The hi-speed trains from/to Kunming are the fastest way. There's a shuttle bus from the Shilin high-speed station. the only downer is that some of the high-speed trains use the Kunming Main station, which is nightmare.

I don't know about a train service to the Stone forest. The best way is to either hire a car, local bus or on a tour. My choice would be by tour.

I hired a taxi for the day. Prices are really reasonable, I think I paid Renminbi 300.

You do not need to join a group. It is fun wondering around and avoiding the groups.

Go on internet "Gokunming site" and book a trip to Shilin.

Hey Alexander, spend the day to visit the stone forest and the museum. Take some snacks with you or some fruit, there you get only cookies pr something else. For my opinion Kunming is not so nice special at this time. (spring should be different and at the moment a lot of construction around the attractions ongoing- lot of dust) The stone forest is very enjoyable. Hire a guide for the time in the park. it will cost you around 150-200 yuan. It's worth don't go with big group... terrible. If you have any more question if you go around Yunnan let me know. we traveled one month in that area just last month. Regards Joerg

ok. the main park called stone forest in this region is one. if you take busfrom bus terninal it goes directly to that park. i think taxi also could lift up you to the stone park as well.

Hi Lan, I did everything myself and paid 165 rmb When you Google gobackpackgo stoneforest you will find my blogpost about it.