Exploring the natural wonders of China’s Yunnan province is an exhilarating experience. This 1-day tour takes adventurers on a journey to the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest and the breathtaking Jiuxiang Cave system. Discover the unique limestone formations that have been shaped over millions of years, and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Sani minority. From marveling at the otherworldly landscapes to navigating the winding rivers and gorges within the largest cave network in China, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. With private transportation, an expert guide, and all entrance fees included, the only thing left to decide is…

Key Points

1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour - Key Points

  • This 1-day tour combines visits to the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest and the largest cave system in China, Jiuxiang Scenic Region.
  • The Stone Forest features unique limestone formations shaped over 270 million years, offering a glimpse into China’s rich natural heritage.
  • Jiuxiang Scenic Region boasts winding rivers, steep gorges, and picturesque waterfalls, providing an immersive experience in a serene landscape.
  • The tour includes private transportation, an English/Chinese-speaking guide, and all entrance fees, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
  • Pickup and drop-off are provided from hotels within Kunming’s second ring road, making it convenient for travelers.

Tour Overview

1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour - Tour Overview

This 1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of two renowned natural wonders in the Kunming region.

The tour’s name, location, rating, price, and cancellation policy are clearly outlined. The Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features unique limestone formations millions of years old, while the Jiuxiang Scenic Region houses China’s largest cave system with winding rivers and lush forests.

The tour includes private transportation, an English/Chinese-speaking guide, and entrance fees. Pickups are available from Kunming hotels, and the tour concludes at the visitors’ accommodations.

Important information, such as accessibility and legal requirements, is also provided.

Itinerary Highlights

1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour - Itinerary Highlights

The Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located just 1.5 hours from Kunming, is a highlight of this tour.

This unique limestone landscape, shaped over 270 million years, spans 350 km² and is known for its ancient stone trees and local legends. Visitors can explore the area and encounter the Sani minority, renowned for their traditional embroidery and folk songs.

The tour also includes the Jiuxiang Scenic Region, home to China’s largest cave system with winding rivers and lush forests. Guests can experience a boat ride through narrow canyons and view karst caves from a cable car, marveling at the region’s stunning natural features.

Stone Forest

Situated just 1.5 hours from Kunming, the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest is a captivating natural wonder known for its unique limestone rock formations that have been sculpted over the course of 270 million years.

Spanning an impressive 350 km², the Stone Forest is a true geological marvel, featuring ancient "stone trees" and local legends.

Visitors can explore this otherworldly landscape and encounter the Sani minority, renowned for their traditional embroidery and folk songs.

With a 3-hour visit included, the Stone Forest offers a glimpse into China’s rich natural and cultural heritage, leaving a lasting impression on all who venture to this remarkable destination.

Jiuxiang Scenic Region

After exploring the captivating Stone Forest, the tour proceeds to the Jiuxiang Scenic Region – home to China’s largest cave system with winding rivers and lush forests.

Visitors can experience a boat ride through narrow canyons and view the karst caves from a cable car. The region is known for its stunning natural features, including steep gorges and waterfalls.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy this serene, picturesque landscape and discover the wonders of the Jiuxiang Scenic Region.

Inclusions

As part of this 1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour, the package includes private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

You’ll also have the benefit of an English/Chinese-speaking tour guide to provide valuable insights throughout the journey.

Plus, the tour includes:

  • 2 bottles of local drinking water per person
  • Tips for the driver and guide (recommended: $2-3 for driver, $4-5 for guide)
  • Personal Travel Insurance

The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour guide will pick you up from your hotel located within Kunming’s second ring road.

They’ll hold a flag printed "Wonders Of Yunnan" to help you identify them.

Once the tour concludes, you’ll be dropped off back at your hotel.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so please let the tour provider know if you have any mobility requirements.

They’ll also need your passport information for legal registration of the tour.

Keep in mind the daily working hours for the driver and guide are a maximum of 10 hours, with overtime charged extra.

Infant seats are available upon request.

Important Information

This tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so travelers with mobility requirements should inform the tour provider in advance.

Passport information is required for legal registration of the tour. Daily working hours for the driver and guide are a maximum of 10 hours, with any overtime charged extra.

  • Infant seats are available upon request.
  • The tour provider recommends tipping $2-3 for the driver and $4-5 for the guide.
  • Personal travel insurance is included in the tour package.

Cancellation Policy

1 Day Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave Tour - Cancellation Policy

Although the tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, it’s important for travelers to be aware of the cancellation policy. The policy is outlined in the table below:

Cancellation Window Cancellation Fee
Up to 24 hours Free
24 to 12 hours 50% of total
Less than 12 hours 100% of total
No-show 100% of total

It’s recommended to review the cancellation policy carefully and plan accordingly to avoid any unexpected charges. Travelers should also consider purchasing travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Activities in the Region?

Yes, this tour can be combined with other activities in the Kunming region. Travelers can extend their stay to explore additional attractions, such as historic temples, scenic lakes, or local cultural experiences, creating a more comprehensive Yunnan travel itinerary.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Stone Forest?

The best time to visit the Stone Forest is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and comfortable. Visitors can enjoy the stunning rock formations and lush greenery without the crowds or extreme temperatures of the summer.

Is Photography Permitted Within the Jiuxiang Cave System?

Photography is generally permitted within the Jiuxiang cave system. Visitors can capture the stunning natural features like winding rivers and karst caves during the boat ride and cable car experience as part of the tour.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions or Special Meal Options?

The tour does not mention any dietary restrictions or special meal options. Travelers should notify the tour operator in advance if they have any special dietary needs that need to be accommodated during the tour.

How Physically Demanding Is the Tour, and What Level of Fitness Is Required?

The tour involves moderate hiking and walking, but it’s suitable for most visitors with average fitness levels. Guests should be able to traverse uneven terrain and handle some inclines. However, the tour doesn’t require an extremely high level of physical fitness.

Recap

This one-day tour from Kunming offers visitors a chance to explore two of Yunnan’s natural wonders. The UNESCO-listed Stone Forest‘s unique limestone formations and the breathtaking Jiuxiang Cave system provide a perfect blend of natural beauty and culture. With private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees included, this tour ensures a seamless and unforgettable adventure in Yunnan’s stunning landscapes.