Peak season (March - October) around 130 yuan🎫. - Child ticket: Children under 1.3 meters in height enter free🆓; children over 1.3 meters require full-price tickets. Ticket prices may vary between peak and off-peak seasons, please refer to official announcements for details. 📌 Other Tips - 💰 Budget: For a one-day trip, excluding round-trip transportation, tickets and meals will cost approximately 300 - 500 yuan per person. Accommodation costs depend on your preferred standard💰. - 🌞 Sun protection: Yunnan has strong UV rays, so be sure to bring high SPF sunscreen, sun hats, sunglasses, and take comprehensive sun protection measures🌂. - 👚 What to wear: In summer, wear light, breathable clothing for easy walking; add a light jacket in spring and autumn🧥; in winter, warm coats are needed. Comfortable sneakers are recommended for extended walking👟. - 🏨 Hotels: There are various accommodation options around the scenic area, including characteristic homestays where you can experience local culture, and hotels offering more standardized services. Advance booking is recommended during peak season🏨. So, when are you planning to visit Stone Forest? 😃