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The Stone Forest, or Shilin (石林), rises like a sea of stone waves just beyond Kunming — a dreamscape where nature’s imagination runs wild. Sculpted over 270 million years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see when visiting Yunnan. But how do you get from Kunming to this dramatic karst wonder?
Whether you seek freedom behind the wheel, the speed of a train, or the simplicity of a bus, there is a path that fits every traveler’s soul. Let’s explore the most updated options in 2025.
Where is Stone Forest & How to Get There from Kunming
Located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southeast of Kunming in Shilin Yi Autonomous County, the Stone Forest is close enough for an easy day trip but distant enough to feel worlds away.
| Transportation Method | Distance | Travel Time | Estimated Cost (RMB) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Car (Rental or Private Driver) | 80 km | 1.5 – 2 hrs | Varies | Flexible & comfortable |
| Bullet Train (Kunming South) | 81 km | 18 – 20 min | ¥18 – ¥45.5 | Fastest choice |
| Regular Train (Kunming Station) | 81 km | 1.5 – 3.5 hrs | ¥18.5 – ¥142.5 | Economical, slower |
| Bus from Kunming Airport | 85 km | 2 – 2.5 hrs | ¥60 | Direct service |
| Bus from Kunming East Station | 85 km | 1.5 – 2 hrs | ¥25 | Budget-friendly option |
Best Option: Travel by Car for Maximum Freedom
The most comfortable and flexible way to reach the Stone Forest is by private car. You can rent a car and self-drive or hire a private driver from Kunming.
The journey along the Kunming–Shilin Expressway (G85) takes approximately 1.5 hours. This option allows you to travel at your own pace, make stops in small Yi villages, and avoid crowds.
If you prefer no driving stress, consider arranging a private day trip with LuxTourCN, which includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, so you can simply sit back and watch Yunnan’s shifting landscapes unfold.
Kunming Airport to Stone Forest by Bus: Direct & Convenient
For those arriving by air and heading straight to Stone Forest, direct shuttle buses are available from Kunming Changshui International Airport.
- Distance: About 85 kilometers (53 miles)
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Cost: Around ¥60
Shuttle Departure Times (2025 update): 09:40, 11:30, 13:30, 15:00, 16:30, 18:30
Steps to Take:
- Arrive at Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场).
- Buy your ticket at the airport shuttle bus counter (ID required for purchase).
- Board the bus directly to Shilin County.
- Upon arrival at Shilin, take a short taxi ride (around ¥10) or walk to the Stone Forest Scenic Area entrance.
Kunming City to Stone Forest by Bus: Budget-Friendly Choice
Travelers looking for an economical option can take a bus from Kunming East Coach Station (昆明东部客运站).
- Travel Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Cost: Around ¥25
- Departure Frequency: Frequent throughout the day
How to do it:
- Head to Kunming East Coach Station (No. 28 Hongqiao Road, Panlong District).
- Buy tickets at the station or online in advance.
- Board the bus to Shilin County.
- From the Shilin bus terminal, take a local shuttle or short taxi ride to Stone Forest Scenic Area.
By Train: High-Speed Speed & Comfort Combined
For speed lovers, the high-speed train is the quickest option. Departing from Kunming South Railway Station to Shilin West Station (石林西站), the ride takes just 18–20 minutes and costs ¥18–¥45.5.
After arrival, transfer to a local shuttle bus or taxi for a 10-minute journey to the entrance.
Regular trains from Kunming Railway Station are also available but take significantly longer (1.5 – 3.5 hours) and may have fewer daily departures.
How to Explore Inside Stone Forest Scenic Area
Once you enter the Stone Forest, explore on foot or use the internal sightseeing shuttle buses that run between main viewpoints. Wandering on foot, however, remains the best way to discover secret corners, natural archways, and quiet stone alleys that echo ancient whispers from a Permian sea.
How to Plan a Kunming to Stone Forest Tour
A guided private tour with LuxTourCN provides a seamless experience. You’ll benefit from local stories, cultural insights, and expertly chosen paths to avoid peak crowds.
Step into Yunnan’s Ancient Sea
A visit to Stone Forest is not merely a sightseeing stop; it is an encounter with the Earth’s memory — a place where limestone pillars record the dance of oceans and wind across eons.
Whether you choose the comfort of a private car, the precision of a bullet train, or the simplicity of a bus, each journey to Shilin promises an unforgettable step into nature’s poetic sculpture.
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