3 Stone Forest Tours in China That Earn the Early Start

1.Kunming: Stone Forest Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 13 reviews · 7 - 10 hours · from $143Our pick

Travel from Kunming to the extraordinary Stone Forest with a private car and local guide. Walk through the Greater, Lesser, and Outer Stone Forests and Stone Forest Lake, then add a cave, mountain, temple, or market visit if you choose. English, Chinese, and French guides are available, with self-guided options among the seven tour choices.

“I had a terrible start to the tour as the tour operator did not communicate with us prior to the tour to confirm pickup time and tour details. So we waited at our pickup hotel at the tour start time at 830 am. However the tour guide didn't show up at the start time. we messaged the tour operator and they responded 15 minutes late saying that the tour guide will now show up at 930 am. Over an hour late. We think that the tour operator simply forgot about the tour we booked and had to last minute rush to find a guide. When the guide did arrive, she…”

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2.1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $290Top rated

Travel from Kunming to the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, then continue to Jiuxiang’s cave system for canyon views, a cable car ride, and an underground boat trip. Your private English or Chinese-speaking guide handles transport, tickets, water, and lunch. Guides such as Victor and Sarah have earned praise for friendly, informative service.

“Amazing trip. Fantastic views of Stone Forest and Jiuxiang Cave. Guide Victor is kind and informative. The lunch was delicious. The driver drove safe and carefully.”

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3.Kunming: Stone Forest, Roast Duck Lunch and City Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 5 reviews · 6 - 10 hours · from $71Best value

Travel by private vehicle from Kunming to the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars form a maze of natural shapes. Add a Stone Forest guide, lunch in Yiliang, and a custom city stop such as Old Town, Guandu, Western Hills, or Dounan Flower Market. The day lasts up to 10 hours.

“5 stars: Stone Forest is absolutely worth visiting. the guide I had was excellent. Room to improve: If you can choose an option without lunch, take it. They bring you to some roadside place, food is ok, but heavily overcharged. Also, i tried to say 17 times i am a single person, but was still served with a family size lunch (full duck + side), which ultimately means a waste of food. My recommendation: Take the tour, but skip the meal if it's 'included in the tour' (payment isn't anyway). In retrospect, it bothers me that there is a geology museum on site which looked really interesting and i should…”

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