Plan at a glance
Tickets and opening hours
The listed adult ticket price is RMB 57.50; online tickets are commonly available from RMB 55. Ticket types and discounts change, so check the date, entry credential and cancellation or change conditions when buying. Jade Stone Forest is usually open from 8:00 to 17:30 from May to October. From November to April, hours are 8:30–17:00 on weekdays and 8:30–17:30 on weekends. Follow that day's notice if holidays or weather bring changes.
Visit time and stamina
A regular visit to the main area takes about two to three hours. The full trail network is about 13 km in total; this describes the site's scale, not a loop every visitor needs to complete. Allow half a day for a slower pace, photography or extra stops. Check the map and open routes 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
White stone forest and historic mining landscape
Jade Stone Forest features pale marble pillars, rock spires and exposed karst formations shaped by karst processes over geological time. The scenic area also retains traces of tin mining dating back to the Song dynasty. White peaks, exposed rock and old mine traces contrast with the surrounding woodland.
“Southern Snowfield” (南国雪原) is a representative area for white stone peaks, although the stone is not uniformly white; some surfaces are grey-white or covered with moss. Rock formations such as Jiangjun Bi'an (将军彼岸) have names inspired by their shapes. Follow the names on on-site signs, and do not climb rocks or enter old mine shafts for photos.
One-Line Sky (一线天) and the Stone Forest Maze (石林迷宫)
One-Line Sky (一线天) is a passage of narrow rock fissures and steep steps. A recent local report describes a section about 150 m long, with steep stairs and a pinch point wide enough for one person at a time. Queue and pass through narrow sections one by one, following one-way signs if posted. Hold the rail as you move and do not stop for photos inside the passage. Skip it if it is crowded, slippery or closed.
The maze consists of dense stone pillars and interweaving paths. Stay together and follow the signs. The pillars block sightlines; keep children with an adult, stay on the paths and do not enter closed gaps.
Choosing a route for different abilities
The scenic area has continuous steps, narrow fissures and slopes. If travelling with toddlers, visitors with limited mobility or anyone with a strong fear of heights, ask staff whether a route bypassing One-Line Sky is open that day. Do not enter the narrow section unless an alternative route has been confirmed for your group.
For a separate multi-level waterfall trail, see Shibashui Original Ecological Scenic Area.
For a separate forest and waterfall visit, see Gupo Mountain Tourist Area.
Build your day
A flexible viewpoint route
A common sightseeing order is Southern Snowfield, Jiangjun Bi'an, One-Line Sky, the Stone Forest Maze and the Great Cave (大溶洞), followed optionally by the downhill slide. Adjust the order to that day's map and open sections. If One-Line Sky, the Great Cave or the slide is closed, skip it; do not take shortcuts through work areas or rock fissures.
There are many steps along the way. If you feel unwell, return along an open trail.
The slide is an optional way down
The scenic area has a downhill slide as an optional activity. Check on-site signs for whether it is running, its length and price, and any riding restrictions. If you do not take the slide, first confirm which walking descent is open before starting the upper section.
Get there
From downtown or the high-speed rail station
Jade Stone Forest is in Huangtian Town, Pinggui District, Hezhou, about 15–18 km from downtown. By car or ride-hailing, navigate to the scenic-area entrance. A car may take time to find outside the scenic area, so arrange your return ride in advance.
Bus and shuttle
Gupo Mountain Tourist Resort lists an internal shuttle between the visitor distribution center, Jade Stone Forest and the sports base. Before travelling, call the resort at 0774-5110006 / +86 774 511 0006 to confirm the actual boarding point, operating dates and return service. If using public transport from downtown Hezhou, check the route to the distribution center and the internal shuttle separately; do not assume a city bus stops at the scenic-area entrance.
Know before you go
Steps, rain and scenic-area boundaries
Stone steps, narrow paths and rock surfaces are more slippery after rain. Wear shoes with good grip and keep a hand free for the rail; stop somewhere safe before taking photos. Follow the signed route and closure notices. Do not climb rocks, cross barriers or enter old mine shafts. Pass through narrow sections one at a time, and follow staff directions if there is congestion.
Water, food and supplies
Recent upgrades have added a Visitor Center, toilets, parking, viewing platforms and paths, but do not rely on every shop along the route being open. Bring drinking water and a small supply of snacks before entering. Do not drink well water or water from rock crevices. Check menus or price tags for food and goods.
Equipment and return arrangements
Confirm your return ride and walking descent before entering. Mobile signal and slide service may vary by section or operating schedule. If a route is slippery, crowded or closed, return along the open trail.