The name “Naigu” comes from the Sani language of the Yi ethnic group, symbolizing ancientness and darkness. Spanning approximately 10 square kilometers, Naigu Stone Forest (乃古石林) is composed of the East Zone, West Zone, Baiyun Lake, Baiyun Cave, Ancient Battlefield, and more, with a total paved stone path length of over 6 kilometers. Featuring a remarkable 96 main attractions, the stone forest primarily consists of Baiyun limestone dating back 270 million years, making it a classic example of karst topography.
As visitors ascend to the mountain peaks, they are greeted by a vast expanse of dark rock formations, exuding a grand and imposing presence. For those inclined, a leisurely stroll through the forest allows one to immerse themselves in an atmosphere reminiscent of ancient wilderness. What truly astonishes visitors is the presence of numerous underground caves throughout Naigu Stone Forest, with a confirmed count of nine caves of varying sizes.
Upon entering Naigu Stone Forest, one is greeted by an awe-inspiring sight of towering rock formations resembling a turbulent sea crashing towards the sky. The scene evokes images of imposing barriers, stirring myriad thoughts and emotions. Within the scenic area lie magnificent underground caves, often referred to as the “Underground Heavenly Palace” or “Crystal Palace,” showcasing spectacular underground karst landscapes.
Access to Naigu Stone Forest is through the entrance gate located by the shores of Baiyun Lake. The lake’s crystal-clear waters harbor two small islands known as “Penglai” and “Yingzhou,” adding to the enchanting ambiance. Perched atop the solitary hills surrounding Naigu Stone Forest are weathered stone pillars, some resembling warhorses while others mimic fortresses, earning this area the moniker of the Ancient Battlefield.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 2 hours |
| Ticket Price | Included in the ticket for Kunming Stone Forest Scenic Area, which costs 130 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.30 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0871-67711439 |
Location and Transportation
Naigu Stone Forest is located within the Shilin Yi Autonomous County of Kunming City, Yunnan Province, approximately 8 kilometers north of the main Shilin scenic area. To reach Naigu Stone Forest, travelers can take a tourist shuttle bus from the Kunming East Bus Passenger Station (昆明东部汽车客运站) directly to the Shilin scenic area. The ticket price is 29 yuan per person per trip (including 1 yuan for insurance), with buses departing every 30 minutes from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The journey typically takes around 2 hours. From the main Shilin scenic area, there are shuttle buses available to transport visitors to Naigu Stone Forest free of charge.
