Yunnan 08: Lost Among A Maze of Rocks...

“At home, a thousand days are good; once you leave the door, difficulties arise...” - Chinese proverb

(Towering limestone pillars in the Stone Forest)

Day 08: 31 August 2025 (Sunday)
Activity: The Stone Forest and Kunming City Tour
Route: Kunming - Airport transfer

The holiday is slowly coming to an end. 

Last night was spent packing our bags, making sure the weight stayed within the airline’s limit. Somehow, the bags seemed to have multiplied to fit all the souvenirs and mementos we’ve collected along the way. We ended up sleeping late and, not surprisingly, struggled to wake up this morning. After a quick breakfast at 7.00 am and checking out by 8.30 am, we were ready for our final day in Kunming. Our flight departs in the early hours tomorrow, but since we need to be at the airport by midnight, we still have the whole day ahead to squeeze in a few more attractions before saying goodbye to Yunnan.

(Heavy breakfast to last till lunch)

From our hotel in Yiliang, we travelled for an hour to The Stone Forest one of the attractions in Kunming. The Stone Forest, one of Yunnan’s most famous attractions located about 90 km southeast of Kunming, in Shilin Yi Autonomous County. It is a spectacular karst landscape of tall limestone pillars that look like a forest made of stone. Formed over 270 million years of erosion. The Stone Forest is part of the South China Karst UNESCO World Heritage Site, since 2007. The Yi people live here. Many of their legends are tied to the rocks - like the story of Ashima, a Sani girl who turned into stone after resisting a forced marriage.

(A Natural Oxygen Zone of China)

(The ladies of the Sani minority)

(The Stone Forest is much too large to explore by foot}

(Colorful electric carts to be rented for use by tourists)

(Mesmerizing landscape of limestone formations)

(The Shilin Stone Forest is part of the larger Stone Forest)

(The result of the dissolution of limestone by rainwater)

(A sacred site by the local Sani people)

(The sudden heavy downpour left us soaked to the skin)

(Exploring the stone forest in the rain)

(The tale of Ashima - Sani people and their folklore)

After exploring the Stone Forest, we stopped for lunch at a Muslim restaurant nearby. The hours of wandering among the dramatic karst formations, paired with a long walk in the rain that left us drenched, had built up quite an appetite. The comforting aroma of freshly cooked dishes welcomed us as we stepped inside. Hot dishes were laid out before us, each bite warming us up from the chilly downpour outside. It was the kind of hearty meal that not only filled the stomach but also restored our energy for the journey ahead.

(The restaurant provides an inviting atmosphere with outdoor seatings) 

(Too many choice of authentic Chinese dishes)

After a heavy lunch that left us feeling drowsy, our bus took us to the Astaxanthin Factory, one of the compulsory stops on the itinerary. There, we were introduced to the Microalgae Cultivation Systems, where rows of transparent photobioreactor tubes gleamed under the sun, filled with green and red Haematococcus pluvialis. Since the afternoon had turned hot and humid, each of us was given a hat to keep cool. A guided tour followed, explaining the science behind H. pluvialis, its production cycle, and how it is transformed into various medicinal and cosmetic products - many of which were later showcased in their on-site shop.

(Apek and Amoi visiting the cultivation area)

(Rows of transparent photobioreactor tubes)

(Medicinal and cosmetic products in the on-site shop)

From Yiliang, we travelled back to Kunming. Kunming is the provincial capital, nicknamed 'Spring City'. Known in China as the City of Eternal Spring, Kunming is at an almost-tropical latitude but with a 2000 meters altitude, which gives it a very temperate climate. However, in winter it has been known to snow. It was a nice sunny weather when we were there with intermittent rain towards the evening. 

The bus took us direct to Shuncheng Mosque for jamak prayers. The Shuncheng Mosque is one of the largest and most notable mosques in Kunming, located on Shuncheng Street. The mosque holds significant historical and religious importance for the Hui Muslim community in Kunming. It serves as a central place for prayer services, religious ceremonies, and cultural events, fostering community engagement. The mosque's architecture reflects a blend of Islamic and traditional Chinese styles, showcasing the integration of cultures along the ancient Southern Silk Road.

(The most notable and largest mosque in Kunming)

(A deep connection with the local Hui Muslim community)

(The main prayer room for men)

(The policy of freedom of religious belief)

(A center for worship, cultural exchange, and education)

After prayers, we walked a short distance in the drizzling rain to a Muslim restaurant for an early dinner. We had the renowned Peking Duck in Kunming for our final dinner in this Yunnan Trip. The halal duck is roasted in a specially designed oven, often a wood fired or hanging oven, at a high temperature. The heat renders the fat into a crispy skin. Peking duck's history dates to the Yuan Dynasty, with the earliest documented recipe appearing in 1330. In the 18th century, Peking duck was a symbol of Beijing's elite and a well regarded dish at formal banquets across China. By the mid 20th century, Peking duck had become a national symbol, enjoyed by all. The Peking duck we had was crispy and delicious. The accompanying plum dipping sauce was excellent.

(A well decorated Muslim restaurant)

(A roasted duck dish, a specialty item on the menu)

(A free-flow of fragrant rice and chinese tea)

Later we walked in the rain along Shuncheng Shopping Street. There are Modern Mall Complexes as part of a large, upscale commercial hub. There are food courts and restaurants with Chinese, Japanese, Korean BBQ, hotpot, and Western options. Cafés, Bakeries and choices of street snacks of Yunnan specialties lined the streets. We spent almost two hours in Bolian Plaza and Nanping Pedestrian Street, which is popular for shopping, food, and nightlife.

Visited the Golden Horse and Jade Rooster Archways, two of the most famous landmarks in Kunming, The gates were built during the Ming Dynasty circa 1426–1435. They stand as twin ceremonial archways symbolizing prosperity and good fortune. The names come from two nearby mountains: Golden Horse Mountain and Jade Rooster Mountain.

(A manhole at Nanping Pedestrian street)

(It was raining cats and dogs)

(Kunming Golden Horse and Gate Rooster Archways)

(One of the Archways at night)

By 10.00 pm we left the city and headed to Kunming Changshui International Airport located 28 km from city center. On the bus I can’t help but felt a little wistful, knowing the journey was almost over - but also grateful for the memories and experiences that will stay with us long after we leave Yunnan.

👈Yunnan 07: From Tea Treasures to Trendy Streets...

Yunnan 09: End Of The Journey...👉