Kunming Travel Guide

This applies to all of Yunnan: China is like seeing at least 10 countries.  If you are looking not to do a typical tour of China (i.e. Beijing, Xi'an, Yangshuo, etc.), are looking to stay regional in China, and/or have a month to spend, Yunnan is the most diverse province you can visit in the Middle Kingdom.  With huge differences in terrain (mountains to tropics), a large array of culinary eats to satisfy any palate, a wide variety of minority cultures to explore, pampered tours and rough excursions, you will be pressed with time to see all that this province has to offer.  Places can be easily accessed via plane and some only by trail.  And with its location, you can get access into Thailand, Laos, Tibet, and other regions of China.

Actually, the Stone Forest is a marginal attraction. It is one of China's most popular domestic tour spots and is often very crowded with flag totting tour groups. The stone shapes and outcroppings are mildly impressive but the entire complex is quite sterile. Also, be prepared for a high-priced "tea" sales pitch obligatory at the end of most tours. The local ethnic tribes dressed in traditional costume (didn't know they had nylon and polyester in ancient times)  and positioned outside the Stone Forest gates heighten the air of artificiality.

Loved the monastary that is way up on a hill with all the statues of different monks depicted supposedly on specific people who, actually, weren't happy with the honest depictions and the sculptor soon "dissappeared." You take a bus to a main bus exchange and then take a shared minivan up the mountain, same thing on the way back. I found it very peaceful up there. I can't remember the exact details but it should be in your guidebook and/or they should have information at your accomodation.