The Stone Forest and Seven Stars village

The next day we go by bus to the Stone Forest, an area of eroded limestone pillars and a famous attraction for Chinese tourists. We had opportunities to experience the natural beauty of the site along with opportunities to buy souvenirs and be photographed with local people.

The people clothed in red in the photo (below) are from the Yi nationality, who live in the area. China has many ‘nationalities’ (minorities) apart from the majority Han group.

On the way back to Kunming we stop at Seven Stars village, inhabited by the Yi nationality and home to about 100 people. Most of us find this stop a highlight of the day because we see the village people going about their usual daily activities. It’s not a tourist attraction and ‘traditional’ clothing is not worn.

We are invited to visit the home of a grandmother who is weaving pine needles into a kind of rope to be used as fuel. As well as working, she is looking after her toddler grandson.

Background Information about Yunnan Province

Lesson plan (opens in new window):
Years 1-3 'Life in a Yi village'