Explore the Stone Forest (Shilin)
Shilin County (day trip) 6 hrs
Wander through a vast collection of limestone formations resembling petrified trees.
Where to stay
Hotels in Kunming
Book direct on our own Kunming hotel pages — no booking fee and instant confirmation.
Swipe for more Kunming hotels
At a glance
Climate
Temperate
Languages
Mandarin and Yunnanese Dialect
Local currency
CNY
(CNY)
Local time
(GMT+8)
Ideal trip length
3–7 days
Cost level
3 of 5 · our research
Suggested area to stay
Green Lake Park Area
Tap water
Bottled water recommended
Tipping
Not customary
What this place is for
History
95 · Outstanding
Culture
90 · Outstanding
Food
90 · Outstanding
Family
75 · Good
Our own 0–100 ratings for this one destination. They describe a city; they are not a league table of cities.
Food to try
Crossing the Bridge Noodles
Steamed Pot Chicken
Pineapple Rice
Wild Mushroom Hotpot
When to visit Kunming
How good each month is here, on this destination's own scale. It compares months within this city, never one city against another.
Best months: April
Busiest: Mar-May
-
Jan70
Cool, dry, sunny
-
Feb75
Mild, dry, sunny
-
Mar80
Pleasant, dry, blooming
-
Apr85
Warm, dry, ideal
-
May80
Warm, pre-monsoon
-
Jun70
Warm, rainy season
-
Jul65
Warm, heavy rain
-
Aug68
Warm, rainy
-
Sept75
Mild, less rain
-
Oct80
Pleasant, dry, crisp
-
Nov78
Cool, dry, clear
-
Dec72
Cool, dry, sunny
Things to do in Kunming
8 places worth your time, grouped by when they are at their best.
Showing 8 of 8 places ·
Best in the morning
3 places
Hike Western Hills & Dragon Gate
Xishan District 4 hrs
Ascend the scenic Western Hills for panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and intricate cliffside carvings.
Wander Kunming Flower and Bird Market
Wuhua District 2 hrs
Immerse yourself in a vibrant market selling flowers, birds, pets, and local crafts.
Best in the afternoon
3 places
Discover Yunnan Provincial Museum
Guandu District 3 hrs
Explore the rich history and diverse ethnic cultures of Yunnan province.
Visit Jindian Park (Golden Temple)
Panlong District 2 hrs
See China's largest bronze temple, set amidst beautiful gardens and camellia flowers.
Explore Dianchi Lake
Xishan District 3 hrs
Enjoy the vast freshwater lake, take a boat ride, or visit nearby attractions like Haigeng Park.
Any time of day
2 places
Relax at Green Lake Park
Wuhua District 2 hrs
Enjoy a leisurely stroll, watch locals practice Tai Chi, and feed the red-billed gulls in winter.
Savor Crossing the Bridge Noodles
Various 1.5 hrs
Experience Kunming's most famous dish, a hearty noodle soup assembled at your table.
Things to book
Tours and activities in Kunming
Guided tours, day trips and tickets to book alongside your stay.
Multi day tour
Two-day Kunming Essence Tour including Stone Forest, Jiuxiang Cave and West Hill
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
Eight Nights Nine Days Indepth Private Tour to Yunnan
Free cancellationFind deals
Multi day tour
Beyond the South of Clouds in Yunnan Multi Day Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Private Day Tour of Stone Forest From Kunming
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
Private day tour in Kunming to Stone forest and cuihu lake with lunch
Free cancellationFind deals
Standard tour
1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour
Free cancellationFind deals
![[Airport Transfer] Kunming Changshui Airport ⇔ Kunming City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>](https://hare-media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-400x400/09/af/f1/f1.jpg)
Unstructured tour
[Airport Transfer] Kunming Changshui Airport ⇔ Kunming City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service!
Free cancellationFind deals
Unstructured tour
Private Day Tour of Jiuxiang Cave from Yunnan
Free cancellationFind deals
Swipe for more things to do in Kunming
Practical ratings
Our own ratings and key insights for this destination.
Near Kunming
Straight-line distance from the centre of Kunming.
Swipe for more places near Kunming