Plan at a glance
A highland granite stone forest
Asihatu Stone Forest Scenic Area is in northern Hexigten Banner. Search for “阿斯哈图石林景区” in your navigation app. The scenic area has more than one entrance, so confirm which entrance is receiving visitors that day. From an open entrance, use the day's shuttle arrangements to reach areas such as Wonderland and Kunpeng. The areas are far apart and require park vehicles; they cannot be visited as a walking loop.
Tickets, shuttles, and opening hours
As a reference, an adult admission-and-sightseeing-vehicle option costs roughly CNY 155–160. Prices vary by ticket type and sales channel, so check the purchase page and on-site notice for today's ticket and reservation requirements. Opening hours are 8:00 am–5:30 pm, with last admission at 5:30 pm; confirm today's arrangements before setting out. The sightseeing coach, minibus, and electric cart serve different areas, and their routes do not form a continuous loop.
How much time to allow
Allow about 3–4 hours for Wonderland and Kunpeng, or 4–5 hours for the highlights route that adds the Stone Castle area trail. For either 3–5-hour visit, arrive early enough to allow for area transfers, walking the trails, and the return trip. Drivers must also transfer to park vehicles after arrival; confirm the outbound shuttle and last return service when you enter.
Tickets and visit details
View visit options for this attraction and confirm the visit date and current arrangements before you go.
Choose your visit
Sculpted rocks in Wonderland
Wonderland's circular boardwalk climbs gradually past granite formations such as the Seven Fairies (七仙女), General's Bed (将军床), and Arhat Formation (罗汉阵). The boardwalk links the different formations and suits visitors who want to take their time observing the rock shapes.
Kunpeng and grassland views
The Grassland Kunpeng (草原鲲鹏) is the area's signature rock pillar. From higher ground, you can see the hills, grassland, and winding road. Early and late light is suitable for photographing the rock pillar and grassland outlines; use only viewpoints and paths that are open that day.
Stone Castle and valley formations
The Stone Castle area has formations such as Camel Castle (骆驼城堡) and Bieyou Dongtian (别有洞天, “A World Apart”), offering a different experience from the main boardwalk. Before entering, confirm that the connecting trail is open that day and follow the marked route.
For a separate lake visit along the long-distance Dada Line, see Dali Lake.
Build your day
Quick route | about 3–4 hours
Use the entrance receiving visitors that day. Ask how the sightseeing coach and area shuttles connect, then travel to Wonderland as directed. Follow the open boardwalk past the Seven Fairies and General's Bed, then return to the transfer point. If you continue to Kunpeng, check the destination before boarding and ask how to return to the Visitor Centre and exit.
Highlights route | about 4–5 hours
Follow the quick route to Wonderland and walk to the end of the main trail. Enter the Stone Castle area only when signs or staff indicate that the connecting trail is open; use the marked branch to see Camel Castle and Bieyou Dongtian, then return to the main trail. Do not use the unmarked lower trail unless staff explicitly confirm that it is open. After visiting Stone Castle, take the day's open shuttle route back to a transfer point and continue to Kunpeng. Before changing areas, check the destination and transfer point, and ask how to return to the exit. Call 0476-5070995 before setting out to ask whether Stone Castle is open that day.
Transfers within the park
The sightseeing coach, minibus, and electric cart serve separate areas; their routes do not connect into one loop. Read the destination on the vehicle and ask staff whether a transfer at the Visitor Centre is needed. Identify the shuttle back to the exit before setting out.
Get there
Confirm the entrance and the Re'a Line
Search for “阿斯哈图石林景区.” The South Gate is marked as temporarily closed to visitors, but no notice date or reopening date is provided. Call 0476-5070995 before travelling to confirm the open entrance, shuttle arrangements, and road connections; do not assume the South Gate is open or switch to the West Gate without confirmation. The Re'a Line (热阿线) is paved and suitable for an ordinary car.
Driving and scenic routes
The scenic area is in a remote mountain region; driving or hiring a car is recommended. Agree on pickup and return times before setting out. The Re'a Line and Dada Line (达达线) also connect with Huanggangliang National Forest Park and Dali Lake; Huanggangliang can be added as a free forest-viewing stop. Park vehicles are required between the scenic area's separate areas; private cars cannot replace the internal shuttles.
Entrance viewpoint and road conditions
There is a viewpoint near the entrance with a distant panorama of the stone forest; check the on-site notice to see whether a ticket is required. Mobile signal is weak inside the scenic area, so download an offline map before arrival. Dirt roads to lesser-known nearby spots can be narrow; if you plan to use them, check conditions in advance and use a high-clearance vehicle.
Know before you go
Entry documents
Handle tickets, reservations, and document registration according to the day's arrangements. If you are travelling with a foreign passport, call 0476-5070995 to confirm ticketing and entry registration.
Elevation and wind
The stone forest averages about 1,700 metres above sea level, and winds can be strong. Bring windproof, warm clothing. During changing weather, use only the trails and areas that remain open.
Food and drinking water
Food options in the scenic area are limited and can be expensive. Bring enough drinking water and simple snacks. Noodle soup has been offered for about CNY 28 per bowl, but menus and prices change. Local vendors along the route sometimes sell lamb skewers for about CNY 5 each; they may not be operating.
Photography locations
The boardwalk between Wonderland and Stone Castle offers views of the rock formations, trail, and distant mountains. Kunpeng is a good place to photograph the area's landmark rock. Follow on-site signs when taking photos.