They say that the Yangtze River or Chang Jiang is where Chinese civilization was born. The river stretches almost 4,000 miles making it the longest river in China and the third longest in the world after the Nile in Egypt and the Amazon in South America.
The Stone Forest is in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County, which is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming and requires only a three-hour drive. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres) and includes both large and small stone forests, as well as many other scenic spots.
Perhaps the best way to see the Yangtze River is by cruise ship or by boat. There are various cruises – some last only for the afternoon while others take as long as two weeks to complete. On the longer cruises you will be able to take in some of the cities that line the banks of the river such as Wuhan, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai and also Hong Kong.
Shore excursions are led by knowledgeable tour guides so you can enjoy a number of on-land visits. The best time to visit the river is in spring, summer and autumn. Winters can be very harsh.