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Stone Forest StargazingApproximately 120km or a 2 hour drive southeast of Kunming lies the stone forest (Shilin). This “forest” made up of limestone rock formations is an impressive natural phenomenon. Some of the rock formations resemble petrified trees; other rocks have taken on the most unique shapes. There are rock peaks that reach up 30m into the heavens. The stone forest near Kunming is very popular among the Chinese and therefore the park may seem quite commercialized or touristy at first glance. Try to avoid the standard routes and you'll be able to quietly stroll through this bizarre landscape. You'll spend one night in the forest which will allow you to experience the breathtaking sunrise in the park. |
| Duration: | 2 days/ 1 nights | Deaparture: | Daily |
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| Comfort Level (1-5): | 2 (see accommodation) | Accommodation: | 1 night in the Stone Forest hotel |
| Price: | From AUD$135 per person - based on 2 people sharing | Included: | Transport and accommodation |
| Transport: | Private transport by mini van | Excluded: | Meals and drinks, entrance into the park |
Day 1: Kunming - Stone ForestOn arrival at Kunming airport, you'll picked up by our local representative and taken the Stone Forest per private transfer.Upon entering the park you'll pay an entrance fee (Yuan 140) and afterwards you can walk into the park. You'll stay at the Stone Forest hotel, a very basic hotel and the only hotel in the park. Do not expect a luxurious stay; see this rather as an opportunity to spend the night in a unique location. After you've dropped off your baggage at your hotel you can go explore the park. If you don't want to get stuck in the masses of Chinese tourists, visit the outer forest first. Towards the evening it will become more peaceful and quiet in the park and you'll be able to visit the more popular parts of the park without encountering other tourists. If you would like to receive more information on the origin of the forest, as well as be assured that you will be able to find your way through the park, there are official park guides available to take you on a tour through the park for $35 (180 Yuan). Your guide will stay by your side for approximately 3 hours and will be able to show your rock formations that resemble particular animals or other figures. Some of the figures you'll recognize easily, others will take some creative imagination to discover. After the tour you'll be able to find your own way through the park effortlessly. If the weather is clear you'll have a lovely view of the sunset from the Whole View Pavilion. You can either choose to stay in the hotel for dinner or leave the park to find a restaurant elsewhere. There are several stores and restaurants just outside of the park. The park will remain open all evening and guards will allow you to return to the park to return to your hotel. |
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Day 2: Stone Forest – KunmingEven if you don't particularly enjoy waking up early in the morning, you may want to give it a try for this morning. Find a nice spot in the park to sit down and enjoy the spectacular sunrise! Gradually the contours of the forest will become visible through the first sunrays. At this early time of day you'll be the only people around in the park and it will feel as if you're the last people on earth.Between 9 and 10 the first busses with tourists will arrive and you can decide to walk through the outer forest. For $40 (200 Yuan) you could even rent an electric cart with driver. We were back where we started from within an hour, so don't expect too much of these driving tours. Depending on the time of your flight you'll be taken back to Kunming airport around noon. |
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From Kunming you'll continue your journey through another unique landscape in Yangshuo with the travel module Bamboo sailing through karst mountains or visit Dali with the module Bai villages by lakeside. |
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