Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave tour from Kunming: 8 hours

A 90-kilometer maze of ancient stone pillars carved by weather into a forest you walk through.

This full-day tour from Kunming combines two of Yunnan's major karst landscapes: the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 90km east of the city where enormous limestone formations rise like trees, and Jiuxiang Caves, a 45-minute drive away, where over 60 explored caves contain rivers, waterfalls and natural stone bridges. The tour includes an English or Chinese-speaking guide, entrance tickets, Chinese lunch with a soft drink, and hotel pickup and drop-off. The route involves quite a few stairs and requires at least moderate fitness.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Caves

• Drive 1.5 hours to Stone Forest
• Explore Stone Forest karst formations
• Visit Sani minority cultural activities
• Travel to Jiuxiang Caves area
• Enter Jiuxiang Caves via green canyon
• Ride cable car over cave entrance
• Return 1.5 hours to Kunming hotel

The experience

The day starts with a 1.5-hour drive from Kunming to the Stone Forest in Shilin County. Once there, you navigate the massive karst labyrinth on foot: walking among stone formations that locals say each hold their own story or legend. The Sani minority, a branch of the Yi ethnic group, still live inside the park and you may encounter them singing folk songs or making embroidery. The scale of the park means you can find less crowded areas, especially during the sunny winter months when fewer visitors arrive.

After the Stone Forest, the tour moves to Jiuxiang Scenic Region, a 45-minute drive away. This site is part of the largest cave group system in China, with roughly 100 karst caves in total and over 60 that have been explored. You enter through a narrow green canyon and take a cable car over the forest canopy to see the cave entrance hidden below before descending inside. The caves contain rivers, gorges, waterfalls, forests and natural stone bridges: formations shaped entirely by water and time. Your guide and driver then return you to your Kunming hotel, another 1.5-hour journey.

The full day runs about 8 hours from pickup to drop-off. You'll need to bring only a small day pack. Larger luggage cannot be taken. The itinerary includes quite a few stairs, so moderate fitness is necessary. Lunch is provided as part of the tour, along with two bottles of local drinking water per person. Your guide speaks either English or Chinese, depending on your choice at booking.

What’s included

• The tour includes entrance tickets to both attractions.
• an English or Chinese-speaking guide for the full day.
• Chinese lunch with one soft drink.
• two bottles of local drinking water per person.
• all transportation from your Kunming hotel and back.
• and 24/7 English-speaking customer support.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Dec

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (9 to 70 years) · Under 9: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Wonders Of Yunnan Travel

Is this one for you?Choose this tour to visit both the Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Caves in one day with a set itinerary. The moderate walking and stairs suit those comfortable climbing through stone formations, not those preferring minimal physical exertion.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the Stone Forest from Kunming, and what makes it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The Stone Forest lies 90 kilometers east of Kunming. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 for its massive karst landscape: a labyrinth of enormous limestone pillars sculpted by weather over time into formations that resemble a forest of stone trees.

What can I expect to see inside Jiuxiang Caves?

Jiuxiang Caves are part of China's largest cave group system, with over 60 explored caves containing rivers, gorges, waterfalls, forests and natural stone bridges. You enter through a narrow green canyon and take a cable car over the forest canopy before descending into the caves themselves.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes entrance tickets to both the Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Caves, an English or Chinese-speaking guide, Chinese lunch with one soft drink per person, two bottles of local drinking water, all transportation from Kunming, hotel pickup and drop-off, and 24/7 English-speaking customer support.

Are there stairs on this tour, and do I need to be fit?

Yes, the tour includes quite a few stairs at both sites. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. For safety and comfort, it may not be suitable for young children or travelers of advanced age.

What should I pack for this day trip?

Bring only one small day pack or hand luggage per person. Larger suitcases or backpacks cannot be taken on the tour, so plan accordingly if you're traveling with limited belongings.