1-Day Private Tour from Kunming: Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Karst Wonders
Tour Prices/per person
| Group Sizes |
Total Price (USD)/per person |
| 2 guests |
155 |
| 4 guests |
99 |
| 6 guests |
79 |
*If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our customer service.
Tour Highlights
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🌄 Two Iconic Karst Landscapes in One Day – Above-ground stone pillars and underground cave wonders
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🚗 Private Car & Flexible Schedule – No shopping stops, no rushed timelines
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🗿 Stone Forest UNESCO-Listed Scenery – One of China’s most unique natural landmarks
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🚤 Boat Ride Through Jiuxiang Canyon – A rare combination of water, caves, and waterfalls
1-Day Itinerary
07:00 – Hotel Pick-up in Kunming
Your professional guide will meet you at your hotel or designated address within Kunming city. The default vehicle is a comfortable 5-seat sedan (similar to BAIC EU5), with optional upgrades to larger vehicles. Bottled water is provided.
07:00–09:00 – Drive to Stone Forest Scenic Area
Enjoy a scenic drive of about 2 hours. Along the way, your driver-guide will share background information and practical tips for visiting the Stone Forest.
09:00–12:30 – Stone Forest Exploration (3–4 hours)
Ride the Yi ethnic electric shuttle and explore one of China’s most spectacular karst landscapes. Walk among towering limestone pillars, discover famous formations such as Ashima Stone, and experience the raw beauty of this natural stone labyrinth.
12:30–13:30 – Lunch (at your own expense)
Lunch is flexible. Your driver-guide can recommend nearby local restaurants featuring Yunnan specialties such as Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles or Yiliang Roast Duck.
13:30–14:24 – Drive to Jiuxiang Scenic Area
A comfortable private transfer of approximately 54 minutes.
14:24–16:24 – Jiuxiang Caves & Canyon Tour (2–3 hours)
Cruise by boat through a dramatic canyon, then descend into the Jiuxiang cave system. Marvel at underground waterfalls, terraced mineral pools, and vast limestone chambers — often described as a “natural cave museum.”
16:24–17:50 – Return to Kunming
Relax on the drive back to Kunming (approx. 1 hour 26 minutes). Drop-off at your hotel or another location of your choice within the city.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Stone Forest Scenic Area (Shilin)
Located about 90 kilometers from Kunming, the Stone Forest is one of China’s most extraordinary natural landscapes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is famous for its towering limestone pillars, formed over 270 million years through long-term geological processes. Walking through the forest feels like entering a natural stone maze, where sharp peaks, narrow passages, and open stone clearings create ever-changing scenery.
Beyond its dramatic geology, the Stone Forest is deeply connected to local Yi ethnic culture. Many rock formations are named after legends, including the famous Ashima Stone, inspired by a traditional Yi love story. Visitors can explore the main highlights by electric shuttle and easy walking paths, making it an accessible and visually stunning destination for nature lovers and first-time visitors to Yunnan.
Jiuxiang Scenic Area
Jiuxiang is best known for its spectacular underground karst system and dramatic canyon scenery. Often described as a “natural cave museum,” the area features a vast network of limestone caves, underground rivers, waterfalls, and mineral formations shaped over millions of years. A boat ride through the narrow canyon offers a unique perspective before descending into the cave world below.
Price Includes & Price Excludes
| Price Includes |
Price Excludes |
Transportation
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Private vehicle for 8 hours
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Fuel, tolls, parking fees included
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Free pick-up and drop-off within Kunming city
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Driver&Guide Service
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Carefully selected professional driver with 5+ years of driving experience
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Basic sightseeing guidance and route coordination
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English-speaking guide
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Flexible schedule adjustments (without removing attractions)
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Optional in-park expenses, such as:
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, photography props, etc.)
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Complimentary
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Additional Information
Disclaimer
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Force Majeure: Delays or changes caused by weather, traffic, attraction closures, or reservation issues are beyond the operator’s control. Assistance with adjustments or partial refunds will be provided where applicable.
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Personal Responsibility: The operator is not liable for injuries or losses caused by personal health conditions, failure to follow rules, or late arrival.
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Third-Party Services: Shops and paid activities inside attractions are independently operated and not affiliated with this tour.
Booking Notes
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Age Policy: No strict age limit. Minors must be accompanied by at least one adult. Pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues should consider carefully.
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Documents: A valid ID or passport is required for entry (real-name reservation required for Stone Forest).
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Pick-up Area: Limited to Kunming city. Your driver-guide will confirm pick-up details one day before departure.
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Safety: Seat belts are required during driving. Follow staff instructions inside scenic areas, especially in caves with low lighting.
Avoid Travel During Chinese Public Holidays:
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New Year's Day: January 1 – January 3
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Spring Festival (Chinese New Year): February 15 – February 24
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Valentine’s Day: February 14
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Qingming Festival: April 4 – April 6
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Labor Day: May 1 – May 5
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Dragon Boat Festival: June 19 – June 21
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Mid-Autumn Festival: September 25 – September 27
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National Day Holiday: October 1 – October 8
Change & Cancellation Policies
- If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 3 day(s) before departure, no fee will be charged for cancellation.
- If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 2 day(s) before departure, a fee of 50% will be charged.
- If a cancellation request is submitted before 00:00 on the day 1 day before departure, a fee of 100% will be charged.
- If a discount is applied, the fee will be calculated as a proportion of the pre-discount price. It will not exceed the amount actually paid.
- *Partial refund not available
- *If you need to change the date, please cancel the booking and then rebook.
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Huanglongxi Ancient Town Tours | People's Park Tours | Daocheng Yading | Jiuzhaigou Valley | Mt. Emei (Emeishan) Tours | Mt. Qingcheng (Qingcheng Shan) Tours | Chongqing | Terracotta Warriors | Dujiangyan Tours | Wuhou Temple Tours | Kuan Zhai Alley Tours | Leshan Giant Buddha Tours
