The Shilin Stone Forest is a massive (an area of 186 miles) otherworldly landscape of karst formations caused by seismic activity, water and wind erosion over 270 million years. It is located within an hour’s drive from the nearest city Kunming.
Award Booking Flights to China
It is easy to book Star Alliance Partner flights from the US to China and the ANA Mileage Club offers the lowest roundtrip business class booking for 95K and minimal amount of taxes.
Beijing or Shanghai to Kunming (KMG) airport
I recommend using United or Aeroplan miles to book regional Air China flights to save money.
Air China Economy class awards are wide open for booking with United points (16.5K each way), but I could not find a matching award space on Aeroplan.com (12.5K each way).
Kunming Accommodation
We stayed at InterContinental Kunming booked with IHG points (https://intercontinental-kunming.h-rez.com) and had a wonderful time (see the image below for a sample booking).
I highly recommend asking the hotel to arrange a private taxi to take you to see the Shilin Stone Forest and bring you back.
Kunming to Shilin Stone Forest Drive
Shilin Stone Forest Attractions
The Admission Fee for adults is CNY130 and includes the entrance fee for the Karst Museum. The main attractions inside the park are the Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone Forest and Naigu Stone Forest.
The additional attractions inside the Shilin Stone Forest include Zhiyun Cave, Qifeng Cave, Long Lake, Moon Lake, Dadieshui Waterfall (may not be open for visitors), and Guishan Mountains. Some of them require additional entrance fees and the need to take a bus transport.
Shilin Stone Forest Scenery
Conclusion
Shilin Stone Forest should be visited by all the travelers interested in scenic nature. Credit card points can be used to book Star Alliance flights from the US to China and regional flights by Air China. There are several hotels in China that can be booked with either Hilton or IHG points to further save money.