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Best time to visit Yunnan: Unveiling Hidden Charm

best time to visit Yunnan

Yunnan, a region settled in the southwestern part of China, is a place that is known for momentous variety, boasting rich embroidery scenes, societies, and environments. From its snow-capped peaks to lush tropical forests, Yunnan offers travelers a remarkable array of experiences throughout the year. Picking the best time to visit Yunnan, this spellbinding region is a pivotal choice that can significantly upgrade your movement experience. In this guide, we’ll dig into the subtleties of Yunnan’s environment, investigate the occasional features, and furnish you with all the data you need to really design your outing.

best time to visit Yunnan

Yunnan’s Varied Climate

Yunnan’s climate is as diverse as its topography. This area traverses various environmental zones, including the north-tropical, south-subtropical, and focal subtropical districts. The Köppen-Geiger climate classification further distinguishes Yunnan’s microclimates. With a commonplace yearly temperature of 22°C, going from 15°C in December to 26°C in May, the district experiences huge temperature variations over the long haul. Additionally, Yunnan’s annual rainfall averages 1825mm, with February being the driest month (17mm) and June the wettest (403mm).

Best Months for Good Weather

The months of April, May, and October shine as the most favorable and best time to visit Yunnan. During these periods, you can expect pleasant temperatures and relatively low rainfall. The separation in environment between the most smoking months (April to September) and the coldest month (January) is critical. These months are also when Yunnan welcomes visitors with its most alluring weather conditions.

Seasonal Breakdown

A. spring in yunnan (march to may).

Spring is one of the most famous and best time to visit Yunnan. Temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C, and remembering that the days are warm, the nights can be cooler, so wearing a sweater and a light coat is central. Spring is the best season to visit Yunnan’s principal urban communities, like Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. The region’s stunning landscapes undergo incredible transformations during spring, with Dongchuan Red Land covered in white buckwheat flowers and potato blossoms.

B. Summer in Yunnan (June to August)

Summer in Yunnan experiences temperatures over 30°C, with monsoons providing relief from the heat. Travelers can explore various destinations to escape the summer heat, such as Lugu Lake and Lashi Lake in Lijiang. Many colorful and vibrant local festivals take place during this season. The romantic ambiance in Lijiang, enhanced by the rain, offers an exquisite experience for travelers. Moreover, summer is the ideal time to explore ethnic festivals and their unique cultural traditions in Kunming, Shangri-La, and Yuanyang.

C. Autumn in Yunnan (September to November)

Autumn is a peak season for Yunnan travel, offering cooler temperatures and breathtaking natural beauty. With temperatures averaging around 20°C during the day, casual clothing is suitable. Shangri-La becomes especially stunning after the summer rains, with vividly colored landscapes that are perfect for photography. Visitors can explore destinations like Pudacuo National Park and Yubeng Village, where the magnificent Meli Snow Mountain awaits. Don’t miss the turquoise lakes in Lijiang’s Blue Moon Valley.

D. Winter in Yunnan (December to February)

Yunnan’s winter is relatively mild, with some regions maintaining temperatures above 20°C. Travelers can visit Yuanyang to capture the breathtaking reflections on the rice terraces. Xishuangbanna, known as China’s tropical kingdom, offers a perfect escape from chilly winters. Yunnan’s snowy places, such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in Lijiang and Meili Snow Mountain in Shangri-La, display breathtaking silver landscapes. Winter festivals, such as the Gaozhuang Starlight Night Market in Xishuangbanna, offer visitors a unique experience.

Peak Visitor Seasons

Yunnan’s visitor numbers vary by month, making it essential to plan your trip strategically. Understanding the peak tourist seasons and the less crowded months can help you save money and avoid crowds.

Events and Festivals

Yunnan’s rich cultural heritage is celebrated throughout the year with numerous traditional festivals. From the Sanduo Festival at Lugu Lake to the Third Month Fair in Dali Old Town and the Water-Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna, there are opportunities to immerse yourself in local culture. These events add unique cultural experiences to your Yunnan journey.

Tips for Travelers

To make the most of your visit to Yunnan, consider season-specific packing recommendations, tips for managing strong sunlight, and staying hydrated. Each season has its own considerations and preparations.

best time to visit Yunnan

Activities and Things to Do

Yunnan is not only about its stunning landscapes but also the rich tapestry of experiences it offers. Here are some exercises and activities to do when you visit Yunnan:

1. Explore Ancient Towns

Yunnan is dotted with charming ancient towns like Lijiang, Dali, and Shaxi. Walk around cobblestone roads, respect customary design, and submerge yourself in the rich history and culture.

2. Hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Hiking enthusiasts will find the Tiger Leaping Gorge a thrilling adventure. It’s one of the world’s deepest gorges, with breathtaking trails that lead you to dramatic viewpoints.

3. Visit Shangri-La

The fabled Shangri-La, now known as Zhongdian, offers a unique blend of Tibetan and Han cultures. Explore Songzanlin Monastery, and if you’re lucky, you might witness Tibetan festivals and rituals.

4. Witness the Colorful Markets

Yunnan is renowned for its diverse ethnic groups, each with their own unique traditions. Visit local markets like Dali’s Bai Minority Markets or Yuanyang’s Hani Minority Markets to witness vibrant ethnic cultures.

5. Experience Ethnic Festivals

Plan your visit to coincide with Yunnan’s ethnic festivals. From the Water-Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna to the Bai people’s Third Month Fair in Dali, these festivals are a window into Yunnan’s rich cultural diversity.

6. Savor Yunnan Cuisine

Don’t miss the opportunity to sample Yunnan’s distinctive cuisine. Taste dishes like Cross-bridge Rice Noodles (Guoqiao Mixian), steam-pot chicken, and more. Yunnan’s cuisine is a delightful journey for your taste buds.

1. Sanduo Festival

This festival is celebrated at Lugu Lake every lunar February 8th and is vital for the Naxi minority. It’s a colorful and lively event with traditional dances, music, and vibrant costumes.

2. Third-Month Fair

Held in Dali Old Town every lunar month from March 15th to March 21st, this fair showcases the artistic talents of the Bai people. It’s a time when they display their unique customs and crafts.

3. Water-Splashing Festival

Celebrate the Water-Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna during mid-April. This festival is all about cleansing and renewal, where people splash water to wash away the old year’s misfortunes.

4. Raosanling

Experience Raosanling in Dali, which is celebrated every late Lunar April. Bai people don their unique costumes, walk along three temples, and engage in singing and dancing.

5. Horse Racing Festival

Held on May 5th in Shangri-La, this festival turns the region into a charming spectacle with vigorous spring blossoms, picnics, horse racing competitions, and shows.

6. Torch Festival

The grandest traditional festival of the Yi people, celebrated on June 24th or 25th, features ceremonies, fire worship, and local festivities for a prosperous year.

7. Ku Zha Zha Festival

Celebrated in lunar June in Yuanyang Rice Terraces, the Hani people worship their “mushroom houses” and farm tools, celebrating a great harvest in advance.

Places to Go

1. pudacuo national park.

Situated in Shangri-La, this national park is home to pristine lakes, dense forests, and unique wildlife. It’s a haven for nature lovers and hikers.

2. Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Located in the Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefectures, these terraces create a stunning mosaic of rice fields that are perfect for photography and hiking.

3. Xishuangbanna

As the tropical kingdom of China, Xishuangbanna offers lush rainforests, diverse flora and fauna, and a vibrant Dai minority culture.

Luoping’s vast canola fields, especially during the Luoping International Canola Flower Culture Festival from late January to early April, create a yellow sea of blooms.

5. Meili Snow Mountain

In Deqin, you can explore the magnificent Meili Snow Mountain. It’s an ideal destination for those who seek adventure and alpine landscapes.

6. Dongchuan Red Land

Dongchuan’s Red Land, located in Kunming, boasts colorful palettes with different plants emerging in the the shapes of a red land. It’s a paradise for photographers.

In conclusion, the Best Time to Visit Yunnan article has explored the nuances of Yunnan’s climate and the seasonal highlights that shape the province throughout the year. Contingent upon your inclinations and travel inclinations, you can pick the ideal chance to investigate the different scenes and societies that make Yunnan an interesting objective.

Read more : The Best Time to Visit Turkey: Explore the Perfect Season for Your Adventure

FAQs: Best time to visit Yunnan

The ideal span for an outing to Yunnan relies upon your inclinations and the spots you need to visit. An extensive visit to significant attractions could take 7 to 10 days, while a more limited excursion to explicit objections should be possible in 4 to 6 days. 

The most blazing times in Yunnan are commonly June, July, and August. During this period, temperatures can reach their pinnacle, so be ready for a warm climate if you visit in the summer. 

Yunnan encounters assorted environments all through the year because of its changed geology. As a rule, spring and fall offer wonderful climate, while summer can be warm with periodic downpour, and winter is cool and dry. 

The greatest month to visit China relies upon your inclinations and the areas you intend to investigate. Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) are well known for milder climate and sprouting scenes. In any case, China can be visited all year, so pick the season that lines up with your movement objectives and exercises.

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Sapore di Cina English

Travel to Yunnan – A Complete Guide to The South Western Province

travel to yunnan

This article is a travel guide to Yunnan Province, in the South West of China. It was written by Harley Greenberg, who works with a local travel agency (WindhorseTour) in China.

Travel to Yunnan – Index

Yunnan basic travel facts.

  • Possible itineraries
  • The Stone Forest near Kunming
  • Dali Ancient Town

Lijiang Ancient Town

  • Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Frequently asked questions

Yunnan Province is famous for its diverse scenery and for being home of a third of all China’s ethnic minorities. It has lots to offer any traveler!

A trip to Yunnan province realistically takes at least one week. However, if you want to cover all the highlights I encourage you to spend twelve days or longer.

A trip to Yunnan is a breathtaking view of some of the most spectacular and overwhelming scenery within China. You can watch the sun rise and set on the magnificent Yuan Yang rice terraces; escape the crowds and enjoy the days exploring the less visited Lugu Lake, or get lost among the canals and cobbled lanes of Lijiang ancient town or Dali Cang Mountain.

Yunnan’s climate is diverse as its terrain, for many places such as Dali there is an ideal temperature – an eternal spring – that attracts tourists all year-round. The northwestern region around Shangri-la is situated on the Tibetan plateau and can be very cold during winter.

I find the best time and also peak season for traveling Yunnan is from April to October, when the vegetation is a lush green and flowers are in bloom.

Yunnan can be easily accessed by air, bus and trains from most cities across China. Kunming, the capital, is served by all Chinese airlines and has daily flights to most cities.

Other popular attractions such as Lijiang, Dali and Shangri-la also have airports with connecting flights offered from Kunming and other major cities in China. Another option is to take the train – or the bus – that goes from Kunming to Lijiang (via Dali).

yunnan map

Itineraries

Here some possible itinerary to visit Yunnan Province:

  • Kunming – Stone Forest – Dali – Lijiang – Shangri-La and then back to Kunming or up to Sichuan.
  • Kunming – Stone Forest – Dali – Lijiang -Lugu Lake and then back to Lijiang or up to Sichuan.
  • Kunming – Yuan Yang and then back to Kunming, East to Guanxi Chinese Province or South to Vietnam.

stone forest yunnan

The Stone Forest

The Stone Forest (or Shilin, in Mandarin) is a beautiful park composed by limestone formations.

You can get there by private car, taxi or taking the bus that leaves from Kunming every hour (the trip takes about ninety minutes). The Stone Forest is quite popular, especially among Chinese tourists. This means that most days by nine am it will be jam packed, this is one reason why clients that visit the forest tend to don’t recommend it. However when asked if they are glad they went the answer is “yes”. So there you have it.

A hint on how best to enjoy the Stone Forest is to travel there with an agency that brings you early on or head to Lunan – the near by town – the night before so you can wake up early and visit it before the buses from Kunming start to arrive (normally around nine am). For more info you can read this story published here on the site longtime ago.

Dali Yunnan

Dali Ancient City

Dali is one of those few places in China with an infectious ambiance, an environment that seem to attract many Chinese backpackers. Don’t be surprised when you find some of them sitting around strumming their guitars and telling tales of their travels.

With over 2,000 years of history, Dali shares a glorious past of being the former capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, a powerful entity separate from China. It lies on the western edge of Erhai Lake at an altitude of 1,900 m (6,234 ft.), with a backdrop of the imposing 4,000 m (13,123 ft.) tall Jade Green Mountain (Cang Shan in Chinese). You can climb it using the stairs but be careful to do not lose yourself.

Flights are probably the most popular transportation to get to Dali. You can also choose an overnight sleeper train from Kunming or take a bus, always from Kunming, that will take around four hours.

Within the heart of Dali still lives the ancient city that retains a historical atmosphere that is hard to come by in other parts of China.

A short distance northwest from the old town stand the Three Pagodas (you can walk till there). Like 3 guardians this landmark is a definite “can’t miss” attraction in the city. The tallest of the three has 16 tiers, reaching 72 m. (234 ft.), and was originally constructed in the 9th century.

dali three pagodas

The countryside around Dali can also be dazzling, with small fascinating temples, and the occasional village showcasing exquisite traditional local architecture.

A good start is to visit the Zhonghe Temple. You can climb the paths that snake their way up and see the marvelous views of Erhai Lake.

Other way to explore Erhai Lake is by either renting a bike or zipping across the water on the many ferries that crisscross the lake. Roads now encircled the lake so it is possible to do a loop of the lake by mountain bike. There are some small villages dotted along the way for you to buy food and water.

24 km. (15 mi.) north of Dali, the old town of Xizhou is a must-see to extend your cultural trip in Dali. Much of the original Bai architecture is well preserved. Here you will witness the local courtyards with children play, chickens squawk, dogs fight, and all the rhythms of family life play out.

When the night falls, find a bar at the Foreigner’s Street, sit back with foaming cappuccinos and banana pancakes, there is another singer telling his stories in Dali.

Click here to read SDC’s hotel recommendation in Dali .

Lijiang Yunnan

In the foothills of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau lies Lijiang, a splendid little town that is home to the Naxi people. Filled with a maze of cobbled stone streets, rickety old wooden buildings and gushing canals makes it one of the most visited sites in northern Yunnan. Here you will find the stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that presents a splendid backdrop viewable from across Lijiang.

Beyond Jade Dragon Snow Mountain lies one of the most popular backpackers destination in Yunnan, Tiger Leaping Gorge. Most travelers will spend two days hiking within Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Lijiang can be easily accessible by air, bus and trains from Kunming and other big cities in China.

A visit here requires at least two days to take a glimpse of the highlights this town has to offer. However, I would suggest you arrange a local guide either local or along with a private tour. This will help your to better understand the rich culture of the region and history of the nearby Baisha and Shuhe Villages.

Here the most popular attractions in Lijiang:

  • Dayan ancient Town: It is one of the main draws for people coming to Lijiang. The whole town is crisscrossed by canals, bridges and a maze of narrow streets. Dayan is full of traditional Naxi architectures that still today fills the town. As you walk through the narrow street you will observe the many wooden doors that are left open to reveal the interiors of both Naxi and Western restaurants.
  • Black Dragon Pool: As you head towards the north you will reach the Black Dragon Pool. One of the most popular vantage points of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
  • Dongba Culture Museum: If you fancy museums stop and visit the Dongba Culture Museum dedicated to the Shamanistic Dongba religion.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain : A visit to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a must-do in Lijiang. 34 km. (21 mi.) north of Lijiang, this mighty mountain rises raggedly above the ancient town. The mountain’s summit soars to 5,596 m. (18,354 ft.), encrusted with snow and set against a sharp, blue sky.

Located at 4,506 m (14,784 ft.), Cloud Fir Meadow is the highest point you can ascend to at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The walkways provided to help protect the environment lead you to some awesome glacier views.

Be warned that the elevation here can make some people feel uncomfortable. Mind your health and tell your guide immediately if you start feeling queasy.

Tiger Leaping Gorge : For further exploration in Lijiang, head over to Tiger Leaping Gorge. A hike here is a “can’t miss” experience of Northern Yunnan.

The gorge is considered one of the deepest in the world. With Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the back, the Jinsha River flowing through the gorge and later swelling into the Yangtze River it offers a dramatic and thrilling journey to travelers.

The nightlife in the ancient town is lively! Chinese people believe this is one town filled with romance. Also, there are many bars and western cafes in the old town. With a cold beer in your hand and exotic music in the air, it offers you a great place to experience the Lijiang nightlife and perhaps find your true love.

Click here to read SDC’s hotel recommendation in Lijiang .

mount meli shangri-la

Traveling along the northern route of Yunnan, Shangri-la is the last stop for most travelers . It is home to several remote temples, rugged scenery and is the start of the Tibetan world.

Originally called Zhongdian, this place has attracted travelers since it was declared the location described on the novel The Lost Horizon written by the British writer James Hilton .

While we cannot confirm or deny James Hilton intention, the real Shangri-la exists today. The real scenery you will witness here is awe-inspiring, and the people are some of the warmest heartiest in the world.

If you cannot make a Tibet tour , Shangri-la is a pretty popular runner up to get a taste of Tibetan cultures. However, I would still suggest a trip into western Sichuan if you are craving Tibetan culture and cannot travel into the Tibet Autonomous Regional.

shanghi-la monastery

Within Shangri-la there are Tibetan towns, named Gyeltang or Gyalthang, where you can experience the daily life of Tibetan people.

About an hour’s walk north of the town is the Ganden Sumtseling Gompa. One of the main reasons people to come here is to see the little Potala Palace. This monastery was built based on the layout of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and is home to countless Tibetan Buddhist treasures.

The view of town from the top of Ganden Sumtseling is gorgeous. A sunset from here is particularly picturesque among the tinkling bells and fluttering prayer flags.

Shangri-la is a wonderful place to get off the beaten track.

I encourage you to spend some time trekking or horse riding to explore the surrounding areas. There are many less visited monasteries and villages.

Shangri-la

There is a severe lack of reliable public transportation in these remote areas, so be prepared to hire a local driver for a couple of days or consider organizing a private tour with a local guide who will share with you the intricate details of her culture.

When visiting in Shangri-la, I suggest you spend a day at Pudacuo National Park, which is composed by two beautiful lakes, Bita Hai and Shudu Lake.

Fed by small streams from the snow mountains encircled, Bita Hai Lake resembles a trumpet shell. The picturesque scenery of the pure green water with snow mountains and trees reflecting in it will offer you a great photography chance. The Shudu lake is home to lush plants and various wild animals.

Shangri-la is also popular for being the “backdoor” access to Yunnan Province from Sichuan (the main and easier route being the train Chengdu-Kunming). Be aware that for enter (or exit) Yunnan from Shangri-la you’ll have to travel by bus through the Tibetan Plateau, which isn’t always opened to foreigners and it may take up to two days.

SDC’s cheap hostel recommendation in Shangri-la: Shangri-La Lamtin Youth Hostel .

SDC’s hotel recommendation in Gyalthang (it’s not that cheap but it’s were I slept and it’s awesome, check the pics of the bedrooms!): Shangri-la Gyalthang Dzong Hotel .

lugu lake yunnan

This forest lined lake overlaps the remote border between Yunnan – Sichuan provinces . It is home to several Tibetan, Yi as well as Mosuo minority villages.

The stunning scenery and ethnic cultures are two main features that attracts thousands of visitors.

A visit to the Lugu usually can be started from Luoshui. The lake, was formed by two sinking faults, and this high alpine lake sits 2,685 m. (8,809 ft.). Most people say it is shaped like a horse’s hoof – long from north to south, and narrower from East to West.

The lake which is surrounded by hills is filled with inviting clear water, that makes it easy to see the fish swimming within. The forest that protects the lake if full of dense trees and fresh mountain.

Lugu Lake is a place that has not been disturbed by the other economic developments and pollution; its’ natural beauty has been retained.

The weather is pleasant – it is cool in summer and warm in winter.

From Luoshui you can visit several islands on the lake by dugout canoe: Liwubi Island is the largest island where you can practically wade across to a spit of land in Sichuan; Heiwawu Island is in the center and has a variety of birds living on it; the smallest is Nixi Island, an oblong rock covered with shrubs and moss.

mosuo lugu lake

One of the main reason Lugu Lake has maintained its’ mystery and charm is because the Mosuo people who live here. The Mosuo are the last practicing (almost) matriarchal society in the world .

Mosuo women never marry and never cohabit, instead they are free to choose as many lovers as they like throughout their lives.

Children are brought up by women, and use the surname of their mothers. Families are composed of the members of the matrilineal kind. Women hold the principal positions in the society, forming a modern day ‘woman’s kingdom’, which adds mystique to this magical place.

The best time to visit Lugu Lake are April to May, and September to October, when the weather is dry and mild.

In order to reach Lugu Lake you’ll have to take a bus or private minibus from Lijiang (it should take around seven hours to arrive here).

p.s. You can enter Sichuan also through Lugu Lake. You’ll have to take a bus till Xichang (the trip takes about seven hours) and then a train till Chengdu (you may want to stop at Emei Shan, one o the holy Buddhist mountains and Leshan, where you can admire the biggest statue of Buddha in the world).

yuan yang

Yuan Yang Rice Terraces

Yunnan is a destination that is never lacking of natural beauty. However the last place I want to recommend to you is famous for its spectacular man made sights.

The famed rice terraces are slopes claimed from nature for cultivation in these hilly and mountainous areas. Some are hundreds or even thousands of years old.

Yuan Yang, located in the south of Yunnan, is one of the two most popular places to capture this unique sight in China. Fashioned over hundreds of years by the ancient Hani people, Yuan Yang Rice terraces cover roughly 125 sq. km. (48 sq. mi.).

A proper trip to the rice terraces can be done in two days when driving from Kunming. For those willing to spend more time a three days visit offers a chance to explore deeper into the local culture.

The scenery here is amazing and each year Yuan Yang attracts numerous photographers who flock here to capture the spectacular sunrise and sunsets that convert the terraces into pools of gold, red and silver.

Even in poor weather the views can still be breathtaking! When the fog rolls into the terraced valleys leaving only the hilltop village visible, the effect is dramatic. Many describe it as islands floating in the clouds.

Xinjie is the traditional starting point near Yuan Yang to reach the rice terraces. It is the recommended place to start any trip.

The terraces around each of the dozens of villages that you will find here have their own special characteristics which vary from season to season. Having a local guide helps to determine which terrace matches with your interest and helps to find the best ones given the time of year you visit.

To help you plan your trip, here are several popular photography places within Yuan Yang Rice Terraces:

  • Duoyishu, about 25 km. (16 mi.) from Xinjie, has the most spectacular sunrises and is one you should not miss.
  • Bada and Laohuzui are two of the best places to capture the sunsets. The scenery can be mesmerizing.
  • Longshupa Scenic Spot is famous for its closest views of the terraces, while Mengpin is splendid for the bird’s eye view of the terraces.

Besides these landscapes, the unique mushroom-shape Hani houses and Hani costumes are also great for photography.

The rice harvest will traditionally occurs in early September and the fields will remain dry till December when flooded again. The fields are then again filled with water in December.

I advise you to plan your trips from January to March, when the seas of clouds above the terraces are most likely to be witnessed. In early spring according to the Chinese lunar calendar (from late February to March), the terraces are filled with wild flowers, including pink peach blossom and white pear blossom.

Yuan Yang lies on the Tropic of Cancer, so the climate is neither extremely hot nor cold.

However, it is cooler in morning and evening, and the sun is very strong at noon. So pay attention to the sun and wear proper protection. Moreover, T-shirts and shorts can be worn all year round, but you are advised to take a jacket.

In addition to capturing the picturesque scenery, exploring the unique Hani ethnic cultures at the surrounding villages is also an interesting experience not to miss. Participate in a local country fair, during which the entire minority people dress in colorful ethnic costumes, you will find it is very lively.

p.s. Here you find all you need to know to book your hotel (or hostel) in China .

Also, bring some sunblock and sunglasses as the sun is strong. You should also try to buy a hat or a cap beforehand or when arriving. Preferably, you should also buy medicine which prevents high-altitude disease and also oxygen, if you’re to ascend the mountains.

Photo Credits: Photos by Harley Greenberg

About The Author

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Harley Greenberg

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23 thoughts on “travel to yunnan – a complete guide to the south western province”.

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Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂 zinbeauty

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This website is great, thank you! I’m planning to visit Yunnan this summer. I’ve read info on the Chinese Embassy in my country about Covid-19 policies, and it says that one should refer to the dispositions given by the local authorities. I’ve tried to find out whether in Yunnan some rules still apply, but I couldn’t find anything – I can’t speak Mandarin *that* well. Do you know something about this issue? Where should I seek info?

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As far as I know at the moment, there aren’t any restrictions and it’s unlikely that the situation will change this summer. However, here in China the situation can change really fast.

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I have never been in Yunnan before, but spent quite some time in south east Asia. It is different word, but those are the places in my opinion worth visiting. Culture, people, way of living and the way of thinking if you want. It is great you not only visited Yunnan, but also described you journey in details here. Thank you!

Yunnan is an incredible place and culturally close to Southeast Asia

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Yunnan is an extremely beautiful destination to visit also Yunnan is full of natural beauty. Next month, gonna plan to visit here. This travel guide is full of useful travel information. Thanks for sharing this informative post. Keep sharing the good work ahead……Bookmarked for the future read. If you are planning to visit Morocco, Visit us here. We are best hotels in Marrakech, Morocco

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Visiting Yunnan is probably the part of my Asia trip Im the most excited about! It just seems as if there are so many beautiful places :) Im planning to visit Feilai si in Deqin, you have any tips for doing so? The mountains there seem absolutely incredible!

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Hello Niclas,

the only tip I can give you for a specific spot is the following: sometimes in Yunnan is difficult to find public transportation for short trips. In this case the best way is to rent a car with a driver for a day (usually is not expensive). You can ask to your hotel reception to help you finding a driver, it shall not be too difficult

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Hi. My husband and I are thinking of going to Yunnan from September 30th until October 4th. We are thinking of just going to one place so we are not rushing on one place to another. Which one would you recommend? Our choices are Dali, Shangri La and Lijiang.

Probably Dali is the best choice. Lijiang is too crowded and Shangri-La had a big fire on 2014 so I don’t know if it’s still a beautiful place to visit

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Are night buses between Kunming and Yuanyang safe for two female travelers!?

Hello Jaimie,

yes, there are night buses

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Your article has been a great help in me deciding to travel Yunnan for ten days with my boyfriend. I am living in Shanghai for three months and this is the only big trip that we will take. If I am coming from Shanghai and only have ten days.. do you recommend a specific set of places to visit? You have provided three options in this article, I wonder if you could say which you think would be most suitable? I want to spend as little time as possible travelling and being on buses (I get very travel sick). I’m aware that a lot of travelling will need to be done between places but want to keep it to as much of a minimum as possible. Maybe you could recommend routes that have night trains for example? We are most interested in seeing beautiful nature and wonderful scenery. We are both very fit so lots of climbing, hiking, cycling etc would be wonderful. Thanks so much, looking forward to hearing your advice!

Hello Lucy,

if you have troubles traveling, the easiest itinerary is Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri La.

I think the longest trip by bus is Kunming-Dali, which is just 4 hours.

You will find a ton of nature near all these 3 cities!

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Dear Furio,

I am planning a trip in spring next year.

Arrive in Kunming (one day), onwards to Dali (one night), then Lijiang (one night), Tiger Leaping Gorge, then back to Lijiang. Onwards to Zhongdian. Have not decided whether to go onwards to Chengdu or back to Kunming to catch an international flight out of China.

I know I won’t be able to see all recommended places so my priorities will be Lijiang, TLG and Zhongdian.

Due to a tight schedule and budget, what’s the fastest way, other than flights? Train or bus? Will I be able to save if I take overnight buses or trains?

Hello Audry, you really have a tight scheduling here…

If your priority is Lijiang, I’d catch a night train Kunming – Lijiang to save time (although personally I prefer Dali to Lijiang).

Zhongdian is only 2-3 hours by bus from Lijiang, and the Tiger Leaping Gorge is on the way, thus in this case a night train / bus is not needed.

Yes, China is pretty safe.

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Dear All, I would like to visit Yunnan for 5 days arriving on 31 December 2017. I would like to include in the itinerary : (1) Shillin Stone Forest (2) Black Dragon Pool Park (3) Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (4) Tiger Leaping Gorge and (5) Zhongdian/Shangri-la. Please add other destinations which you think should be included. It will be for 2 adults. We would like to stay at the Intercontinental in Kunming, then Grand Hyatt in Lijiang and the Songtsam in Zhongdian/Shangri-la. Is December and January a bad time to visit the places in my itinerary for Yunnan? Will cold, icy weather and snow interfere with travel? What percentage of shops and restaurants will be closed at this time of year? I look forward to your reply.

Hello Maria,

the itinerary seems ok, maybe even too much for only 5 days!

In winter Shangri-la may be cold as it’s on the Tibetan plateau

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Awesome info – thank you for sharing! Is there a faster way to get to the Yuanyang area? Wondering if there’s a closer airport if we’re flying in from Beijing so we don’t have to spend as much time on a bus. Yunnan looks spectacular!

Shannon, there’re several regular flights from Beijing to different Yunnan’s cities as Kumming (the capital), Dali, Shangri-la and Lijiang. Beijing-Kumming is normally the cheapest. You can check it out in the ctrip website.

China is the safest country I’ve visited so far. And I’ve visited quite a few countries : P

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Harley Greenberg is a teacher? Please tell me he isn’ t teaching English. The article is littered with mistakes.

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Wow thank you for the constructive comment Ruby; keep them coming : )))

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Yunnan Travel Guide

Yunnan is reopening to tourists and you can travel without any restrictions and quarantine. You are no longer required to prepare a negative acid test and the certificate of health code and travel code.

Yunnan is a province that encompasses the climate in four seasons. It is suitable to travel all year round. Visitors will not only feast on their stunning scenery of snow mountains and glaciers but also their exotic ethnic culture and customs.

Why Should Visit Yunnan in a Lifetime

  • 1. Yunnan Province has the largest number of minority groups in China.   The 25 minorities  consist of an amazing array of ethnically diverse cultures, tourists are willing to experience minorities' cultures and customs that differ from the cities they live.
  • 2. The majestic nature beauty : The ancient city of Lijiang, the spring city of Kunming, the Tibetan inhabit of Shangri-La, Dali, the famous Cang Mountain, Erhai Lake, the scary Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lugu Lake, etc...
  • 3.  The spring-like weather : the city of Kunming, Dali is located on the low latitude of the plateau, characterized by a small temperature difference and an average temperature of around 12℃(54F) ~ 22℃(72F). The places are suitable for travel all year round.
  • 4. The Food : Yunan food is famous for its wide range of ingredients and different ways of cooking. The dishes you must try are: Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles (过桥米线), Yak Meat Hotpot (牦牛肉火锅), Steam Pot Chicken (汽锅鸡), Wild Mushroom Hotpot (野生菌火锅), Fried Rice-Flour Cake (炒饵块).

Best Places to Visit in Yunnan

Top 1. kunming - the city of ever spring.

Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan, and while reputed as a flower city that attracts tourists from all over China. Owning China's largest flower market that delivers to all over the country every day.

Kunming endows with many historical temples and stunning landscapes like Stone Forest; Kunming Western Hill (Xishan); Dongchuan Red Land; Green Lake (Cui Hu); Dian Lake (Dianchi)...

Top 2 Lijiang - Old Towns and Snow Mountains

Lijiang has three famous ancient towns - Dayan, Shuhe, and Baisha, which were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and inhabited by Naxi People. Lijiang is also renowned as an important gateway to the Ancient Tea Horse Road , the Tea Horse Museum and Lashihai Tea Horse Trail are worth exploring.

Things to see and do in Lijiang: 1. the Jade Dragon Snow Mountains; 2. Lugu Lake · 3. Dayan Ancient Town; 4. Shuhe Ancient Town; 5. Black Dragon Pond Park; 6. Lashihai Town

Top 3 Dali - Explore by Bike

Dali, being the capital of the Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, was the capital of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, and served as the political, economic, and cultural center of ancient Yunnan for more than 500 years.

The place we visit is commonly known as Dali Old Town, and the other must-sees are Erhai Lake, bike or take a boat ride there, Shuanlang Old Village, Xizhou Bai Village, composed of the most well-preserved Bai-style architecture complex; Three Pagodas, the simple of the region.

Top 4 Shangri-La - Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Formerly known as Zhongdian County, located at the intersection of Yunnan, Tibet, and Sichuan provinces, with an average altitude of 3,380 meters. Shangri-la featured vast primitive forests, holy snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes, and unique Tibetan culture.

Best places to visit in Shangri-La: Potatso National Park · Songzanlin Lamasery · Napahai Natural Lake Reserve,  Balagezong Grand Canyon, Tiger Leaping Gorge

If You have enough Time to Travel, Go a Bit Deeper to Explore...

Extend your trip to see more authentic Yunnan, the Dai ethnic groups and wild tropical forest in Xishuangbanna, the gorges rice terraces in Yuanyang; Laid back in the hot spring resort in Tengchong; One of the important cultivation regions of the Pu'er tea - Pu’er City...Yunan has a lot more to discover.

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Top Attractions in Yunnan

Old Town of Lijiang - Lijiang

Green Lake (Cuihu) -Kunming

Stone Forest - Kunming

Jade Dragon Snow Mountian - Lijiang

Tiger Leaping Gorge - Lijiang

Dali Old Towns - Dali

  • Kunming Attractions
  • Lijiang Attractions
  • Dali Attractions
  • Shangri-la Attractions
  • Xishuangbanna Attractions

Best Time to Visit Yunnan - Weather & Climate

Generally speaking, Yunnan is suitable for travel all year round, among the four seasons, the best time to visit is from October to April , the weather is dry and pleasant at this time.

Due to the different topography and latitudes, you can experience seasonal scenery from winter to summer within one province, according to the regions you visit.

February to April is the best time to visit Yunnan as the spring warms up earlier than in the north. Luoping is the best place to see the rape flowers . The "spring city" of Kunming is in its most pleasant season, and the peach blossoms in southeastern Yunnan are just in time.

In April , you can go to Xishuangbanna to engage in the grand Water-sprinkling Festival. Furthermore, it is time for the azalea blooms in Laojun Mountain in Lijiang.

May to August is the best travel time to enjoy the summer scenery of Shangri-La ; in addition, lotus flowers are in full bloom in Puzhehei and Damei in southern Yunnan.

July and August is the season when the wild mushrooms are in harvest, savor your taste buds for the meals of mushroom hot pot.

Summer is the rainy season in the south and southwest of Yunnan, The driving road in the mountain area was use to blocked by a landslide. Should pay attention to the weather forecast when you travel in this region.

From September to November , you can visit Dali to experience the fishing festival in Erhai Lake. While in November, the hundred-year-old ginkgo village of Tengchong offers the most beautiful golden autumn scenery in Yunnan.

Xishuangbanna is in its dry season with pleasant weather. You can also enjoy the world-famous Yuan Yang Terraces offer stunning views during this season.

How to Plan a Trip to Yunnan

Yunnan is the most diverse country in China, Take a trip to the must-see regions Kumming, Lijiang, and Dali in Yunnan basically takes at least one week . However, if you want to cover all the highlights, suggest spending two weeks or more discovering the region from south to west.

So Where to start the trip? How to arrange the classical 7-day itinerary? How to get around Yunnan? To find out the answers in this article, click for Yunnan trip planning >>

How Many Ethnic Groups in Yunnan

Besides its Han Chinese majority, China has 55 ethnic minorities, 51 of which can be found in Yunnan Province, of which a subgroup of 25 both have a population in excess of 5000 and have lived for generations in enclaves in the province.

There are 15 ethnic minorities that are indigenous to Yunnan. These include the Bai, Blang (aka Bulang), Dai, De'ang (aka Deang), Drung (aka Dulong), Hani, Jingpo, Jinuo (aka Jino), Lahu, Lisu, Naxi, Nu, Wa, Pumi, and Yi.

Four minorities Dai, Hani, Yi, and the Zhuang have populations that exceed one million.

Moreover, among all the above ethnic groups, the national majority of Han, Hui, Miao, Shui, and Yao are distributed in different regions of Yunnan.

Top Recommended Yunan Tours

  • 8-Day Authentic Yunnan Discovery
  • 4-Day Lijiang and Magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
  • 6-Day Yunnan Xishuangbanna Tour

We can also customize your own trip based on your group size, budget, interests, preferences, and other requirements. Please contact us .

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yunnan tourist season

Blessed by nature with magnificent and spectacular landscapes, Yunnan is proud to be a famous and it is a worth visit destination that attracts a large number of tourists all over the world. Yunnan is not only captivated by its beautiful landscapes, but also with its unique culture and diversity of its ancient towns. With every step through the green and poetic alleys, people feel like they are lost in ancient times, immersed in a historical space full of legends. So, is Yunnan worth visiting, how to visit Yunnan, what to do in Yunnan? Let’s check out our Yunnan travel blog (Yunnan blog) with the fullest Yunnan travel guide (Yunnan guide) from how to get to Yunnan, best places to visit as well as top things to do in Yunnan to help you maximize your trip as follows!

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yunnan tourist season

Yunnan is a great choice for those who set foot in this country of “billion people”. Yunnan is home to beautiful natural landscapes such as snow-capped mountain peaks, richly diverse ecosystems, or lakes bluer than jade.

yunnan tourist season

This place has many tourist attractions, cultural heritages, and charming sites such as: Lijiang ancient town, ever spring of Kunming city, Yulong Snow Mountain (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain)…

Overview of Yunnan (# yunnan travel blog)

yunnan tourist season

Yunnan Province is located in Southwest China, bordered by Sichuan Province to the north, Guizhou Province and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region to the east, Vietnam to the southeast, Laos to the south, Myanmar to the south west and Tibet in the northwest. Because China’s Yunnan province borders the Northwest region of Vietnam so traveling to Yunnan is extremely easy for Vietnamese visitors.

yunnan tourist season

The capital of this province is Kunming city. Yunnan is also the origin of the Red River, Da River, and Mekong River. Yunnan is a province with mountainous terrain and primeval forests. If you have ever read Jin Yong’s martial arts and chivalry novels or are a fan of the wuxia Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, you cannot forget the character Duan Yu – prince of Dali Kingdom. Historically, Dali was also part of present-day Yunnan province.

yunnan tourist season

Yunnan is known as the land of plants, animals and medicinal plants. Along with the plateau terrain with many mountains and hills, many rivers and lakes have created charming natural landscapes. This is also the province with the largest number of ethnicities in China, with up to 51 ethnic minorities living together, creating cultural and culinary diversity.

yunnan tourist season

Yunnan is a perfect choice for guests who love to explore tranquil lands and majestic natural landscapes. Here there are picturesque landscapes, snow-capped mountain peaks, emerald green lakes and diverse ecosystems.

Yunnan possesses for itself many UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Lijiang ancient town, Three parallel rivers flowing around Yunnan protected areas, Famous Shilin stone forest scenic, Chengjiang Fossil Site, The Cultural Landscape of Honghe Hani Rice Terraces…

yunnan tourist season

Why shoud you visit Yunnan? (# yunnan travel blog)

yunnan tourist season

  • Yunnan has a pleasant climate, mild in winter and cool in summer. It is a suitable location for vacations all year round.
  • Yunnan boasts countless natural wonders: deep canyons, towering mountain ranges, tropical forests, terraced fields, crystal-clear lakes, and majestic snow-capped mountains that stretch close together. road to the Tibetan plateau.
  • Yunnan, home to 51 ethnic minorities, is the place to experience the unique cultures of China’s minority groups.
  • Yunnan has well-preserved ancient towns and villages, with ancient houses, worn bluestone streets and rich history.
  • Majestic natural scenery: Regardless of whether you want to stroll around the old towns or go to rural villages in Yunnan, you can enjoy the magnificent natural scenery here.
  • Feel captivated by the world’s natural wonders – Stone forest scenic, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Dongchuan Red Land, First bend of the Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, etc.
  • Where you can reach cloud nine: During your trip, you will definitely see the highest snow-capped mountains in China. The average altitude is always 3000m or more, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the most typical destination when you come here you will feel like you are on cloud nine!
  • Colorful national culture: Yunnan has ethnic diversity (51 ethnic groups). Each ethnic group here has its own customs, lifestyle, cuisine, colorful costumes and beliefs.
  • Creating works of art: Yunnan is considered a paradise for photographers.
  • You can go to Dongchuan Red Land to get yourself a photo album of this sacred and warm land.
  • The Yuanyang Rice Terraces are like a stairway to heaven and are worth your time to explore and take pictures.
  • Everything here is a hunting target for precious photos: sunsets, sunrises, sea of clouds, Hani folk houses, rice fields, cattle, cows…

yunnan tourist season

When is the best time to visit Yunnan? (# yunnan travel guide)

yunnan tourist season

Due to the special geographical location and complex terrain, Yunnan winter will be affected by dry continental monsoons and summer will be influenced by moist oceanic monsoons. Yunnan province has rich and diverse climates stretching from the northern to southern regions of the province.

Yunnan has many high mountains bordering Tibet to the north/west, but also a 1,000 meter high mountainous plateau to the east and a tropical region to the south.

yunnan tourist season

Yunnan has a warm climate all year round, so you can choose any season to come here and feel comfortable. But the best time to visit Yunnan is in the fall. In the fall, Yunnan is likened to a girl wearing a beautiful new dress, making anyone who sets foot here feel captivated.

The autumn scenery in Yunnan is wonderful, the leaves begin to turn red and yellow, the lake is clear blue and Jade Dragon peak is covered with white snow.

If you want to see cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums, come here in spring. The spring atmosphere fills every road and the landscape becomes fresher than ever with hundreds of flowers blooming.

yunnan tourist season

The climate is spring-like

Because of its high altitude above sea level, Yunnan has a spring-like climate all year round.

  • Coldest months: December and January with average daily temperatures ranging from 4°C to 16°C.
  • Hottest months: June, July and August with average daily temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C, extremely suitable for outdoor activities.

yunnan tourist season

Dry season and rainy season are separate (# yunnan travel guide)

Yunnan is divided into two distinct dry and rainy seasons. November to April is the dry season, when temperatures are quite high and solar radiation occurs frequently. So, don’t forget to use skin care products, such as sunscreen and sunglasses, if you travel during this time.

The rainy season usually lasts from May to October. But most of the heavy rain usually concentrates from June to September. During this season, temperatures can drop rapidly along with rain. So, in addition to an umbrella or other protective rain gear, you should wear a light jacket and long pants.

yunnan tourist season

Weather patterns change throughout the day (# yunnan blog)

Yunnan is a mountainous province with high mountains in the west that have very diverse weather changes within the same day. It can be said that almost all 4 seasons of the year take place in just a day.

The lower part of the mountain is subtropical weather, the middle part of the mountain is temperate weather, and the higher mountain top is cold weather.

yunnan tourist season

Best time to travel to Yunnan by months (# yunnan guide)

Yunnan’s diverse terrain and tropical locations lead to a diversity of landscapes and weather, and to choose the best time to go to Yunnan, plan carefully where you want to visit.

Spring (March to May)

yunnan tourist season

Yunnan in spring is like a kingdom of blooming flowers everywhere. Not only that, spring is also the season of traditional festivals of the ethnic groups living together here.

Places in Yunnan you should visit in spring: Kunming, Lijiang and Dali ancient towns, Luoping and Xishuangbanna, Dongchuan…

Spring activities in Yunnan:

  • Enjoy the blooming flowers everywhere in Yunnan.
  • Witness the magnificence of Shilin Stone Forest Scenic, Kunming.
  • Dive in the “ocean” of yellow flowers in Luoping.
  • Feel the magic of tropical plants in Xishuangbanna.

Almost the festivals in Yunnan take place according to the Chinese calendar (lunar calendar), so you need to pay attention to the time to come here at the right time.

Summer (June to September)

yunnan tourist season

In the midst of hot summer days, there’s nothing better than finding an ideal vacation spot. Yunnan where the average annual temperature is approximately 20-25 degrees Celsius, the air is always fresh and pleasant.

Activities to experience in Yunnan during summer days:

  • Go on a trekking picnic in the ancient towns of Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La.
  • Cycling along the charming Erhai Lake in Dali.
  • Escape the heat right down in the Tiger Jump Gorge between Lijiang and Shangri-La.
  • Visit Puzhehei Scenic Area

Fall (October to November)

yunnan tourist season

Experience Yunnan in the fall to enjoy the scent of ripe golden rice, admire the terraced fields of the Hani ethnic group and the clear and airy sky.

In autumn, Yunnan makes people fascinated by its strange beauty in every corner of Lijiang Ancient Town, in the cold breezes beside the rippling lake banks…

Activities worth experiencing when Yunnan comes to autumn:

  • Visit the Dongchuan red land brilliantly colored with white coles flowers and green wheat.
  • Experience hot spring bathing at Tengchong.
  • Bird watching at Napa Lake in Shangri-La.
  • Trekking to explore the long hiking route in Yubeng Shangri-la village.

yunnan tourist season

Winter (December to February next year)

The winter months in Yunnan begins from December to February, the climate at this time is extremely mild. Yunnan’s temperature in winter is usually between 12ºC – 18ºC, however because the terrain here is clearly differentiated (therefore the landscape and temperature can vary significantly between day and night.

Note that when traveling to Yunnan, wait for the sun to go out, because this is the perfect time for you to have close to connect with nature.

yunnan tourist season

How to get to Yunnan and how to get around in Yunnan?

Currently, there are two options for traveling to Yunnan: by air or by road.

From Vietnam, if you travel by air, you can go to Tan Son Nhat airport or Noi Bai airport to fly to Yunnan. Some famous airlines depart from Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City such as Vietnam Airline, Vietjet Air,… to be able to buy plane tickets to Kunming Changshui International Airport in the capital city of Yunnan.

yunnan tourist season

There are other means of transportation that can be used when you getting around Yunnan such as buses and trains. If you don’t know how to speak Chinese, you should choose to take a taxi for more convenience and also to see the streets more conveniently.

yunnan tourist season

Where should you stay in Yunnan?

Yunnan is one of the Chinese provinces with the largest number of tourists visiting. Therefore, to fully meet the needs of guests, Yunnan province always has a variety of forms of accommodation such as: 5-star hotels, resorts, homestays and rental apartments,… depending on your budget, you should choose a suitable place to stay.

yunnan tourist season

Depending on your itinerary, you can choose to book a room in Kunming ( Agoda , Booking ), Lijiang ( Agoda , Booking ) or Chengdu ( Agoda , Booking ). You should book a room 1-2 months in advance to get a preferential price rather than booking close to the departure date.

How much does it cost to travel to Yunnan?

When we want to travel to a certain place, we need to spend a certain amount of money. So, to travel to Yunnan, let’s take a look at some of the following mandatory costs:

  • To get to Yunnan by air, we need a visa, air ticket from Vietnam to Yunnan costs about $60. You should apply for your visa 1 month in advance to save more money.
  • Hotel average cost in Yunnan range from $20 – $150 / 1 night/ 1 room for 2 people depending on the type of hotel you choose.
  • The cost for you to travel in Yunnan by bus is about $0.5/trip, if traveling by taxi is about $6/person.
  • Food costs for a day are about $30 – $50 depending on the restaurant you choose.
  • In addition to the above costs, if you want to visit tourist attractions in Yunnan, you will have to pay an entrance fee (admission) and other incidentals.

yunnan tourist season

Where to go and what to do in Yunnan?

Lijiang ancient town.

As an ancient town with a history of more than 800 years, Lijiang is also an ancient town with an altitude of 2,400m. Lijiang ancient town is always proud to be the place to preserve traditional cultural features, typical of Yunnan in particular and of China in general. The climate here is cool all year round, making visitors feel comfortable and at ease. Or the breathtakingly beautiful sunset.

yunnan tourist season

Lijiang is like a treasure of Yunnan. It is filled with historical relics, snowy mountains, breathtakingly beautiful gorges, mixed with extremely diverse ethnic minority culture.

During the day, you will experience trekking on the cobbled streets in the old town. Ancient houses or canals are arranged neatly and appropriately, making the old town radiate a source of vital energy.

yunnan tourist season

At night, the city becomes both lively and magical under the bright lanterns accompanied by vibrant music imbued with Chinese identity mixed with a bit of modernity from Western electronic music coming from bars.

Must-see attractions in Lijiang

  • Lijiang Old Town: China’s best-preserved ancient minority town, it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Tiger Leaping Gorge: is one of the deepest gorges in the world and part of a UNESCO nature reserve.
  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Near the Tiger Leaping Gorge, it has an extremely convenient hiking trail to reach, and when you arrive you will admire the glacier parks and high-altitude grasslands.

yunnan tourist season

Shangri-La is a county in the northwest of Yunnan province, located at an altitude of more than 3,300 meters above sea level. Therefore, the climate here is very pleasant and comfortable in the summer and quite cold in the winter. This is a long-standing place of residence of the Tibetan people with typical cultural and architectural features that are still being preserved and preserved by China.

yunnan tourist season

Shangri-La Old Town is as famous and beautiful as Lijiang Old Town. Located at such a high altitude, Shangri has a cool and pleasant climate. This place not only has majestic scenery but also has a unique culture and diverse ethnic groups.

yunnan tourist season

Must-see attractions in Shangri-La

  • Songzanlin Monastery is hailed as the “Little Potala Palace”, a wonderful place to experience Tibetan Buddhist Culture.
  • The Meili Snow Mountain are an extremely sacred place for Tibetans. The golden sunrise over the impressive snow-capped peaks is not to be missed.

yunnan tourist season

Jianshui Ancient Town

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Jianshui is one of the top famous tourist destinations in Yunnan with an age of up to 1,200 years old. When coming here, many tourists are overwhelmed by the 50 towers with architecture bearing the typical imprint of Yunnan. Even though it was built a long time ago, the ancient town of Jianshui still preserves its ancient architecture quite well.

Kunming is a capital with a history of more than 2,400 years with many attractive places to visit such as: Dianchi Lake and ethnic cultural village. This place is naturally beautiful, poetic and charming. The climate in Kunming is cool all year round and flowers bloom, earning it the title “flower city” and “spring city” of China.

yunnan tourist season

Kunming, the capital of Yunnan province, is hailed as the Spring City because its climate is fresh and cool all year round.

Must-see attractions in Kunming

  • Shilin Stone Forest: the most beautiful karst landscape in the world with thousands of rock peaks, towering rocks and weird rock formations.
  • Dianchi Lake: Hailed as “a pearl on the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau”, it is the largest lake in Yunnan province and the sixth largest freshwater lake in China.
  • Yuanyang terraced fields: With an area of 10,000 hectares, the fields has an extremely majestic and overwhelming layer-by-layer appearance of the Hani ethnic villages in the distance, this is an ideal place for you to have cool check-in photos. Chinese people compare Yuanyang Rice Terraces to “a small corner of heaven”, because the villages here make you feel like you are in the middle of the sky. Yuanyang terraced fields are considered a museum of living culture of the Hani people. When you come here, you can walk and explore the ancient villages and get acquainted with the culture or try on the traditional costumes of locals. The central area of rice terraces is located in Yuanyang, Yunnan province, China.

yunnan tourist season

Erhai Lake is a famous tourist place that anyone should not miss when traveling to Yunnan by road. What could be more wonderful than at Erhai Lake, visitors will be able to rent a small boat, wander on the clear blue lake and enjoy the fresh, peaceful atmosphere of this beautiful ancient town.

Dukezong (Moonlight Ancient Town)

yunnan tourist season

This ancient town is an ancient town in Shangri-la with an age of more than 1300 years. This is where the Tibetan people have been living for a long time. This place is similar to the community living place of Tibetans living in Shangri-la. During the festival season, people will gather to dance and sing all day in the square.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain)

yunnan tourist season

If Lijiang is simply beautiful, Yulong brings surprises to visitors with majestic snow mountains. There is a snow mountain range consisting of 12 peaks creating a majestic and magnificent scene with an altitude of 4,650m above sea level and covered with snow all year round. These mountains are like jade dragons standing out amidst the mist. This is a place that tourists should not miss when coming to Yunnan.

yunnan tourist season

This place also attracts tourists to enjoy the performance “Impression of Lijiang” – a play to promote and honor the beauty of Lijiang ancient town.

yunnan tourist season

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

yunnan tourist season

Considered a symbol of the ancient town of Dali, the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple are one of the places that you should not miss when traveling to Yunnan. They were built in the 9th and 10th centuries in the area between the majestic Cangshan Mountain and the peaceful Erhai Lake. These works are considered the largest Buddhist centers in East Asia, attracting many Buddhists to visit and visit Buddha every year.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is about 15km long and at its highest point has a maximum depth of 3,790m. The gorge was officially opened in 1993 to foreign tourists and is now one of the most popular adventure destinations in Yunnan.

yunnan tourist season

Tiger Leaping Gorge is located along Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze River. This place is also recognized as a world natural heritage and is one of the deepest gorges in the world. On both sides of the gorge are the majestic Jade dragon mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, making you surprised by Mother Nature’s arrangements. To fully admire the beautiful scenery here, you can choose the time to visit around April, May and June and September and October.

Puzhehei Scenic Area

yunnan tourist season

Viewed from above, Puzhehei ecological wetland park is as stunningly beautiful as paradise on earth. Dozens of lakes, large and small hills and even mysterious caves of Puzhehei will give visitors an exciting trip. The beautiful scenery here is quite similar to Trang An – Tam Coc in Ninh Binh, and to admire the charming and poetic beauty of nature here, visitors will sit on a rowing boat. In particular, in the summer, the water surface in Puzhehei is covered with lotus flowers, attracting thousands of visitors.

Dali Ancient Town

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Dali is not only a beautiful and prosperous land in Jin Yong’s martial arts novels, but is also known as a famous Chinese tourist destination with many ancient buildings, culture and cuisine. featured.

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Must-see attractions in Dali

  • Chongsheng Temple:  A famous temple in ancient Dali history, the most prominent being the Three Pagodas forming an equilateral triangle. This is also the place of practice for many ancient Dali kings.
  • Erhai Lake: is the second largest lake in Yunnan province. The area around it is blessed with a mild climate, a stunning mountain range and historically important towns and villages with eye-catching architecture.

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Blue Moon Valley

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The complete travel guide to Yunnan (云南), the most diverse Chinese province

  • March 20, 2024

Yunnan is one of the most beautiful and diverse provinces in China. You can find the top things to do and see in this article.

yiliang yunnan yi woman

Yunnan Province in China is a beautiful, diverse, landlocked region known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. With its vibrant cities, picturesque countryside, and unique ethnic minority groups , Yunnan offers travellers a unique and unforgettable experience.

One of the main reasons why Yunnan is such a unique province is its border position, far away from Beijing. There is a local saying: “Yunnan, where the Mountains are High, and the Emperor is Far, Far Away.” Even though this is an easily accessible province, historically, this wasn’t the case, making the local culture so different from the rest of the country.

Getting to Yunnan

yunnan tourist season

Yunnan is located in southwestern China and is easily accessible by air, train, or bus. The province’s capital city, Kunming , is a central transportation hub with several daily flights to and from all major Chinese cities. Alternatively, you can also get to Kunming by train. As always, when travelling in China, the best website in English to book trains, hotels, and flights is Trip.com. Other websites have fewer options and are generally more expensive .

In the past few years, the government has built new high-speed railways that connect most of the province. You can now get to Shangri-la in the north, Xishuangbanna in the south, and almost every city. In short, travel to and from Yunnan and all around the province has never been easier.

Things to do in Kunming, the spring city

yunnan tourist season

Kunming, the capital, is known for its mild climate. The city is also home to several cultural and historical attractions. Here are some of the top things to do and see in Kunming:

  • Stone Forest 石林: The Stone Forest is a natural geological wonder made up of towering karst formations. It is a popular attraction in Kunming and is a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
  • Kunming Old Town 古城: Kunming’s Old Town is a charming area full of narrow streets, ancient temples, and traditional shops and restaurants. It is a great place to wander and explore, and you can learn more about the city’s history and culture, although, like many other similar places, the town is not old: it has been recently renovated.
  • Western Hills 西山: The Western Hills are a series of picturesque hills and forests on Kunming’s western edge. The area has many temples, cultural attractions, and beautiful city views.
  • Golden Temple 金殿: The Golden Temple is a Buddhist temple on the top of Mingfeng Mountain. It is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate gold leaf decorations and is a popular destination for tourists and locals.
  • Yunnan Provincial Museum 云南省博物馆: The Yunnan Provincial Museum is a great place to learn more about the history and culture of Yunnan province. It has an extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the region’s diverse history and culture and is free of charge.
  • Green Lake Park 翠湖: Located in the city’s center, Green Lake Park is a popular spot for locals and tourists. It is beautiful in early spring when all the trees bloom.

Interesting places around Kunming

yunnan tourist season

  • Luoping 罗平: One of the most interesting places to visit is Luoping. Famous for its huge rapeseed flower fields, remember that it’s worth going there only between February and April. I wrote a detailed guide about it that you can find here.
  • Yiliang 宜良: Yiliang is a small town located only 1 hour by bus from Kunming. It’s famous for its Roast Duck , the Colored Rice Fields and the beautiful Jiuxiang caves.
  • Mile 弥勒 : another small town located only 30 minutes from Kunming, has become popular thanks to a new art park called Dongfengyun (东风韵). Here you can read my travel guide.
  • Fuxian Lake 抚仙湖: Fuxian is the third largest lake in Yunnan and the third deepest in China. If you’re planning a trip without straying too far from Kunming, Fuxian is the right option. Here you can find my detailed travel guide.
  • Puzhehei 普者黑: famous for the typical karst hills, the numerous rivers and ponds, and many caves. Summer is the best season to visit when the ponds are filled with lotus plants in full bloom, which makes the landscape even more beautiful. You can find my travel guide here.

Top things to see in Southern Yunnan

yunnan tourist season

  • Yuanyang Rice Terraces 元阳: these are my favorite rice terraces in China. Since 2013, they have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Keep in mind that the best season is during winter. Here you can find more info.
  • Xishuangbanna 西双版纳: located on the border between Myanmar and Laos and crossed by the Mekong River, Xishuangbanna is often considered the Thailand of China. Due to its remote location in a province, Yunnan, which historically is also one of the remotest in China, not many people have heard about this place. Here you can find my travel guide.
  • Pu’er 普洱: you might have heard about this place if you like drinking tea. In the past few years, it has become one of the most popular types of tea in China. The city, formerly known as Simao, doesn’t offer that much, but you can explore the surrounding tea and coffee plantations. Fun fact: 99% of the coffee produced in China comes from Yunnan, and Pu’er is an important production center.

Top things to see in Northern Yunnan

yunnan tourist season

  • Lijiang 丽江 : this is likely the most famous place in Yunnan. Some people think it’s too touristy, and they have a point. Nevertheless, a visit to Yunnan is incomplete until you visit the Old Town ( here is my guide ). The good thing about Lijiang is that it can be used as a starting point to explore other nearby places like Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 玉龙雪山.
  • Tiger Leaping Gorge 虎跳峡 : at a maximum depth of approximately 3,790 meters (12,434 feet) from the river to the mountain peak, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world. It can be visited with a day trip (but 2 days are better) from Lijiang.
  • Dali 大理: along with Lijiang, Dali is the other most famous place in Yunnan. The old town used to be the capital of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom. It’s a touristy spot like Lijiang, but it’s worth visiting ( here is my guide ).
  • Shangri-La 香格里拉: the principal city of the Tibetan area, Shangri-La lies at an elevation of over 3000 meters. You can visit the ancient town, destroyed in a fire a few years ago, that has since been rebuilt. It still attracts many tourists, especially during the summer when people try to escape from the scorching heat in the rest of China. Here is my Shangri-La travel guide . I recommend spending a few days there to explore more remote areas, such as Yubeng . You can find my guide to Shangri-La here.
  • Shigu 石鼓: located along the ancient Tea Horse Road, Shigu is also famous for the 140-degree bend of the Yangtze River. You can hike a small hill to have a beautiful aerial view of the landscape. Here is my detailed guide.
  • Baisha 白沙 and Shuhe 束河 old towns: these two old towns are located a few km from Lijiang, and you can visit both of them with a day trip. Recommended. Here is my guide to Baisha.
  • Shaxi 沙溪: halfway between Lijiang and Dali, Shaxi is a small village almost forgotten by tourists. It’s a city of farmers, but since 2000, the local government has started a program of renovation of the most important buildings. In my opinion, it’s worth spending a night there. Here you can find my guide.
  • Dashanbao 大山包: one of the less known places in Yunnan, this is the right place to visit if you are mainly interested in visiting remote places with a lot of nature. Here is my travel guide.
  • Dongchuan 东川: also called Dongchuan red land, this area is quite interesting to visit around autumn when the crop is harvested, and you can see the red soil, rich in iron. Here is my travel guide.
  • Dulongjiang 独龙江: This is one of the most remote areas in the province where you can find the last women of the Dulong minority with tattooed faces. I’ve talked about it here.

yunnan tourist season

If you decide to visit Shangri-La and are interested in wildlife, don’t forget to check out Baima, where you can observe the rare Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey. I wrote an extensive article about the conservation efforts in the area. You can check it out here.

Safety and Health

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Yunnan is generally a safe place to travel. One thing to keep in mind is related to its geography. The province is mainly located at a high elevation , so you may experience altitude sickness if you are not used to it, especially if you fly from other places in China. Kunming, the capital, lies at an elevation of 1800 meters, and Shangri-La is well over 3000 meters.

In terms of personal safety, Yunnan is pretty safe. I lived there for several years, and I’ve never heard of anything particularly scammy (unlike bordering Vietnam ). This being said, always pay particular attention to your phone.

Yunnan is a beautiful and diverse region that offers travelers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are interested in exploring the vibrant cities, experiencing the rich culture and traditions of the ethnic minorities, or taking in the stunning natural beauty of the province, Yunnan has something for everyone. If you must pick only ONE province to visit in China, I’d recommend Yunnan.

Here, you can find my complete travel guide to China.

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China Travel FAQ: Your Essential Guide for First-Timers

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Yunnan Roads > Weather and climate in Yunnan: where to go in Yunnan?

Weather and climate in Yunnan: where to go in Yunnan?

Météo et climat au Yunnan

When to travel to Yunnan?

Yunnan is a province that can be visited all year round. If spring and autumn are the seasons with the best weather compromise between the summer rains and the cold of winter, the summer months are pleasant because the rains are as abundant as the monsoons of Asia. South East at the same time. Conversely, the winter days are very pleasant in Yunnan, with usually a big sun and no rain, just be sure to book well-heated hotels for the evening, and not be too chilly! If you have a choice, spring and autumn are the priority for your trip to Yunnan, however avoiding early May and October, national holiday periods in China, with many Chinese travelers to Yunnan at this time, and rates hotels and transport higher than the rest of the year.

Yunnan Destination Weather Information

Below you will find more accurate weather information for each main destination in Yunnan, from Jinghong in South Yunnan to Shangri La in Northern Province.

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Things to Do in Yunnan

As Yunnan enjoys the respectable reputation of the “Colorful Yunnan” and it has both brilliant culture as well as profound history, you can enjoy the most unforgettable time taking a travel in this province in the South of China.

Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La, Yuanyang, Kunming, etc. there are too many destinations to pay a visit to see their beauty. During your trip here, you will find every moment is full of surprise and pleasure, from the fantastic natural scenery of mountains and lakes, to the precious historic relics for hundreds and even thousands of years, from the fabulous special buildings of Yunnan characteristics, to the authentic folk culture of local residents…

Recommended Best Yunnan Tour:

> 8 Days Classic Yunnan Tour" href="yunnan-tours/classic-yunnan-tour.html" target="_blank">▶ 8 Days Classic Yunnan Tour (Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La)

▶ 11 Days Amazing Yunnan Tour (Kunming / Yuanyang / Jianshui / Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La)

In order to help you better know about the most popular places to go in this province, we’ve selected the TOP 25 Yunnan Attractions for you as following. Let’s go check them to start your Yunnan Tour !

Attractions & Featured Activities for Major Cities in Yunnan:

  • Kunming Attractions
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  • Dali Attractions
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  • Yuanyang Attractions
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Yunnan Attraction Map

  • Top Attractions

Stone Forest

No.1: Stone Forest

Type: National Geography Park, World Nature Heritage Site

City:  Kunming

Stone Forest , 120 km from the downtown Kunming city, is regarded as one of the “Chinese four natural wonders”. This historical scenic area shaped 270 million years ago gathers the various kinds of stones together in the area of 350 square km. You can enjoy the very high stones over 40 m, round and sharp ones forming a big forest, which will make you surprised at the amazing karst landform in this tourist heaven.

>> 3 Days Kunming Tour to Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave

Lijiang Ancient City

No.2: Lijiang Ancient City

Type: World Heritage Site, Ancient City

City:  Lijiang

Being one of the only 2 ancient cities listed as the World Cultural Heritage in China, Lijiang Ancient City is a “must go” place. Its more than 800 years history enables the ancient city be filled with rich antique flavor, therefore, you can not only see those very fancy Mu’s Residence and other old houses, bridges, attractive natural landscape in places like Black Dragon Pool, but also be immersed in the featured ancient romance of Lijiang people and the shining culture of Naxi people.

>> 3 Days Classic Lijiang Tour

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

No.3: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Type: Mountains, Nature/ Wildlife Areas, Ballets

30 km from Lijiang downtown, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain has a very sacred status among the local Naxi people. As the southernmost mountain and a well-known mountain in China, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is rich in multiple types of glaciers, eye-pleasing sightseeing of snow of its 13 peaks, distinct beautiful scenery in all seasons, etc. Moreover, you will be amazed at the large-scale live-action performance in Ganhaizi, which provides you the real history and life in Lijiang this charming destination.

>> 3 Days Lijiang Cultural & Natural Tour with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Dali Ancient City

No.4: Dali Ancient City

Type: Ancient Town, Historic Sites

City:  Dali

Dali Ancient City is a famous ancient city in Yunnan and even China, which attracts many visitors to long for a visit to this purified place. Roaming in this antique city of more than 600 years, you can see the City Wall, Gate-towers, old streets, traditional courtyards full of local folk culture, and also, you can admire the vigorous flowers blooming under the cerulean sky. That is really a great place to pay a visit and calm your heart!

>> 3 Days Dali Tour with Cangshan Mountain Hiking

Three Pagodas

No.5: Three Pagodas & Chongsheng Temple

Type: Cultural Relics, Scenic Spots

The Three Pagodas & Chongsheng Temple was first built in the 9th and 10th centuray, and now it is both one of the oldest ancient buildings in China and the symbolic building of Dali. For their special design, you will see these three pagodas like the ballpoint pens standing there together, which creates a fantastic landscape painting with the wide Erhai Lake and the magnificent Cangshan Mountain.

>> 3 Days Dali Classic Tour

Erhai Lake

No.6: Erhai Lake

Type: Natural Landscape,Scenic Spots

Erhai Lake at the suburb of Dali city is the mother river of local Bai people. Spreading for about 256 square km, this lake is a famous sightseeing area with fancy natural scenery. Boating on the lake, you can appreciate the transparent water surface, see the birds flying above in the blue sky, and admire the lush trees and colorful flowers dancing in the wind. You will be addicted in this idyllic scene that nearly only seen in paintings.

Xizhou Village

No.7: Xizhou Village

Type: Historical Architectures, Ancient Town

Xizhou Village is an ancient town in Dali, Yunnan faces Erhai on the east and rests on Cangshan in the west, featured with numerous Bai classical residences, famous local dishes - Xizhou Baba, and Bai ethnic customs and activities like Three-Course Tea and Tie-dyeing. It’s a thousand-year historical Bai ethic ancient town that can’t be missed by tourists.

>> 4 Days Dali Leisure Vacation for Nature & Culture Savory (in Luxury Boutique Hotel)

Tiger Leaping Gorge

No.8: Tiger Leaping Gorge

Type: Canyons

City:  Lijiang & Shangri-La

Tiger Leaping Gorge covering Shangri-La and Lijiang is one of the deepest gorge in China and very famous for its dangerous feature, which is divided into the upper, middle and the lower sections. You can take a hike along this one of the World Top 10 Classic Trekking Ways to feel the adventurous landform, appreciate the very turbulent water. And you can experience the exciting giant fall between the scarps.

>> 5 Days Lijiang Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery

No.9: Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (Songzanlin Monastery)

Type: Religious Sites

City:  Shangri-La

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery in Shangri-La is largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and has a vital status among this area. Therefore, it is reputed as the “Little Potala Palace”. Built more than 500 years ago, the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery looks like a gold, which enables you to appreciate the special design of this grand building. Besides, you can see many relative historic relics, know more about the essence of the respectable Buddhism and enjoy the charming natural scenery.

>> 5 Days Kunming Exploration & Paradise Trip to Shangri-La

Pudacuo National Park

No.10: Pudacuo National Park

Type: National Parks, Bodies of Water, Nature/ Wildlife Areas

City: Shangri-La

Pudacuo National Park , 22 km from Shangri-La is a vital tourist spot in this area and the first national park in China. Take a travel to Pudacuo, you have an unforgettable time, enjoying the lakes, wetlands, forests, meadows, streams, valleys, sapphire sky, marshmallow-like clouds, rare species, and well-preserved original ecological environment, etc. You will find as if time has ceased and what is really the fairyland under the heaven.

>> 3 Days Best Shangri-La Tour

Yuanyang Terrace

No.11: Yuanyang Terrace

Type: World Cultural Heritage, Natural Scenery

City:  Yuanyang

Covering a super wide area of about 1.7 million acre, Yuanyang Terrace in Yuanyang County is a fabulous landscape painting carved by the local Hani people for over 1300 years. Added to the World Heritage List, Yuanyang Terrace has very rare scenery in the world, so you can be immersed in the over 3000 stairs on the mountain from the light green to emerald color, from the reflection of the clear sky to the refreshing air…

>> 3 Days Yuanyang Rice Terraces & Hani Culture Tour

>> 4 Days Yuanyang Rice Terrace Photography Tour

Dongchuan Red Land

No.12: Dongchuan Red Land

Type: Natural Landscape, Scenic Spots

Located at the northeast of Kunming city, Dongchuan Red Land is a wonderful place to get close to the nature’s cool fabricate and shot for a series of excellent photos. Being the most magnificent red land besides that in Rio de Janeiro, Dongchuan Red Land shows amazing sightseeing before you, with layers of red colors from bright to dark, which is extremely rare.

>> 4 Days Kunming & Dongchuan Red Land Tour

Lugu Lake

No.13: Lugu Lake

Type: Historic Sites, Bodies of Water

City: Lijiang

Belonged in Lijiang city, Lugu Lake attracts a great number of visitors for its fascinating natural scenery and particular stories of Mosuo people. Since Lugu Lake is known as the Pearl of the Plateau, you can appreciate the very appealing blue sky, take the slow-canoe to ramble on the peaceful mirror-like lakes and experience the culture in this “Kingdom of Women”.

>> 5 Days Lijiang & Lugu Lake Tour

Shaxi Ancient Town

No.14: Shaxi Ancient Town

Shaxi Ancient Town in Dali city is an authentic ancient town with highly rich antique atmosphere and extraordinarily long history of over 2400 years. Wandering in this old town, you can enjoy every moment to see the old streets, old bridges, old temples, old stages, old shops, old trees, old gates, etc. Since the Shaxi Ancient Town is a stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road and the Sideng Sifang Street is a fair prosperous for thousands of years, you will find the visit here so unforgettable!

>> 6 Days Dali Lijiang Tour with Shaxi Ancient Town

Meili Snow Mountain

No.15: Meili Snow Mountain

Type: Mountains, Nature/ Wildlife Areas

Standing in Shangri-La, Meili Snow Mountain is the highest mountain in Yunnan, which is 6740 meters above the see. Visit this sacred mountain, you can both appreciate the charming snow sightseeing and be marveled at the breathtaking natural scenery of the sunrise, when the snow mountain changes her color on the peak from orange, yellow and pink to white and golden as the sunshine glows. It is really lucky to see this rare beautiful scene that is eager many visitors.

>> 6 Days Shangri-La & Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage Tour

Luoping Rapeseed Flowers

No.16: Luoping Rapeseed Flowers

Type: Scenic Spots, Natural Scenery

Location: 213 km from Kunming Downtown

At the joint of Yunnan, Guizhou and Guangxi, Luoping is called “the East Door of the Yunnan”. The top reason to come to Luoping is for the Golden Rapeseed Flowers Sea which is blooming prosperously on the land of Luoping in spring usually falling in the late January to the early April every year. Many typical Karst hills dotted on the flat farmland and when the green land is turning into the golden flowers sea, Luoping has become “the Largest Natural Garden in the World”.

>> 4 Days Kunming Luoping Canola Flowers Tour

Wild Elephant Valley

No.17: Wild Elephant Valley

Type: National Animal Protection Park, Forest Park

City:  Xishuangbanna

Situated in Xishaungbanna county of Yunnan, the Wild Elephant Valley is not only a great place to see the 300-350 giant Asian elephants roaming, showering, playing, and so on, but it is also in abundant numbers of other birds and beasts, like wild ox, green peafowl, macaque, etc. Besides, you will feel the special sightseeing of tropical rainforest in the luxuriant forest park.

>> 4 Days Xishuangbanna Tour with Tropical Flavor & Dai Culture

Green Lake Kunming

No.18: Kunming Green Lake Park

Type: Garden, Lake, Sightseeing Place

Kunming Green Lake in the downtown Kunming city is a hot tourist and leisure place for both local people and other tourists. You can not only see the real daily life of Kunming residents spending their time there chatting, but also appreciate the eye-pleasing sightseeing. Various kinds of spring tulips, summer lotus flowers, and the adorable winter black-headed gulls and so forth draw many visitors.

>> 5 Days Kunming Lijiang High Speed Train Tour

Bird and Flower Market Kunming

No.19: Kunming Birds and Flowers Market

Type: Market, Pedestrian Street

City: Kunming

Since Birds and Flowers Markets are abundant in Kunming and mark a feature of this city, you can select one market to have fun. Taking a slow walk on the old streets, you can see many local people buying their favorite flowers, selecting the adorable fishes, and compare the vigorous birds, etc. which is both of lots of fun and get close to the local life culture.

>> Learn More about Ethnic Markets in Yunnan

Kunming Western Hill (Xishan)

No.20: Kunming Western Hill (Xishan)

Type: Historic Sites, Scenic Spots

Distance: 30 km from Kunming Downtown, about 0.5 hour’s driving

From ancient times, Western Hill enjoys the fame with its excellent scenery, dense forests, prosperous flowers and peaceful surroundings. It also known for another name: Sleeping Beauty Hill. View from southeast of Kunming, Western Hill is like a beauty laying on her back beside Dianchi Lake, hence comes the name.

Kunming Western Hill is a large forest park with many scenic spots including Huating Temple, Taihua Temple, Sanqing Pavilion and Dragon Gate. Among them, Huating Temple is the biggest temple in Kunming, and Dragon Gate is the largest and most beautiful Taoism Cave in Yunnan. You can view cultural relics and fabulous sceneries here.

>> 3 Days Kunming Spring City Tour

Jiuxiang Scenic Region

No.21: Jiuxiang Scenic Area

Location: 105 km from Kunming Downtown, about 1.5-2 hours’ driving

Situated in Yiliang County, Kunming, Jiuxiang Scenic Area is known as the karst caves clusters. With over 200 square kilometers, Jiuxiang Scenic Area has hundreds of large and small caves, including Wolong Cave, Bat Cave, Lion Cave and more attractions. It is the largest and most exotic cave landscape community system. Some cave landscapes are rarely to be seen in other places. Outside these caves, there are natural sceneries of thrilling gorge and Yincui gorge.

Black Dragon Pool Park

No.22: Black Dragon Pool Park

Type: Park, Natural Site, Cultural Site

Location: 1 km from Lijiang Old Town

Black Dragon Pool or called Yuquan Park is a popular part of Lijiang Old Town. This large scenic park with some peculiar pagodas and pavilions with flying eaves and stone bridge and some lovely ponds is great for some leisure and fresh walk. More importantly, the best sightseeing position there enables you to take the famous photo of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with the traditional styled building together.

Shuhe Ancient Town

No.23: Shuhe Ancient Town

Type: Historic Sites

Shuhe Ancient Town is situated near Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, in Lijiang. It is not only an especially important well-preserved county on the Ancient Tea Horse Way, but also one of the precious places featured with rich Naxi culture. Strolling on this respectively tranquil ancient town, you will feel the comfortable peace on the old flagging, slowly running clear water, winding roads, old houses, etc.

Jianshui Ancient City

No.24: Jianshui Ancient City

Type: Ancient City, Cultural & Hisrotical Site, Sightseeing Place

Jianshui Ancient City in Yuanyang is historic cultural ancient city of over 1200 years. Since this famous old city is rich in culture, you can appreciate over 50 perfectly protected featured old buildings with rich local specialties, which gives the city a reputable name of ancient building museum. Take a trip to experience the local folk characteristics and shot for some fantastic pictures of the charming houses, then this will be a memorable part in your life.

>> 4 Days Kunming Jianshui Tour by High Speed Train

Jingmai Mountain

No.25: Jingmai Mountain

Type: World Heritage Sites, National AAAA Tourist Attractions, Tea Culture

City: Pu'er

Cultural Landscape of Old Tea Forests of the Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er is listed as China's 57th World Heritage Site in 2023, and also the world's first World Heritage Site of tea culture. With nearly 2,000 years of tea cultivation history, Jingmai Mountain in Pu’er has old tea forests area of 32,000 acres and more than 3.2 million old tea trees, which is the largest, best-preserved and oldest artificial cultivation old tea garden and the existing tea living fossil community.

>> 3 Days Escape Tour to World Heritage Jingmai Mountain

6 Days Untamed Yunnan Tour from Tropical Xishuangbanna to Jingmai Mountain Ancient Tea Plantations

Jiaozi Snow Mountain

No.26: Jiaozi Snow Mountain

Location: 166 km from Kunming Downtown

Located in the northwest of Dongchuan District, Kunming, Jiaozi Snow Mountain has a natural landscape with magnificent mountains, rich flora and fauna species. It’s named after the mountain peak shaped like a bridal sedan chair. With 4247 meters above sea level, the scenic views are fascinating, including sea of azalea flowers, mountain waterfalls and shapes of mountain lakes. All are the must-sees when you tour Jiaozi Snow Mountain.

>> 5 Days Kunming Spring Nature Tour with Jiaozi Snow Mountain

Confucius Temple

No.9: Confucius Temple

Type: Cultural site, Museum

Recommended Length of Visit: 1 hour

For Confucius fan, you will never miss the trip to Confucius Temple and Guozijian Museum. Less crowded than other sites, you can learn a lot about Confucius while enjoying the quiet atmosphere here. Even you know nothing about Confucius, you will know more about him and his spirit in the East and the West Halls that talked about Confucius's life, philosophies, impact, legacy, etc in perfect English.

Beijing Olympic Sites

No.10: Olympic Sites

Type: Arenas

The Bird's Nest is a marvel of architecture, especially for architecture-lovers. You will be impressed by the amazing structure, and great design. The best time to visit will be in the afternoon till night, for the structures will light up at night.

Keep Reading on Yunnan Attractions

  • Kunming 8 Best Things to Do
  • Lijiang 15 Best Things to Do

Useful Yunnan Travel Articles

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Carrie from China visited Black Dragon Pool Park in 2021

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6 Days Untamed Yunnan Tour

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Yunnan Travel Guide

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Yunnan has always stood apart from the rest of China, set high on the empire’s barbarous southwestern frontiers, and shielded from the rest of the nation by the unruly, mountainous neighbours of Sichuan and Guizhou. Within this single province, and dwelling among a stew of border markets, mountains, jungles, lakes, temples, modern political intrigue and remains of vanished kingdoms are 28 recognized ethnic groups, the greatest number in any province. Providing almost half the population and a prime reason to visit Yunnan in themselves, the indigenous list includes Dai and Bai, Wa, Lahu, Hani, Jingpo, Nu, Naxi and Lisu plus a host shared with other provinces (such as the Yi or adjoining nations. Each minority has its own spoken language, cuisine, distinctive form of dress for women, festivals and belief system, and with enough time you should be able to flesh out the superficial image of these groups laid on for the tourist industry.

Brief history

  • Yunnan's Far West

Southeastern Yunnan

Yunnanese food.

In recent years tourism has boomed out of all proportion to Yunnan’s remote image, bringing batallions of tour buses, souvenir stalls and loudspeaker-toting guides from far and near; the upside is improved resources geared to their needs, including backpacker cafés and companies offering cycling and trekking trips, ensuring that Yunnan is one of the easiest regions to explore in China.

The northeast of the province is home to the attractive capital, Kunming, whose mild climate earned Yunnan its name, meaning literally “south of the clouds”. A scattering of local sights – including the brilliant green, near-vertically terraced valleys at Yuanyang – extends southeast from the city towards the border with Vietnam. Northwest of Kunming, the Yunnan plateau rises to serrated, snowbound peaks, extending to Tibet and surrounding the ancient historic towns of Dali and Lijiang; there’s one of China’s great hikes here too, through Tiger Leaping Gorge. The Far West, laid out along the ghost of old trade routes, has less of specific interest but allows gentle probing along the Burmese border. Yunnan’s deep south comprises a further isolated stretch of the same frontier, which reaches down to the tropical forests and paddy fields of Xishuangbanna, a botanical, zoological and ethnic cornucopia abutting Burma and Laos – about as far from Han China as it’s possible to be.

Getting around can be time-consuming, thanks to Yunnan’s sheer scale, but the state of country buses and roads is often surprisingly good; new expressways are springing up at a regular rate and it’s an undeniable achievement that some of the lesser routes exist at all. Yunnan’s fairly limited rail network is due for expansion too, with recently completed services to Dali and Lijiang making these popular destinations more accessible than ever.

The weather is generally moderate throughout the year, though northern Yunnan has cold winters and heavy snow up around the Tibetan border, while the south is always warm, with a torrential wet season in summer.

Tailor-made travel itineraries for China, created by local experts

Sichuan Specialities: Chengdu, Temples and Pandas

8 days  / from 2208 USD

Sichuan Specialities: Chengdu, Temples and Pandas

Discover the Buddhist history and the natural wonders of Sichuan. From bustling Chengdu and its giant pandas, to the national parks and lake districts of Sichuan Province, to the giant Buddha statue at Leshan, this trip is perfect for those who want to discover this culturally rich part of China.

Family Time in Guilin and Yangshuo

5 days  / from 838 USD

Family Time in Guilin and Yangshuo

This 5-day family trip is a magnificent opportunity to experience the beautiful outdoor settings of Guilin and Yangshuo. Walk, cycle and raft through awe-inspiring scenery, including dramatic limestone karst mountains, and learn about the everyday lives of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups.

Sichuan Family Adventure

8 days  / from 1962 USD

Sichuan Family Adventure

Sichuan is home to a rich and vibrant culture, stunning scenery and wildlife, and delicious cuisine. Spend time with Chengdu's giant pandas, trek around Mount Qingcheng, stand in awe of the world’s largest Buddha at Leshan, and much more, all with this exciting trip, which is perfect for families!

Tantalising Tibet

8 days  / from 2479 USD

Tantalising Tibet

Tibet, known as the Rooftop of the World, is one of the most spiritual and atmospheric places on earth: ancient monasteries are carved into the mountain and festooned with colourful prayer flags. Discover the secrets of this uniquely spiritual land with this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Hong Kong Deluxe

5 days  / from 3300 USD

Hong Kong Deluxe

Hong Kong makes a memorable introduction to the Chinese world. Glamorous, hectic, exciting and spectacular, with fabulous food, nightlife and shopping, this is a place like no other. Explore the city at your own pace, enjoying life’s little luxuries at every turn.

Hong Kong in a Nutshell

4 days  / from 1040 USD

Hong Kong in a Nutshell

A teeming, exotic and alluring metropolis, Hong Kong is uniquely rich in both cultural diversity and contrasts. In fact, there is so much packed into Hong Kong, it can be hard to know where to start, which is where this unique trip comes in.

The People and Cultures of Guizhou

9 days  / from 2137 USD

The People and Cultures of Guizhou

Discover the fascinating people and cultures of Guizhou, one of China's most diverse regions. Learn about the everyday lives of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic groups, whilst you enjoy their colourful customs and traditions, and pass through awe-inspiring scenery such as otherworldly rice terraces.

The Mystical Worlds of Shangri-La & Tibet

14 days  / from 3346 USD

The Mystical Worlds of Shangri-La & Tibet

A perfect introduction to the mystical worlds of Shangri-La and Tibet. From the breathtaking plateaus and valleys, to the historical Buddhist monasteries and villages, this trip provides a unique insight into the culture and traditions of the Tibetan people.

Along the Silk Road

16 days  / from 5521 USD

Along the Silk Road

Travel along the Silk Road, and discover the best of China with this fascinating in-depth trip. Starting in Beijing, experience the Forbidden City, the Yellow River, the Great Wall of China, Heavenly Lake, the Terracotta Army of Warriors and much more, all with this unique, detailed trip.

The Best of China

11 days  / from 3462 USD

The Best of China

From well-preserved tombs to The Great Wall, this tour of China packs in all the essentials. From the bright city lights of Beijing and Shanghai to breathtaking rolling landscapes, meandering rivers and ancient treasures, there’s much to delight all visitors to China.

China's Old Water Towns

7 days  / from 1465 USD

China's Old Water Towns

The area around Shanghai is home to some of China's best-kept travel secrets. Ancient water towns – picturesque towns constructed on a network of canals, featuring classical weeping gardens and romantic arched bridges – grace the area. Explore China's old water towns on this unique trip.

Cultural China and Majestic Yangtze River Cruise

12 days  / from 2436 USD

Cultural China and Majestic Yangtze River Cruise

China is a vast and varied land, seemingly full to the brim of mega cities, dramatic limestone mountains and endless countryside. This trip takes in the best the country has to offer, visiting the historic cities of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai, before cruising down the Yangtze River.

Incredible Yunnan

11 days  / from 2841 USD

Incredible Yunnan

Culturally rich and ethnically diverse, Yunnan is one of China’s most fascinating regions. Explore this scenic southwestern province, great to travel to year round, from the capital Kunming to the well-preserved ancient city of Jianshui, famous for its old walls.

Hong Kong Highlights

5 days  / from 2300 USD

Hong Kong Highlights

Hong Kong is a vibrant and appealing city, with its waterside location and towering skyscrapers, it offers the visitor modernity and tradition, the exotic and efficient. Perfect for a family break, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained from Central to the New Territories and beyond.

Beijing and The Great Wall of China

9 days  / from 2560 USD

Beijing and The Great Wall of China

Following a short stay in Beijing, with its awe-inspiring Forbidden City, you will venture through the majestic Great Wall lands of Changping and Simatai, and marvel in the vibrancy of the water town of Gubei, a magnificent collage of Great Wall, mountains, lakes and ancient villages.

Complete China: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

13 days  / from 4686 USD

Complete China: Beijing, Xi'an and Shanghai

Following a stay in resplendent Beijing, visit the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, Great Wall, and the Terracotta Army of Xi’an. Travel into the Himalayas, before hiking to the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Continue to Chengdu, home of the giant panda, before entering the mythical valley of Shangri-La.

Hong Kong Island Insights

5 days  / from 2850 USD

Hong Kong Island Insights

The bustling and dynamic city of Hong Kong is brimming with opportunities to explore its colonial past and rich Chinese heritage and culture. The perfect destination for the intrepid explorer, this unique trip won’t leave you disappointed.

China and Tibet – An Unforgettable Adventure

11 days  / from 3360 USD

China and Tibet – An Unforgettable Adventure

From tombs and monasteries to world-famous squares and walls, this trip takes in both China and Tibet for an unforgettable journey. Explore Beijing and all its spectacular attractions and take in the stunning natural surroundings around Chengdu and on into Tibet.

According to the Han historian Sima Qian, the Chinese warrior prince Zhuang Qiao founded the pastoral Dian Kingdom in eastern Yunnan during the third century BC. The Dian were a slave society, who vividly recorded their daily life and ceremonies involving human sacrifice in sometimes gruesome bronze models, which have been unearthed from their tombs. In 109 AD the kingdom was acknowledged by China: the emperor Wu, hoping to control the Southern Silk Road through to India, sent its ruler military aid and a golden seal. However, the collapse of the Han empire in 204 AD was followed by the dissolution of Dian into private statelets.

The Dali and Nanzhao kingdoms

In the eighth century, an aspiring Yunnanese prince named Piluoge, favouring Dali for its location near trade routes beteen central and southeastern Asia, invited all his rivals to dinner in the town, then set fire to the tent with them inside. Subsequently he established the Nanzhao Kingdom in Dali, which later expanded to include much of modern Burma, Thailand and Vietnam. In 937, the Bai warlord Duan Siping toppled the Nanzhao and set up a smaller Dali Kingdom, which survived until Kublai Khan and his Mongol hordes descended in 1252.

The Muslim Uprising

Directly controlled by China for the first time, Yunnan served for a while as a remote dumping ground for political troublemakers, thereby escaping the population explosions, wars and migrations that plagued central China. However, the Mongol invasion had introduced a large Muslim population to the province, who, angered by their deteriorating status under the Chinese, staged the Muslim Uprising in 1856. Under the warlord Du Wenxiu, the rebellion laid waste to Kunming and founded an Islamic state in Dali before the Qing armies ended it with the wholesale massacre of Yunnan’s Muslims in 1873, leaving a wasted Yunnan to local bandits and private armies for the following half-century.

Modern times

Strangely, it was the Japanese invasion of China during the 1930s that sparked a resurgence of Yunnan’s fortunes. Blockaded into southwestern China, the Guomindang government initiated great programmes of rail-and-road building through the region, though it’s only recently that Yunnan has finally benefited from its forced association with the rest of the country. Never agriculturally rich – only a tenth of the land is considered arable – the province looks to mineral resources, tourism and its potential as a future conduit between China and the much discussed, but as yet unformed, trading bloc of Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and Burma. Should these countries ever form an unrestricted economic alliance, the amount of trade passing through Yunnan would be immense, and highways, rail and air services have already been planned for the day the borders open freely.

Yunnan's Far West

Southwest of Xiaguan, Yunnan’s far west bumps up against the Burmese border, an increasingly tropical area of mountain forests and broad valleys planted with rice and sugar cane, all cut by the deep watershed gorges of Southeast Asia’s mighty Mekong and Salween rivers (in Chinese, the Lancang Jiang and Nu Jiang, respectively). Settlements have large populations of ethnic minorities, and mainstream China has never had a great presence in the region; indeed, at times it’s still often unclear whether rules and regulations originate in Beijing or with the nearest officer in charge.

The far west’s main artery, the underused G56 Expressway, roughly follows the route of the old Burma Road, built during World War II as a supply line between British-held Burma and Kunming, from where goods were shipped to China’s wartime capital, Chongqing. Something of the road’s original purpose survives today, with towns along the way, especially Ruili, right on the Burmese frontier, still clearly benefiting from the cross-border traffic. With the exception of geologically unsettled Tengchong, however, sights are few and – unless you’re heading into Burma – the main point of visiting is simply to experience a fairly untouristed, if not actually remote, corner of the country, not least along the upper reaches of the Nu Jiang Valley.

Transport through the far west is by bus, though you can also fly to Tengchong and the district capital Mangshi, just a couple of hours by road from Ruili. Some minor scuffles along the Burmese border in recent years, plus the area’s perennial drug-trafficking problems, mean you’ll encounter military checkpoints in the region, where you have to show passports and wait while vehicles are checked for contraband. The weather is subtropically humid, especially during the wet season between May and October, when landslides frequently cut smaller roads.

Tours to the Nu Jiang Valley

Tourism to the Nu Jiang Valley is in its infancy, with regional agencies offering guided treks – currently the best way to explore the area. While tours organized from Dali and Lijiang are likely to access the river valley via Xiaguan, agencies in Shangri-La may be able to organize a trek west towards the far north of the area, depending on the time of year. Be wary trekking in winter and spring, however, when high rainfall makes landslides common.

Trekking from Dimaluo

From Dimaluo it’s possible to trek to neighbouring valleys and avoid having to catch the bus all the way back down to Liuku. You’ll need a guide, though: expect to pay around ¥250 per day, including very basic food and accommodation.

One popular option begins with a stiff, two-day hike across the Nushan range to Cizhong (茨中, cízhōng), a village with another stone church in the parallel Lancang River valley; the locals even make their own red wine for Communion, though Christianity has been laid on top of much older, animist beliefs. There is an irregular, fair-weather bus service south from Cizhong to Weixi (维西, wéixī; 6–10hr), from where you can catch a bus to Lijiang via Shigu.

The region southeast of Kunming is a nicely unpackaged corner of the province, and there are good reasons, besides the Vietnamese border crossing at Hekou, to head down this way. Amiable, old-fashioned Jianshui boasts a complement of Qing architecture, and an unusual attraction in nearby caves, while Yuanyang is the base for exploring the cultures and impressive terraced landscapes of the Hong He Valley. Jianshui and Yuanyang can be tied together in a trip to the border, or each are directly accessible by bus from Kunming.

The access point for viewing the rice terraces is Yuanyang, a district 80km south of Jianshui and 300km from Kunming. The name covers two settlements: the riverside township of Nansha (元阳南沙, yuányáng nánshā), terminus for Jianshui buses; and, where you actually want to base yourself, XINJIE (元阳新街镇, yuányáng xīnjiēzhèn), 30km uphill at the top of a high ridge. Xinjie is a small, untidy brick-and-concrete town which becomes a hive of activity on market days (every five days), when brightly dresssed Hani, Miao, Yi and Yao women pour in from surrounding villages.

Yunnanese food splits broadly into three cooking styles. In the north, the cold, pastoral lifestyle produces dried meats and – very unusually for China – dairy products, fused with a Muslim cuisine, a vestige of the thirteenth-century Mongolian invasion. Typical dishes include wind-cured ham (火腿, huŏtuĭ), sweetened, steamed and served with slices of bread; dried cheese or yoghurt wafers (乳扇, rŭshān or 乳饼, rŭbǐng); the local version of crisp-skinned duck (烧鸭, shāoyā), flavoured with Sichuan peppercorns – you’ll see drum-shaped duck ovens outside many restaurants – and a tasty fish claypot (沙锅鱼, shāguō yú).

Eastern Yunnan produces the most recognizably “Chinese” food. From here comes chicken flavoured with medicinal herbs and stewed inside a specially shaped earthenware steamer (气锅鸡, qìguōjī), and perhaps the province’s most celebrated dish, crossing-the-bridge noodles (过桥米线, guòqiáo mǐxiàn), a sort of individualized hotpot eaten as a cheap snack; you pay by the size of the bowl. The curious name comes from a tale of a Qing scholar who retired every day to a lakeside pavilion to compose poetry. His wife, an understanding soul, used to cook him lunch, but the food always cooled as she carried it from their home over the bridge to where he studied – until she hit on the idea of keeping the heat in with a layer of oil on top of his soup.

Not surprisingly, Yunnan’s south is strongly influenced by Burmese, Lao and Thai cooking methods, particularly in the use of such un-Chinese ingredients as lime juice, coconut, palm sugar, cloves and turmeric. Here you’ll find a vast range of soups and stews, roughly recognizable as curries, displayed in aluminium pots outside fast-turnover restaurants, and oddities such as purple rice-flour pancakes sold at street markets. The south is also famous in China for producing good coffee and red pu’er, Yunnan’s best tea.

Top image: Dali, Yunnan, China © Jakrit Jiraratwaro/Shutterstock

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written by Andy Turner

updated 6.09.2021

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Lijiang Travel Guide

Lijiang Travel Guide

Located in the northwest of Yunnan Province in Southwest China, Lijiang is an ideal travel destination with a perfect combination of historical sites, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and ethnic minority cultures.

It is famed worldwide for its UNESCO Heritage Site, the Old Town of Lijiang , which dates back to over 800 years ago.

The Features of Lijiang

  • Lijiang is an important transit point on the Ancient Tea Horse Road . It was a center for economic and cultural communication between various ethnic groups such as the Naxi, Han, Tibetans, and Bai.
  • Lijiang boasts spectacular natural scenery , including snowy mountains, highland glacial lakes, and majestic canyons, making it a great place for outdoor activity lovers.
  • It is a healthy place to escape city stress, with an excellent environment and leisurely lifestyle , which draws a large number of visitors from bustling metropolises.

See our 6-Day Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour — Enjoy the elegant scenery, history and minorities’ unique customs in Kunming, Dali and Lijiang.

Top Attractions in Lijiang

  • The Old Town of Lijiang is China's best-preserved minority ancient town , and the only one among China's ancient towns without city walls. It is famous for its ancient architecture and orderly system of waterways.
  • Baisha Village : This is the earliest settlement of the Naxi people . It is a must-see if you love murals, which combine the cultures of the Han, Tibetan, and Naxi people.
  • Shuhe Ancient Town , a well-preserved example of a town along the Ancient Tea Horse Road , is more rustic and quieter than Lijiang Old Town.
  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the most southerly snow-capped mountain in the Northern Hemisphere outside of the Andes, soaring to about 5,500 meters (18,000 ft). Those who climb to the top will be rewarded by an amazing panoramic view (in good weather).
  • Tiger Leaping Gorge , the deepest and most beautiful gorge east of the Tibetan Plateau, and the most acclaimed hiking route in China, it is a place that hikers around the world dream of.
  • Lugu Lake is like a pearl inlaid in the bosom of the mountains. The rippling surface, the ancient natural canoes, the moving and pleasant fishing songs, and Mosuo culture make Lugu Lake full of mysterious charm .

See more Attractions in Lijiang . Contact us to create a Lijiang tour according to your requirments and interests.

Top Things to Do in and around Lijiang

  • Stroll along narrow cobblestone streets in Lijiang Old Town or Shuhe Old Town to step back in time.
  • Pay a visit to the nearby village of Baisha, which offers a glimpse into the lifestyles and traditional ways of the Naxi community.
  • Take a cable car to the peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and enjoy beautiful scenery.
  • Enjoy Impression Lijiang, a spectacular Zhang Yimou production with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the magnificent backdrop.
  • Go for a hike along Tiger Leaping Gorge for exhilarating natural scenery.

Learn more on Top 8 Things to Do in Lijiang .

The Best Times to Visit Lijiang

The best times to travel to Lijiang are from late March to May and mid-October to November .

Generally speaking, the weather in Lijiang is mild, warm in winter, and cool in summer. It is suitable for travelling all year round .

  • Spring (March to May) is a comfortable season with clear weather, blue sky, mild weather, and flower blossoms. Lijiang is at its most beautiful at this time.
  • Summer (June to September) is the rainy season, but it has a cooler temperature than many other cities in China.
  • Autumn (October to November) in Lijiang is the season of harvest . You will see farmers busy in the fields.
  • Winter (December to February) is clear and cool . It is the best time to travel to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Try to avoid Chinese public holidays, such as Labor Day (May 1 to 7) and National Day (October 1 to 7), and school summer vacations in July and August, when Lijiang is full of Chinese tourists.

Lijiang Transportation

Lijiang has an airport — Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. It is about 1 hour’s drive from Lijiang Old Town.

Domestic cities such as Beijing (4 hours), Shanghai (4 hours), Hangzhou (4 hours), Nanjing (3½ hours), Guangzhou (3 hours), Shenzhen (3 hours), Kunming (1 hour), Guilin (2 hours), Chengdu (2 hours), and Chongqing (2 hours) have direct flights to Lijiang.

From Kunming to Lijiang , besides flights, you could also take a high-speed train — a 3½ hours’ journey, which is more recommended.

From Dali to Lijiang , as there are no high-speed trains yet, there are only normal trains taking about 2 or 2½ hours. We suggest booking private transport, which would enable you to visit scenic spots along the way, such as Zhoucheng and Shaxi Town.

Plan a Trip to Lijiang

A typical trip to Lijiang takes about 3 days . Must-see attractions include Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and a Naxi-culture experience. See our 3-day Lijiang travel itinerary for inspiration:

  • Day 1 : Arrival + Lijiang Old Town + Black Dragon Pool Park
  • Day 2 : Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (by cable car) + Baisha Village (an ancient Naxi village)
  • Day 3 : Departure

If you are an outdoor lover, we can arrange a one-day Jade Dragon Snow Mountain hiking trip with professional local mountain guides for you... or a Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike. See How to Plan a Trip to Lijiang .

Just tell us your requirements , and our travel specialist will customize the itinerary according to your needs and interests.

Our Most Popular Lijiang Tours

Lijiang is a heaven for backpackers. But if you would like to learn about its unique culture and enjoy a more in-depth, comfortable, and hassle-free experience, a private tour is recommended. Here are some of our popular Lijiang tours for your inspiration:

  • 3-Day Essence of Ancient Lijiang Tour
  • 7-Day Lijiang, Kunming and Dali Tour
  • 6-Day Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour

All our tours can be customized. Just tell us your requirements and interests. Our popular Yunnan Tours may also give you inspiration.

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COMMENTS

  1. Best (& Worst) Times to Visit Yunnan 2024: Tips for All Months

    Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Yunnan for good weather. Spring (March to May) enjoys pleasant weather, especially if you prefer milder temperatures and enjoy witnessing the region's natural beauty in bloom. Daytime temperatures typically range from 15 to 25°C (59-77°F). During the autumn months, from September to November ...

  2. Best Time to Visit Yunnan

    Peak Season: Public Holidays, Summer Vacation & Winter. Yunnan is a hot tourist destination in China with plenty of tourists all the time. In addition to warm weather, it also attracts visitors with colorful multi-ethnic traditions and beautiful landscapes. ... Lots of visitors go there to escape from bitter cold and consider it the best time ...

  3. Yunnan Travel

    The average temperature in summer is around 19~22℃ and the average temperature in winter is 6~8℃. The rainy season in Yunnan falls from June to August that you should take rainproof when travel in Yunnan during the period. Best Places to Visit in Winter: Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Kunming Green Lake.

  4. Best Time to Visit Yunnan: Weather and Temperatures. 4 Months to Avoid

    Find out when Yunnan has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures. Tourist seasons in Yunnan. Very low season in Yunnan The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January and February. Low season in Yunnan The months with low numbers of tourists ...

  5. Yunnan Travel Guide: Diverse Cultures, Awesome Scenery

    The Most Popular Tourist Cities in Yunnan. Yunnan Province is endowed with abundant tourist attractions, and its regions attract visitors with their unique features. Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, is praised as The Spring City for its climate that avoids extremes and most resembles the season of spring. Must-See Attractions in Kunming:

  6. Best time to visit Yunnan: Unveiling Hidden Charm

    A. Spring in Yunnan (March to May) Spring is one of the most famous and best time to visit Yunnan. Temperatures range from 8°C to 20°C, and remembering that the days are warm, the nights can be cooler, so wearing a sweater and a light coat is central. Spring is the best season to visit Yunnan's principal urban communities, like Kunming ...

  7. How to Plan a Trip to Yunnan

    Peak Season to Visit Yunnan is from October to November. The Autumn peak season is starting from the Chinese National Day Holiday, the weather is cool and dry and often sunny with a clear sky. The first week of October is golden week, many tourists rush to Yunnan, the price for hotels, flights & train tickets are much higher than on ordinary ...

  8. Travel to Yunnan

    This article is a travel guide to Yunnan Province, in the South West of China. It was written by Harley Greenberg, who works with a local travel agency (WindhorseTour) in China. Yunnan Province is famous for its diverse scenery and for being home of a third of all China's ethnic minorities. It has lots to offer any traveler!

  9. Yunnan Travel Guide: Ultimate Guide to Exploring Yunnan

    Recommended places to visit in Summer (June to August): Lijiang, Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna. Recommended places to visit in Autumn (September to November): Yuanyang, Jianshui, Dongchuan Red Land. Recommended places to visit in Winter (December to February): Xishuangbanna, Lijiang, Tengchong. Read more on Yunnan Weather & Things to Do for Each Season

  10. How to Plan a Trip to Yunnan 2024

    Spring (March to May) in Yunnan is the season for oceans of flowers. We recommend a visit to Kunming, Dali, Luoping, and Xishuangbanna. See the 5-Day Spring Tour to Kunming, Luoping, and Wanfenglin. Summer (June to September) in Yunnan is a good season to escape China's heat. We recommend Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Puzhehei.

  11. Yunnan Travel Guide

    Best Places to Visit in Yunnan. Top 1. Kunming - the City of Ever Spring. Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan, and while reputed as a flower city that attracts tourists from all over China. Owning China's largest flower market that delivers to all over the country every day.

  12. Yunnan travel blog

    Dry season and rainy season are separate (# yunnan travel guide) Yunnan is divided into two distinct dry and rainy seasons. November to April is the dry season, when temperatures are quite high and solar radiation occurs frequently. So, don't forget to use skin care products, such as sunscreen and sunglasses, if you travel during this time. ...

  13. The Ultimate Yunnan China Travel Guide: All You Need to Know

    Visiting Yunnan (云南) ticks all the right boxes. It is by far the most diverse of all of China's provinces. Planning a trip here means experiencing an extraordinary mix of landscapes and people.

  14. 10 Best Places to Visit in Yunnan, Where to Go in Yunnan

    Location: northwest part of Yunnan, China; about 517km (3~3.5 hours' bullet train ride or 1 hour's flight) from Yunnan's capital Kunming. Altitude: 2,418m; Highlights: Lijiang Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lugu Lake, Tiger leaping gorge… Best Time to Visit: Spring from March to May and autumn from October to ...

  15. Best Time to Visit Yunnan

    July and August are rainy season of Yunnan and peak season of Yunnan travel. Prices at tourist attractions and hotels are rising and tourists are increasing. However, more rain increases the amount of water in the rivers and lakes, and the scenery around Kunming and Lijiang is more impressive. Recommended Tour Packages:

  16. Top 10 Things to Do in Yunnan, Best Places to Visit

    More Questions & Answers. 10 top things to do in Yunnan are to visit Lijiang Old Town and Dali Ancient City, to boat on Lugu Lake and Erhai Lake, to admire the majesty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain and the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, to hike along Tiger Leaping Gorge, and to enjoy the primitive Potatso Park and Kunming Stone Forest.

  17. Yunnan Travel Guide: Yunnan Tour, Map, Ethnic Minority Groups

    Yunnan has the most ethnic minorities in China, which make up about 1/3 of the province's population. Of China's 55 ethnic minorities, the province is home to 51 and 25 of them exceed populations of 5,000. These ethnic minorities live together over vast areas in the region while some live in individual concentrated communities in small areas.

  18. The complete travel guide to Yunnan (云南)

    The complete travel guide to Yunnan (云南), the most diverse Chinese province. March 20, 2024. Yunnan is one of the most beautiful and diverse provinces in China. You can find the top things to do and see in this article. Yunnan Province in China is a beautiful, diverse, landlocked region known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural ...

  19. Ultimate Yunnan Itineraries: 6 Top Tours Options and Side Trips

    8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour Meet the Amazing Beauty of Yunnan. 2. A 6-Day Lijiang to Shangri-La Adventure Tour (Good for Hiking Lovers) If you want to experience the atmosphere of adventure that the great explorer Joseph Rock pioneered, this itinerary would be good for you.

  20. Weather and climate in Yunnan: where to go in Yunnan?

    When to travel to Yunnan? Yunnan is a province that can be visited all year round. If spring and autumn are the seasons with the best weather compromise between the summer rains and the cold of winter, the summer months are pleasant because the rains are as abundant as the monsoons of Asia. South East at the same time.

  21. Yunnan Attractions

    No.5: Three Pagodas & Chongsheng Temple. Type: Cultural Relics, Scenic Spots. City: Dali. The Three Pagodas & Chongsheng Temple was first built in the 9th and 10th centuray, and now it is both one of the oldest ancient buildings in China and the symbolic building of Dali.

  22. Yunnan Travel Guide

    Plan your visit to Yunnan, China: find out where to go and what to do in Yunnan with Rough Guides. Read about itineraries, activities, places to stay and travel essentials and get inspiration from the blog in the best guide to Yunnan. ... with a torrential wet season in summer. Tailor-made travel itineraries for China, created by local experts ...

  23. Lijiang Travel Guide

    The best times to travel to Lijiang are from late March to May and mid-October to November.. Generally speaking, the weather in Lijiang is mild, warm in winter, and cool in summer. It is suitable for travelling all year round.. Spring (March to May) is a comfortable season with clear weather, blue sky, mild weather, and flower blossoms. Lijiang is at its most beautiful at this time.