Off-the-Beaten-Path Stone Forest Route Highlights

Itinerary Overview Route: Kunming - Stone Forest Core Area - Naigu Stone Forest - Changhu Lake - Puzhehei - Mile - Kunming Features: Avoids traditional routes, prioritizes less crowded times, deep exploration of karst landscapes and Yi ethnic Sani culture, with May Day festival activities throughout Daily Itinerary Details Day 1: Arrive in Kunming, Stone Forest Warm-up Transport: Fly to Kunming Changshui Airport, take Metro Line 6 to downtown (¥6) Must-do: Evening stroll at Nanqiang Street, try Jianxinyuan Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles (rich broth, ¥30/person) Book Stone Forest combo ticket (¥130) + shuttle bus (¥25) in advance via "Yunnan One Code" app Stay: Hotels near Tangzixiang Metro Station (¥150/night) for convenient next-day high-speed rail Day 2: Immersive Stone Forest Core Area (Key Off-Peak Day) Transport: Kunming South Station to Shilin West Station (¥18, 20min), transfer to Bus 99 to scenic area (40min) Off-peak tips: Enter at 7:30am sharp - head straight to Major Stone Forest (scenic spots: Stone Forest Wonder - Thousand Jun Yifa - Sword Peak Pond), capture Lotus Peak silhouettes in morning light 10:30am reverse route to Bushao Mountain (summit views of stone sea, hunt for 270-million-year-old marine fossils) 2:00pm focus on Ashima Rock in Minor Stone Forest, join Golden Snake Blessing folk parade (May Day exclusive) Stay: Yimi Water Village Inn (Sani-style B&B in Shilin Town, free parking, ¥300/night) Food: East Gate Night Market - try goose-oil pan-fried potatoes + rubing cheese (creamy, ¥15/serving) Day 3: Naigu Stone Forest + Changhu Lake Secrets Morning: Naigu Stone Forest (¥50 ticket, photograph dark-themed shots among gray-black stone pillars, explore Baiyun Cave stalactites) Afternoon: Changhu Lake Scenic Area (boat through Ashima's homeland, lakeside camping, join wrestling matches/bonfire dances) Deep experience: Learn Sani embroidery (intangible heritage village workshop, ¥50 to keep your creation) Day 4: Puzhehei Karst Countryside (1.5hr high-speed rail) Transport: Shilin West to Puzhehei (¥100) Highlights: Qinglong Mountain summit views of karst peaks and lakes Boat through "Eternal Love" filming location Sunset ritual at Xianrendong Yi Village Stay: Puzhehei Yi Wharf Inn (lake-view room, ¥350/night) Day 5: Mile Dongfengyun Art Town Transport: Puzhehei to Mile (30min, ¥25) Must-see: Dongfengyun Scenic Area: Kaleidoscope red-brick architecture (¥60 ticket) Taipinghu Forest Park: Cactus flower fields + land art Food: Mile Braised Chicken Rice Noodles (local specialty, ¥12/bowl) Stay: Mile Huquan Hot Spring Hotel (natural sulfur springs, ¥400/night) Day 6: Return to Stone Forest - Festival Climax Transport: Mile to Shilin West (40min, ¥30) May Day exclusives: Morning: Asia-Pacific Bullfighting Arena championship (witness Sani competitive spirit) Afternoon: Make herbal sachets + weave blessing ropes at Xinglin Grand View Garden (guided by Ashima performers) Evening: Shuanglong Square bonfire party with traditional dances (free participation) Day 7: Cultural Wrap-up + Departure Morning: Stone Forest Karst Geological Museum (included in ticket, learn 270-million-year evolution) Shopping: Banqiang Liangjuanfen (vacuum-packed, ¥15) + Jiahua fresh-baked flower cakes (East Gate shop, ¥2.5/piece) Return: Shilin West to Kunming South (¥18), transfer to airport bus (¥25) May Day Special Notes 1. Ticket Booking: Stone Forest requires timed entry! Book 7:30-9:30am slot 7 days early via "Yunnan One Code" Free events (bullfighting/bonfire) require registration via "Shilin Media" WeChat (opens 3 days prior) 2. Transport Tips: Avoid unlicensed taxis! Book official buses via Xinglong Bus Station WeChat (Kunming-Shilin ¥43) For e-bikes, choose Yimi Mobility (chain store in Shilin Town) - ¥80/day new fully-charged bikes 3. Essential Gear: Non-slip shoes (wet stone paths) + strong sunscreen (extreme UV index) Foldable stool (bullfight venues lack seating) Budget Estimate (per person) Item Details Subtotal Tickets Stone Forest 130+Shuttle 25+Naigu 50+Dongfengyun 60 ¥265 Accommodation 6 nights × ¥250 (budget+homestay) ¥1,500 Food ¥70/day ×7 (including specialties) ¥490 Transport High-speed rail+buses ¥500 Experiences Embroidery+sachet making ¥80 Total ¥2,835