yunnan trip

Must-see attractions in Yunnan

Bada Rice Terrace

Bada is one of the finest rice terraces at Yuanyang to catch the sunset at. If you only have time for one terrace, this is it.

Golden Temple

The Golden Temple Scenic Area is equal parts religious space, forest park, botanical garden and open-air sculpture museum; it covers 118 hectares on the…

Mingyong Glacier

Tumbling off the side of Kawa Karpo peak is the 12km-long Mingyong Glacier. At over 13 sq km, it is not only the lowest glacier in China (around 2200m)…

Three Pagodas

Absolutely the symbol of the town and region, these pagodas, a 2km walk north of the north gate, are among the oldest standing structures in southwestern…

Bamboo Temple

Tucked away atop a winding mountain road up the forested hills northwest of the city centre, this serene temple is definitely one to be visited by…

Gantong Temple

Originally constructed in the Tang dynasty, this was once the most important temple in the Dali area. Only one of the original 36 halls remains, but…

Duoyishu Rice Terrace

Located about 25km from Xinjie, this rice terrace has the most awesome sunrises. As it's walking distance from Pugaolao it's an easy choice for the…

Black Dragon Pool Park

On the northern edge of town is Black Dragon Pool Park; the view from here of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is an obligatory photo stop in southwestern China…

Swallow's Cavern

Set inside a small nature reserve, this large cave complex is split into two – one high and dry, the other low and wet. The natural quiet of the popular…

Confucian Temple

Jianshui’s most famous temple was modelled after the temple in Confucius’ hometown of Qufu (Shandong province) and finished in 1285; it covers 7.5…

Lijiang Old Town

The old town is centred on busy and touristy Old Market Square, with the Waterwheel defining the northern edge and the lively Zhongyi Market marking the…

Yúnfēng Shān

Dotted with 17th-century temples and monastic retreats, Taoist holy mountain Yunfeng Shan is 47km north of Tengchong. It’s possible to take a cable car…

Stone Forest

Inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 2007 as part of the South China Karst, Kunming's Stone Forest Scenic Area is undeniably beautiful – but…

Wandering anywhere along the forested trails and stone pathways throughout Shibao Mountain makes for a pleasant day trip out of Shaxi, but the real…

Yunnan Provincial Museum

Originally built in 1951, this museum's relocation in 2015 gave it a thoroughly modern 60,000 square metres of exhibition space. Displays span the…

Wēibǎo Shān

Weibao Mountain, about 10km south of Weishan, has a relatively easy hike to its peak at around 2500m. During the Ming and Qing dynasties it was the zenith…

Twin Dragon Bridge

This beautiful 30m bridge across the confluence of the Lu and Tachong Rivers features 17 arches, so many that it took two periods of the Qing dynasty to…

Tropical Botanical Garden

Xishuangbanna Region

Lovely tropical gardens – the largest botanic gardens in all China – with many rare plant species and decent English and Latin signage. Don't miss the…

Ruili Market

This is one of the most colourful and fun markets in all Yunnan, with a real swirl of ethnicities, including Dai, Jingpo, Han and Burmese, as well as the…

Taihua Temple

The courtyard of the Ming dynasty Taihua Temple houses a fine collection of flowering trees, including magnolias and camellias, and is a popular to place…

Ganden Sumtseling Gompa

This 300-year-old Tibetan monastery complex about 4km north of the old town is home to around 600 monks. Extensive rebuilding has robbed the monastery of…

Zhu Family Garden

This spacious 20,000-sq-metre complex, which includes 42 separate courtyards, is a fascinating example of Qing-era architecture. Comprising ancestral…

Green Lake Park

Come here to people-watch, practise taichi or just hang with the locals and stroll through winding lines that meander through the 22 hectares of ponds and…

Yan Family Compound

This traditional Bai-style wooden courtyard home was constructed by businessman Yan Zizheng in the early 1900s, using the fortune he made from trading…

Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Museum

Attractive modern permanent exhibitions on local history, folk traditions and religious culture make this a worthwhile stop before or after the Guishan…

Huating Temple

Towards the bottom of the mountain is Huating Temple, a country temple of the Nanzhao kingdom believed to have been constructed in the 11th century. It’s…

National Memorial Cemetery

This touching cemetery and museum is dedicated to the soldiers who fought and died to defend Yunnan during World War II, including those fighting on…

Dabaoji Palace

The main historical draw of Baisha is the impressive collection of frescoes located inside the small complex, the earliest of which date to 1385. In…

Dragon Gate

On the upper reaches of Xi Shan, the 'Dragon Gate Scenic Area' is a collection of pavilions, temples and grottoes scattered along the mountaintop. The…

Dounan Flower Market

China's largest flower market is a riot of colours and smells, and a charming place to wander for an hour and see the diversity of species on offer. Try…

Dali Catholic Church

It's worth checking out Dali’s Catholic Church. Dating back to 1927, it's a beautiful blend of Bai-style architecture and classic Christian theology and…

Tropical Flower & Plants Garden

This terrific botanic garden, found west of the town centre, is one of Jinghong’s better attractions. Admission gets you into a series of gardens where…

Nanzhao Museum

Architecture and artefacts describe the rise and importance of the Nanzhao kingdom, as well as offer brief introductions to the many ethnic groups that…

Yuantong Temple

This Zen Buddhist temple is the largest Buddhist complex in Kunming and a popular draw for both pilgrims and locals. It’s more than 1200 years old, but…

Menghua Old Home

This great courtyard home, now owned by the government, is Weishan's best-preserved slice of architecture and also acts as a modest museum displaying…

Towering over the west side of Lijiang's Old Town, Lion Hill's 23 hectares of park land are a pleasant diversion. The obvious high point is the panoramic…

Quanfuzhuang Rice Terrace

Quanfuzhuang is a less-crowded – and free – alternative to Duoyishu, and has easy access via trails that reach the terraces from near a roadside viewing…

Guishan Buddhist Temple

Atop 'Great Turtle Hill' in the heart of the old town, this modern temple stands on the site of an original 1667 construction consecrated to a replica of…

Shangri-la Thangka Academy

Thangka master Lobsang Khudup trains young students in painting and Buddhist philosophy here. Even if you're not in the market to buy, it's worth stopping…

Gongchen Tower

Looming over the centre of town, this drum tower dates back to the 14th century and remains the very symbol of Weishan. Ascend the stone ramparts from the…

More destinations you need to see

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

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).

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.

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 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.

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 .

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 .

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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 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

Harley Greenberg

Related posts.

The Stone Forest and the legend of Ashima

From Lijiang to Lugu Lake: Chronicle of a Hectic Trip

Gubeikou: Hiking on the Wild Great Wall

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

Thanks so much for sharing. 🙂 zinbeauty

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?

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

Hello Jaimie,

yes, there are night buses

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Get 3 Months FREE with EXPRESS VPN

+ Best VPN For China + 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee + 24/7 Live China Customer Support + 3 Months Free on 12 Months Package

Explore Yunnan

Plan your trip to yunnan: best of yunnan tourism.

Essential Yunnan

Trending in the forums

Yunnan Is Great For

Art & history.

The great outdoors

Historic sites

Plan Your Trip

Best time to visit.

Best Time to Visit-Tropical Regions

Best time to Visit-Capital of Kunming

Best Time to Visit-The Highland Regions

Latest travel advisories for yunnan, entry requirements and covid-19 latest news, getting around.

Where to Stay

Youth Hostels

Featured Inns

Tours operators, yunnan travel agency association, tours & itineraries.

Day trip to Wuding,enjoy the Wild Mushrooms Hotpot!

Long Weekend, Half Day Tour of Kunming

Traveler Essentials

Travel blogs.

Yunnan, a many splendoured life_03

Four Seasons Tour of Yunnan, Strolling through Twelve Moments in the Colorful Clouds_01

Yunnan, a many splendored life_02

• Destinations
• Travel Tips
• Travel With Us
• Paid Travel Internship
• TTIFridays (Community Events)
• SG Travel Insider (Telegram Grp)

12D Yunnan Itinerary: China’s Best Kept Secret — Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la

Few people realise how gorgeous this region of China is. Here’s our 12-day Yunnan itinerary with scenic views comparable to Switzerland!

First published on: 6 Dec 2019

When I think of China, I think of Beijing , Shanghai , and maybe even Guangzhou. Yunnan was not even in my subconscious, let alone on my list of must-travels. But after an exhilarating 12 days around the province, I fell in love with every single city we hit.

I fell in love with the people of Kunming, the nightlife of Dali and the antiquated mystique of Shangri-la. Lijiang even took it to the next level with its iconic snow-capped wonder, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and (in)famous 28-bend hike of the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Yet, we found that not many people from all over the world flock to this region. Even though that is a plus point to many, we believe it would be such a shame if we didn’t share this not-so-little secret with the rest of the world! 

So before this itinerary hits the houses of many, we recommend that you start planning your Yunnan adventure to see some of the most beautiful sights in the world. Here’s our 12-day Yunnan itinerary for China’s best secrets.

Pre-trip Essentials

Getting Around: The best way to get around is with the apps Didi and Baidu , their local Uber/Grab, and navigation map respectively.

Connectivity:  Stay connected with an eSIM . Make sure to download VPN apps before leaving Singapore to access Facebook, Whatsapp, Telegram, Instagram, etc.

Transport: Book your high-speed rail between Kunming to Dali and Lijiang to Kunming early as these run out fast. In Yunnan, bus tickets can only be bought from the bus station the bus leaves from and you can look at the bus timing schedule here to plan your itinerary for the day.

Day 1 – 2: Kunming (昆明)

Our first stop in this Yunnan itinerary is Kunming, Yunnan’s capital — known for its pleasant weather and blooming flowers all year round. Kunming was actually the gateway to the famous Silk Road and is still considered today as China’s transportation hub connecting Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la.

Weather in Kunming: Temperatures average 15°C all year round. January is the coldest at 8°C and July’s the hottest at 25°C.

Accommodation in Kunming: There are several comfortable yet affordable stays within the city of Kunming.

Green Lake Park (翠湖公园)

This park is absolutely gorgeous, with always-blooming flowers and clear waters reflecting the magnificent bridges. It’s also the perfect place to absorb the Kunming culture! Every Sunday, locals from all walks of life adorn traditional costumes and gather at the park to dance, sing and have fun.

They even welcome foreigners. But beware, the dance steps are not easy at all (It’s like an eastern hoedown where everyone knows the steps and you are like what is going on).

Opening hours: 7AM – 11PM How to get there: 8min walk from Huashan West Rd stn on Line 5 of Kunming Metro ( Baidu Map )

Yunnan Nationalities Village (云南民族村)

Yunnan is home to 26 different ethnic minorities scattered all around the province, and obviously, the best way to understand a place is to understand its people. It’s almost impossible to visit every single tribe around Yunnan at once unless you’re at the Yunnan Nationalities Village .

Each tribe in this park offered us an insight into their life back in their hometowns — adorned in their traditional garment, performing tunes of their tribe and taking us around the rebuilt replicas of their homes. We were even lucky enough to get invited to have a meal with the people of the Pumi tribe.

The park is huge, so make sure you allocate enough time to see as many tribes as you want (around an hour per tribe). A faster way to get around is by renting a four-wheel bike (100RMB).

*Pro-tip: Check the timetable at the entrance of the Yunnan Village for the performance timings around the compound and alter your itinerary accordingly.

Entrance fee: 90RMB (45RMB for students) Opening hours: 9AM – 6PM How to get there: Take bus line No. 44, 73 or A1 to Yunnan Nationalities Village Station ( Baidu Map )

Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Scenic Region Day Trip (石林)

Epic or what? This 400sq km-wide area of towering limestones (all natural!) was considered the “First Wonder of the World” to the Chinese. I mean, can we question that?

Exploring the Stone Forest itself is like experiencing a giant storybook too. For example, there’s an “Ashima rock” that tells the tale of a beautiful girl who was kidnapped and forced to marry an evil man. Thankfully, her lover saves her, but she eventually gets washed away by a flood and turned into a rock.

40 minutes by bus from the Stone Forest lies the Jiuxiang Caves , the largest cave group system in China with over 100 karst caves. Here you’ll get to explore a bat cave, a lying dragon cave, a grand lion hall and a fairy field, among others.

And of course, my personal favourite — a karaoke system in the middle of the entire trail playing classic 90s English songs and Chinese hits. Why is there a karaoke system in the middle of an ancient cave? I can only say China never ceases to surprise us.

Stone Forest Entrance fee: 130RMB per pax Cost of bus ride: 34RMB (1.5hrs) Opening hours: 7AM – 7PM How to get there: Take Line 3 of the metro to East Coach Station. Then, take a bus to Stone Forest ( Baidu Map ).

Jiuxiang Cave Cost: 90RMB + 30RMB (chairlift). The chairlift is optional but we do recommend it because it saves a lot of time. It transported us to the starting point within 10 minutes instead of having to walk back through the trail which would take an hour. Opening hours: 8AM – 6PM How to get there: Ask the locals to direct you to the right bus ( Baidu Map )

Cross Bridge Rice Noodles at Jianxinyuan (建新园)

This Yunnan delicacy can be found all over Kunming, with Jianxinyuan being the most famous chain. The noodles are served separately from the soup so they don’t turn soggy, and the boiling-hot broth has a layer of oil to retain the heat. The ingredients are then mixed on the spot upon serving, allowing everything to cook in the broth.

Cost: ~20RMB Opening hours: 8AM – 10PM Address: No.195 Baoshan Street, Wuhua District, Kunming 650021, China ( Baidu Map )

Read also : 16 Things to Do in Kunming — The Unexplored Gem in China

Day 3 – 4: Dali (大理市)

Getting from Kunming to Dali: Take a high-speed rail from Kunming Railway Station To Dali Station (2.5hrs)

Next in this Yunnan itinerary — Dali! Just 2.5 hours away by train from Kunming, Dali is sandwiched between Erhai Lake and the mountains which means you’ll be greeted with stunning panoramic views everywhere you turn.

Weather in Dali: Temperatures range from 18 – 25°C in (June) and from 4 – 17°C in winter (January).

Accommodation in Dali: We stayed at The Lily Pad Inn which was only a 15-minute walk from Dali Ancient City.

Dali Ancient City (大理古城) 

Roaming the streets of Dali Ancient City gave me the perfect snapshot of Dali, from the beautifully decorated streets to its delicious food.

Don’t miss this street with beautifully decorated umbrellas for that Insta-worthy photo!

How to get there: Take bus 3 from Dali Railway Station to Dali Ancient Town, journey is about 1hr ( Baidu Map )

Bad Monkey Bar (坏猴子酒吧)

Dali Ancient City is the only ancient city in this Yunnan itinerary with a lively nightlife. So if you plan on partying it up, this is your stop! When you’re done exploring, chug some local craft beer at Bad Monkey Bar . There’s India pale ale, stout, wheat and amber ale to choose from 40RMB each.

We have to give a special mention to the live music because it really added to the ambience — and the band was singing English songs too.

Opening hours: 9AM – 3AM Address: 73-75 Renmin Road, Dali Old Town, Dali, Yunnan 671003 ( Baidu Map )

Three Pagodas (崇圣寺三塔)

Built 1,800 years ago, the majestic Three Pagodas play an important role in China’s history as it’s a symbol of the development of Buddhism in China. But wait, there’s more!

Behind the Three Pagodas is the Chongsheng Temple that was built in the 10th Century, and is one of the largest Buddhist centres in China. It comprises eight terraces, nine sections and 11 levels across 4km leading to the Cangshan Mountain .

Entrance fee: 75RMB (37RMB for students) Opening hours:  7AM – 6:30PM How to get there: Take the Three Pagodas Line in downtown Dali from Dali Railway Station or Xiaguan to the Three Pagodas Scenic Area in Chongsheng ( Baidu Map )

Erhai Lake (洱海)

Erhai is one of the seven biggest freshwater lakes in China. The ‘Er’ actually means ‘ear’ which is also the shape of the sea! It is essential to the daily life of the locals because it is an ideal spot for them to fish. With the backdrop of the vast scenic lake and the opportunity to learn about the life of a local, this serves as the best place to have a relaxing afternoon picnic.

How to get there: From the South Gate of the Ancient Town, take bus C2 and alight at Caicun Dock. Then, walk for 10 minutes to the lake. ( Baidu Map )

Yunnan Wild Mushroom Rice Noodles (云南野生菌米线)

Yunnan is home to hundreds of different edible mushrooms so eating here is a quintessential Yunnan experience. I really recommend you make time in your itinerary to hit this spot as it was the best meal I had in Yunnan!

The rice noodles came with supremely delicious and fresh mushrooms (morels, porcini, matsutake). We left the restaurant caressing our happy stomachs, satisfied with the recommendation from our hostel host.

Cost: 32RMB per bowl Opening hours: 11AM – 10.30PM How to get there: The restaurant is in Dali Ancient Town. Facing Bad Monkey Bar , turn left. The restaurant is about 10 minutes away down the same street on the left, beside a bubble tea store.

Day 5 – 9: Lijiang (丽江)

Getting from Dali to Lijiang: Take the 2.5hrs high-speed rail from Dali Station To Lijiang Station.

You don’t need to travel to Europe to get sights like these. Arguably the main highlight in Yunnan, Lijiang is a must-have in your itinerary if you’re looking for amazing nature views and hikes, from gorges to snow mountains!

Weather in Lijiang: Wear layered clothing as the temperature throughout the day fluctuates drastically. Temperatures peak at 20°C from June to September, down to 0°C in from December to February.

Accommodation in Lijiang: October Inn Hostel was located 10 minutes away from Lijiang Ancient City.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山)

Photo credit: Freepik

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain consists of 13 snow-capped peaks and several glaciers, and till date, no one has reached the summit! Anyone who tried either died or was forced to give up. But don’t worry, the boardwalk goes to a height of 4,680m and is very safe.

But before that, to fully enjoy the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and its surrounding attractions, we recommend getting the package ticket that also includes entrance to the Blue Moon Valley and Impression Lijiang Show (directed by Zhang Yimou!).

There are several layers to this experience:

(1) Explore the Surroundings: Head over to the Blue Moon Valley first, which is an enormous lake at the foot of the mountain. Stroll along the lake for views of waterfalls and wild yaks.

(2) Take the cable car up the mountain: There are three different cable cars that go up to various heights. The highest one goes to the Glacier Park at 4,506m high. From the station, there’s a 100m boardwalk, which is the highest a tourist can go! We recommend booking the 11AM cable car for the best views (the morning fog clears up then).

You’ll want to get your tickets early. Either book through a tour or get a local (like hostel staff) to book for you via WeChat or AliPay. Only 10,000 tickets are released daily at 7AM and they’re snagged fast (This only applies to the Big Cable Car).

If you happen to miss the tickets for Big Cable Car, you can still admire the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at the foot or mid-levels. You just have to purchase entrance tickets (100RMB) and tickets for the smaller chairlifts (60RMB to the Yak Meadow, 55RMB to the Spruce Meadow) separately on the day of your visit itself.

*Pro-tip: Don’t forget to layer up. If you didn’t bring enough clothes, you can rent a jacket from the base for 50RMB. Also, get your oxygen cans from Lijiang City as it’s much cheaper than on the snow mountain. It’s easy to get altitude sickness here, so walk slowly, and carry an oxygen can for good measure — one tank to two people should suffice.

(3) Catch the Impression Lijiang Show: Located at the base of the attraction, the Impression Lijiang Show is an outdoor singing and dancing performance demonstrating the tradition and lifestyle of the local ethnic people. With 500 people in the cast and the spectacular Jade Snow Mountain as the backdrop, this performance truly encapsulated the beauty of Yunnan!

Showtimes: 12:40PM, 2:50PM Cost: 420RMB (incl. chairlift, Blue Moon Valley and Impression Lijiang show) Opening hours: 7AM – 6PM How to get there: Hail a private car along the Mao Ze Dong Hong Tai Yang Square (红太阳广场) that takes you directly there (400RMB). Alternatively, take the no. 7 minivan leaving from the Red Sun Square , right opposite the statue of Mao Zedong (30RMB).

Old Town of Lijiang (丽江古城)

The Old Town of Lijiang is known for its organised bridges and orderly system of waterways throughout the town. This design was actually due to the fact that this town was once a confluence for trade along The Tea Horse Caravan Trail.

Yak butter milk ice cream is a must-try when in Yunnan.

We had spent many nights in Lijiang, so we became rather familiar with the streets. We even stumbled upon this lookout point that eventually became our hangout spot to watch the sunset. At the foot of Da Yan Hua Lane (大研花巷), there are stairs that will lead up to this lookout point. Ask the locals for help locating this lane!

Opening hours: Most shops close by 10PM How to get there: The Old Town of Lijiang is serviced by several public buses in Lijiang, but we took Didi as it’s cheaper and more efficient. ( Baidu Map )

Black Dragon Pool (黑龙潭)

The Black Dragon Pool is a refreshing change of pace from the city. Stroll around the compound with a view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at the back, and explore the Buddhist temple on site.

Entrance Fee: 50RMB Opening Hours: 7AM – 9:30PM How to get there: Take bus 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 13, 20, or 28 to Heilongtan (Jade Spring Park), or walk 15mins from Old Town of Lijiang ( Baidu Map )

2D1N Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike (虎跳峡)

I had always fantasised about the Swiss Alps , but its lesser-known sibling hides in the depths of Yunnan. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world, it measures 16km long and is 3900m deep from the Jinsha River to the Haba Mountain. 

Conquering the infamous 28 bends over its hiking path is no easy task, but is definitely very doable. For someone who is of average fitness, this would serve as a medium-intensity hike. No pain no gain, and the views of the beautiful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain were definitely a very worthy gain! But do make sure to prep sufficiently for the hike, with snacks and loads of water.

We started our hike a little ahead of Qiaotou. 3 hours in, we stopped for lunch at Mama Naxi Guesthouse (~25RMB/pax), a common stop for Tiger Leaping Gorge hikers serving simple home-cooked Chinese food like eggs and tomatoes, and even butter milk tea using yak milk.

We took another four hours after lunch to complete the 28 bends and the rest of the hike before we reached our accommodation for the night at Tea Horse Guest House . Sleep early because you’ll want to catch the sunrise at 6AM (otherwise, sleeping in till 9AM is fine too)!

The second-day hike was way easier because it was not crowded, and we spent the entire time hiking at the cliff’s edge. We finished the hike in 5 to 6 hours and stopped by Tina’s Guest House for food along the way down. From here, the only bus back to Lijiang departs at 3:30PM daily so don’t miss it. Depending on your Yunnan itinerary, there’s also a bus towards Shangri-la that departs from Tina’s Guest House at 3:30PM.

Entrance fee: 45RMB (22.5RMB for students under 24) Opening hours: 24hrs How to get there: We got our host at October Inn Hostel to arrange a bus to pick us up at 7AM and drop us at Qiaotou Bridge, which took 1.5hrs. Your trail will start slightly beyond that point (ask the locals for directions).

Naxi Snacks Store

This unassuming store in Lijiang Old Town can be easily missed if you’re not discerning, but it serves up really good food like blood sausage (22RMB) and chickpea noodles (6RMB).

Blood sausage served with fried vegetables drizzled with homemade chili powder .

The main ingredient in blood sausage is pig’s blood which made me a little squeamish. But it was actually very crispy and tasty. It tastes more like a stuffed potato chip. The chickpea noodles are served cold with chili oil, parsley, peanuts, and beansprout in the bowl which all mix together perfectly.

Opening hours: 8AM – 9PM Address: 88 Wuyi Street, Gucheng District, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China, 674100 ( Baidu Map )

Day 10 – 12: Shangri-la (香格里拉)

Getting from Lijiang to Shangri-la: Take a 3.5-hour bus from Lijiang Bus Station (62RMB).

The streets of Shangri-la enchanted us with an antiquated mystique, from unique Tibetan-styled streets to grand monasteries.

Weather in Shangri-la: It’s the coldest place in this Yunnan itinerary. Temperatures average 19°C from June to August, and -2°C from December to February.

Accommodation in Shangri-la: Shangajoy Seasons Inn is located a walking distance away from the Dukezong. They had helpful staff that booked us tours and showed us around!

Balagezong Scenic Area (巴拉格宗风景区)

Balagezong was truly breathtaking with its towering mountains, unimaginably fresh air and waters so blue I was sure the saturation was tampered with (it’s not, lah). We explored a magnificent Buddhist temple, a glass walkway perched on the mountains, had a delicious Tibetan lunch and a scenic 2.5km walk through the Balagezong Grand Canyon .

The glass walkway stop was my favourite part of the day trip! Not being the best with heights, having to walk a pathway that allowed me to see 3,000m down to my death was not very comforting. But the views down were so stunning that a little heart palpitation was a worthy cost to bear.

If you’re feeling a little adventurous, this stop also offers a zip-lining activity through the canyon (120RMB).

Cost: 290RMB for tour incl. round trip transport, transport within the scenic area and entrance fees (ask hostel staff to help book a tour). Opening hours: 8AM – 5PM How to get there: Shuttle buses depart daily around 9AM from Shangri-La’s Dukezong Ancient Town, and leave Balagezong from 4PM – 5PM. ( Baidu Map )

Songzanlin Lamasery (松赞林寺)

Songzanlin  is the largest  Tibetan Buddhist  monastery in Yunnan, covering 30 hectares. The 5th Dalai Lama chose this site in 1679, and it has since grown into the most important monastery in the community of Yunnan.

At the entrance, you can board a bus that takes you directly to the monastery, or you can alternatively walk 30 minutes to the monastery around the lake. We recommend walking if you can because the serene stroll through the park allows immaculate views of the Lamasery.

Entrance fee: 115RMB (62RMB for students under 24) Opening hours:  6AM – 6PM Address: Niwang Rd, Shangri-La, Deqen, Yunnan, China ( Baidu Map )

Napahai Lake (纳帕海)

The Napahai Natural Lake Reserve alone is 90% of Singapore’s size at 660km sq wide. The best way to explore the entire lake is to rent a car and drive along the entire coastline. Trust me, the views are worth it!

*Pro-tip: Napahai Lake and Songzalin Lamasery are nearby so we recommend hiring a private car and visiting both in one day.

How to get there: 214 West Side of West Inner Ring Road, Shangri-La, China ( Baidu Map )

Dukezong (獨克宗)

Dukezong is a Tibetan town located in the heart of Shangri-la. Unlike the other ancient towns, the Tibetan culture colours each narrow street with gilded prayer halls, pagodas and Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags.

The Prayer Wheel is one of the main attractions of the Ancient Town. Spin the prayer wheel three times and good luck and fortune will fall upon you. It’s the tallest of its kind in the world at 21m high, making it virtually impossible for one person to spin it alone. Rally up your pals to spin it together!

Opening Hours: Most shops close by 10:30PM How to get there: Dukezong is within walking distance from Shangri-La Town ( Baidu Map )

Tibetan Hotpot (藏式火锅)

After a whole day of exploring around Shangri-La, we treated ourselves to a hearty Tibetan hotpot at a restaurant in Dukezong Ancient Town.

The hot pot was really shiok especially in the cold Shangri-la weather. There was an array of fresh vegetables and meat to choose from — from bean sprouts to Chinese kale, and black goat meat to yak beef balls, we were really spoilt for choice.

Eventually, we settled on the black goat meat since it’s the local Shangri-la delicacy. And boy oh boy, was it a good choice! The meat cooked really quickly and it just melted in our mouths. We ordered the spicy miso and mushroom soup which complimented all the ingredients really well.

Heading back to Kunming

Since our return flight back to Singapore was from Kunming, we took a 13-hour sleeper bus (223RMB) from Shangri-la back to Kunming . Bus tickets can only be purchased at the ticketing counter of the bus station.

Alternatively, you can take the bus to Lijiang (62RMB), then take the high-speed rail (~S$42) from Lijiang to Kunming in under 6.5 hours.

China’s Best-Kept Secret

Before coming on this trip, I knew next to nothing about Yunnan, let alone that it is home to so many beautiful attractions and scenic landscapes!

But after 12 days of hiking magnificent gorges, scaling snow-capped mountains and exploring ancient towns, Yunnan definitely made my list of the top three countries I have travelled to, with Slovenia and Spain sharing the title.

It now feels like I am in on this not-so-little secret that the entire of Yunnan was hiding away from the rest of the world. You can thank us later for this Yunnan itinerary. But for now, get ready for your next adventure!

Read also: 9 Reasons Why Yunnan Should Be On Your Travel Bucket List

Checking out other parts of China? Here are some more ideas: – 2-Week China Itinerary — Rail Adventure Across Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Suzhou – 12D Central China Itinerary to Ancient Gems & Undiscovered Sights — Things to do in Wuhan, Changsha & Zhangjiajie – Ultimate First-Timer’s Guide to China: 14 Exciting Things To Do In Beijing – 25 Exciting Things to Do in Shanghai — First Timer’s Guide From Must-Dos to Hidden Gems – 5D4N Suzhou and Hangzhou Itinerary — Beauty of Tiger Hill, West Lake and More – 19 Reasons to Visit China’s Most Underrated Cities — Wuhan, Changsha & Zhangjiajie – 11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Hainan Island For Your Next Resort Holiday

We hope this Yunnan itinerary was useful in planning your next adventure. If we missed out anything in our Yunnan itinerary, do let us know in the comments.

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , Telegram , and  YouTube  for more travel updates!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Travel Intern (@thetravelintern)

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

How to Pay in China Without WeChat or Alipay — New Cashless Solution For Singaporeans

25 Exciting Things to Do in Shanghai — First Timer’s Guide From Must-Dos to Hidden Gems

7 Places in China that Weren’t On Your Radar But Should Be

4-Day Hainan Itinerary Under S$650 — A Short Island Getaway to the Hawaii of China

Mobile Payment in China: Step-by-step Guide to Using Alipay and WeChat Pay without a Chinese Bank Account

Yunnan Nature Bucket List For Outdoor Lovers — Best Spots in Kunming, Lijiang, Dali & Shangri-la

28 comments.

I agree! Yunnan is amazing! And those places are the most touristy part of Yunnan, there’s more but it’s better to rent a car and explore yourself. Thanks for this article, i founded it very useful! I stayed in NAXIs guesthouse too, love the food! Oh and Kunming’s weather the hottest month gets about 25 not 18…

Thanks Karla for your comments, article’s been corrected 🙂 Yes we’ll want to try self-driving too the next time we visit Yunnan:)

Hello, did you self drive in China? Understood that international license is not accepted and a china temporary driving license is required when you arrive in China. Would love to know the procedure to obtain the china driving license. Thanks!

Hi there! No, we did not self-drive in China. The transport system and ride-hailing are quite convenient and reliable, and we could get around with ease.

Amazing itinerary, thanks for sharing with us

Hello, the high speed rail URL is not working for me. How else do we check and book for the trains? Any changes since this article was written? Thanks

Hi Hendri, thanks for pointing out! We’re also in the midst of updating all our China content. You can get the high speed rail tickets from this website too: https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html Hope this helps 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing the information, everything is very detailed, you did a thorough job just like locals.

Thank you for sharing this itinerary. Am planning a DIY trip but bringing my parents in their sixties. Reasonably fit to walk but I ll skip the hike and Shangri la. Any tips to take note with elderly in mind ? My plan is to fly in Kunming 3d2N ,train to Dali stay in Erhai 5d4n then train to Lijiang 6d5n before training back to Kunming onward back Sg. When based in Dali & Lijiang , am planning to do day tours etc. Any advise will be much appreciated.

Hi Angel, sorry I must have missed out on your question! Kunming, Dali, Lijiang are all pretty elderly-friendly. If you’ve not yet bought tickets to attractions, do check at the counters if they have discounted tickets for older folks! Some major attractions have tickets at half-price for students and adults above 60. If you and your parents speak Mandarin, you’ll have no problems at all getting around. Have a fantastic trip! 🙂

Thanks so much for this detailed write up and the super pics. It really helped me plan my own solo trip to Yunnan.

Hi, can share are toilets easily Available n how’s the cleanliness of toilets in the places mentioned in this itinerary? Thanks

Hi thanks for this question! There are public toilets that are well-maintained at most tourist attractions such as Yunnan Nationalities Village, Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Scenic Region, Three Pagodas, etc. However, do not expect them to be very clean. At more rural areas such as the Ancient Towns, Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike, and Shangri-La, public restrooms are as basic as door-less cubicles with a drain. And always always bring along your own tissues. Hope this helps 🙂

Hi Edelyn! I just booked airticket to Kunming! Any other important travel or hotel or train or food tips, beside what was written above? Btw how come u never consider internal flight instead of train for your trip? Thanks much!

Hi Bean, hope the article was useful in your trip planning! To answer your question of why not internal flights — We had budget considerations, and also wanted to experience an overnight bus for the first time, so that was what we chose 🙂

Hi Edelyn, pls share with me how u guys booked the Balagezong Scenic Area (巴拉格宗风景区 tour? I am unable to find a day trip tour that can take in foreigners such as the qunar website. Also is it easy to get high altitude sickness? I have a 12yo. Thanks a lot!

Hi Bean, we booked the Balagezong Scenic Area (巴拉格宗风景区) tour through the hostel we stayed at in Shangri-la. Almost every hotel/inn/hostel in Shangri-la can arrange tours for guests, you’ll just have to ask them!

Hi! I am planning for a trip coming March 2024 to Yunnan. Can I check for those attractions that are not as accessible from the towns, did you all book for the private charter in Singapore or did you all only book the private charters via the Hostels/Hotels when you are there? I am unable to find reasonably priced charters online, most cost $100 to $200/PAX for a day charter online…Saw that your Bagalezong tour was only 290RMB which is much more economical.

Hi Jan! We did most of our bookings when we’re in China, either with the help of the hostel/hotel staff or via DiDi (their car hailing app). Our Balagezong tour was booked via our inn, and I recommend you to do that too! Hope this helps 🙂

Hello, your itinerary and explanation is really helpful. May i ask, if i cant speak and read mandarin, do you think this itinerary is doable? Thank you

Hi Monica, thanks for the question. Honestly, it’ll be tough for visitors who don’t read Mandarin Chinese at all, especially at places away from the city. You can probably overcome the language barrier by using translation apps, or asking the friendly locals you meet – younger Chinese are able to converse in simple English. And with adequate pre-trip planning and preparation, I’m sure you’ll be able to enjoy Yunnan as much as we did! 🙂

Thanks for sharing your itinerary, we are planning a trip in June and this will be helpful. If you don’t mind sharing, how much did this trip cost you? I am not sure how much to budget. I will be traveling with my husband and 9 yo son.

Hi Teresa! TBH we can’t quite remember but it should be about S$2.5k excl. flights. However our trip was back in 2019, so costs of things would have changed a bit, so do take note! 🙂

Hi, do you think October is a good month to visit yunnan? Wondering if there’s alternative for non-hikers to not hike as much haha, jade snow dragon mountain board walk sounds manageable. But Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike, is it ok to skip this?

Hi! October is a great time to visit Yunnan, in fact, we did our trip in late October too! The weather is cooling with nice sunlight so photos will still look great! It gets cold in the night, so do bring along a good jacket/wind breaker.

If you’re a non-hiker, you can skip Tiger Leaping Gorge for sure. Lijiang is a very beautiful town with plenty to see and explore — Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Ancient Town, Black Dragon Pool Park, etc. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can take a full day too if you’re catching the Impression Lijiang show.

Hope this helps! 🙂

Hi may I ask for the 2D1N Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike, do you need to hire a local tour guide along? Would you lost your way easily if you hike alone?

Hi there! Paths are clear so as long as you don’t stray from the paths, it shouldn’t be a problem 🙂

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

11 Unique Things to Do in South Australia — Quirky Wineries,...

7 Boutique Hotels in Singapore For an “Out of the Country”...

How to Pay in China Without WeChat or Alipay — New...

11 Things to do in Clark, Philippines — A Quiet Adventure...

20 Things to Eat-See-Do in Sabah’s Capital Besides Climbing Mount Kinabalu

• Terms Of Use
• Privacy Policy

• [ January 14, 2024 ] EQUATORIAL GUINEA – Best 10 day itinerary with island marvels and mainland hidden gems Equatorial Guinea Travel Guide
• [ May 10, 2023 ] TOGO – Best 10-day itinerary for a road trip from south to north Itineraries
• [ November 20, 2022 ] DJIBOUTI – The best 1-week Djibouti roadtrip itinerary with a 4×4 landcruiser Djibouti Travel Guide
• [ November 18, 2022 ] YEMEN – Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout Itineraries
• [ January 21, 2022 ] TRINIDAD – Port of Spain city walk: Top 12 things to see and do Trinidad & Tobago Travel Guide
• [ January 18, 2022 ] TRINIDAD – Hyatt Regency hotel review: Best luxury place to stay in Port of Spain Hotel reviews
• [ January 11, 2022 ] ISRAEL – Caesarea day trip from Tel Aviv: Must see Roman ruins Israel

CHINA – A two-week Yunnan itinerary travel guide: Kunming to Shangri-La

Table of Contents

Chinese visa

A summary of this yunnan travel guide for your private use to copy paste, yunnan itinerary day 1 & 2: arrival & kunming, yunnan itinerary day 3: shilin stone forest, yunnan itinerary day 4 & 5: to dali & city trip, yunnan itinerary day 6: to lijiang via shaxi, yunnan itinerary day 7: jade dragon snow mountain hike, yunnan itinerary day 8: lijiang, yunnan itinerary day 9: tiger leaping gorge hike, yunnan itinerary day 10: yuhu, baisha and shuhe old towns, yunnan itinerary day 11: to shangri-la, yunnan itinerary day 12: shangri-la, yunnan itinerary day 13: potatso national park hike, yunnan itinerary day 14: departure.

Yunnan is one of China’s most diverse provinces and this two-week Yunnan itinerary will take you to all the highlights. I have been to China plenty of times and this travel guide describes my trip from Kunming to Shangri-La. It’s suitable for a first time visit to China but best recommended for a second visit unless you do not care about China’s big five sights. I’ll give you some ideas on how to combine this China itinerary together with other area’s at the end too. Yunnan is so large that it’s impossible to cover every single point of interest but those I did cover are all the must-see places. I’ll give a few ideas on how to extend the trip too. When you read my day trip reports please note that I have re-scheduled this itinerary for better planning after my own experiences. Now join me by car, train and plane on this Yunnan travel adventure.

Planning a Yunnan itinerary

Planning a Yunnan trip is a lot of fun and there are many varieties. This Yunnan itinerary however does contain all the highlights along the Kunming to Shangri-La route. Keep in mind Shangri-La is sometimes called Zhongdian or Diqing. The latter is also the name of the airport.

This itinerary can be done in both ways but unless you’re already in China you probably arrive in Kunming. Kunming Changshui International Airport has several international flights worldwide and if that doesn’t suit you, you might want to check Chengdu. From Chengdu it’s a 1:30 hour flight to Kunming or you can combine the trip with a Sichuan itinerary from Chengdu. Diqing Shangri-La Airport doesn’t offer international routes but only to a few airports in China including Lhasa, Tibet. If you want to visit Tibet too that’s easily combined  with my 7 days in Lhasa Tibet itinerary . If you don’t combine further trips in China, you can return to Kunming with a direct flight from Shangri-La and return home from there.

For the rest of the trip you must book the following:

• Kunming hotel: In Kunming I recommend staying at the Intercontinental Kunming or Crowne Plaza Kunming .
• Kunming to Dali: Book the train in advance and have the tickets delivered to your hotel. At the time of my travel there wasn’t a highspeed option yet but there will be in the future. My trip took about 6-7 hours.
• Dali hotel: In Dali make sure to stay in a hotel in one of the old houses that are hotels now.
• Dali to Lijiang to Shangri-La: If you want to visit Shaxi on the way from Dali to Shangri-La as a half day trip you must hire a car with driver for this part. You can keep the driver also for the day trips in Lijiang and the transport to Shangri-La.
• Lijiang & Shangri-La hotels: In Lijiang the Intercontinental Lijiang or the Indigo Lijiang are great choices located in the old city. In Shangri-La try a homestay!

That’s all! In all the cities you can use local taxi’s as they are very cheap. Now let’s look at a day by day description of this perfect Yunnan itinerary.

Several cities in China have the option for 24-144 hours visa on arrival but if you do a road trip they won’t be of any use. You can’t leave that city and you must continue to another country and not return to the same. I’m from the Netherlands and getting a Chinese tourist visa is straightforward and usually takes just a few days to approve. This should also be the case for other European Union countries. I recommend checking with the Chinese Embassy in your country for specific information as they know the best.

Yunnan itinerary day 1 & 2: Kunming, Yunnan itinerary day 3: Shiling Stone Forest, Yunnan itinerary day 4 & 5: to Dali & city trip, Yunnan itinerary day 6: to Lijiang via Shaxi, Yunnan itinerary day 7: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain hike, Yunnan itinerary day 8: Tiger Leaping Gorge hike, Yunnan itinerary day 9: Lijiang & small towns, Yunnan itinerary day 10 & 11: Lijiang town and to Shangri-La, Yunnan itinerary day 12: Shangri-La, Yunnan itinerary day 13: Potatso National Park hike, Yunnan itinerary day 14: departure

Kunming is the logical place to start a Yunnan itinerary as the city can be reached by international flights. I never like to do much on the day of arrival and normally just go to a spa for a massage, sleep early and be fit the next day without jetlag.

Kunming is also called the City of Eternal Spring because weather is nice year-round. Spending a day in Kunming should be enough to explore the places of interest. In the morning I recommend going to Guandu Old Town which is a well restored old town. There are two Buddhist temples, pagoda’s, and many shops in the old streets. You can take lunch there in one of the many outlets that serve street food.

In the afternoon go first to Yuangtong Temple in downtown Kunming. It’s a temple that’s famous throughout South East Asia as it has a unique layout. You’ll probably spend an hour there. After that it’s time to explore modern Kunming. Go shopping or just relax. I spend the remainder of the day at the pools of the Intercontinental Kunming .

Read all about my Kunming day trip in my trip report: CHINA – A day in Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring

The Shilin Stone Forest UNESCO World Heritage Site day trip from Kunming is one that you must include on your Yunnan itinerary. It’s not a real forest of course but has stones that look like they “grow” from the earth. Getting there takes 2-3 hours by car/taxi so make sure to depart early and arrive around 9-10AM if possible. The area is large and expect to walk around for 3-4 hours to get a good impression.

The formations at the Shilin Stone Forest were formed millions of years ago when and old sea evaporated, and the surface lifted. Soft stone has eroded leaving the hard ones behind. This formed arches, caves, and all kinds of sculptures. One looks just like an elephant!

After the visit you can either return to Kunming or explore a bit more of the area. There are more caves, lakes, and interesting small rural towns. Suogeyi town is part of the UNESCO inscription and a nice non-touristic rural town. From there continue to Changhu Lake before heading back to Kunming. Alternatively go to one of the other places of interest; directions are easy.

Want to know more about the Shilin Stone Forest UNESCO site ? Check my complete day trip report: Shilin Stone Forest UNESCO World Heritage Site day trip from Kunming

EXTEND YOUR TRIP : Are you a history buff? Or a UNESCO site collector? Then check my 520 million years of history at Cambrian Chengjiang Fossil Site day trip report. This site can be reached as a day trip from Kunming, but I only recommend doing this if it interests you. Decide yourself if you want to extend your trip by a day.

The trip from Kunming to Dali takes 7 hours by soft sleeper train. There will be a highspeed connection some day in the future too reducing time to just 2 hours. I’ll update this article once it’s finished. I recommend spending 2 nights in Dali so that you have a full day to explore town. To be honest I rushed my Yunnan itinerary with just a night stay, and I can’t recommend that. On the day of arrival, you won’t have much time left to explore town. Just go out for street food but I can’t directly recommend one place as places change so often and thus, I don’t cover them in this Yunnan blog.

Dali is a beautiful “new” old town. This means that most houses are restored and rebuild in traditional way. That doesn’t matter much as the atmosphere is great. If you want real old towns then  Xidi and Hongcun (in east China) are two worth checking out. Before exploring Dali go first in the morning to the Chongsheng Temple 3-pagoda temple. It’s a must see just outside of Dali. Then go for lunch back to Dali and check out the gates, temples, the narrow streets, and other Yunnan highlights. If you go during Chinese holidays you can walk over the people as you can see in the photo below. Try to avoid that as it ruined my visit a bit as I could not enjoy this lovely town to the fullest.

Want to know more about the Dali day trip and Shaxi day trip then check my complete in depth trip report: CHINA – Exploring beautiful Dali & Shaxi on the way from Kunming to Lijiang

The best way from Dali to Shaxi (2 hours), and further to Lijiang (1.5 hours) is by car. This allows you to visit Shaxi on the way to Lijiang for a few hours and if you go early even have an early morning stop at Erhai Lake too. I recommend to hire the car for the next days too until arrival in Shangri-La. It will make your trip much more convenient then looking for transport each day again.

Shaxi is a beautiful authentic town and one of the oldest surviving horse Caravan towns in China. The streets are lined with shops and restaurants where you can see what locals do. It’s not over touristic. Make sure to visit the Bai Buddhist Xingjiao Temple and the arch bridge. Two iconic sights in Shaxi. I wandered around Shaxi for several hours after which I continued to Lijiang where I would stay at the Intercontinental Lijiang which is located inside the old town.

I love to make a hike now and then and that’s why I added some great Yunnan trekking in this itinerary too. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain hike is the first just 30 minutes outside of Lijiang. With an altitude up to 4800 meters it’s a long hike but the first part is by cable car as otherwise it wouldn’t be possible to go up and down in a day. A tough hike the last 1000 meters as oxygen is low. If you’re not used to altitude you can buy oxygen at the entrance which will help you get there.

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain gets its name from the 13 peaks resembling a jade dragon. At the top the altitude is almost 6000 meters, but you can’t go there unless you are an experience mountain climber. Once you reach the top make sure to buy a medal engraved with your name. You did well! Just a few stairs down you can make a slide in the snow but keep in mind it’s not actually allowed. Be carefully of rocks below the snow. It’s on your own risk. If you have energy left, you can go hiking in the country side. The scenery is amazing there. I went back to Lijiang where I changed hotels to Indigo Lijiang where I had a private BBQ in my villa.

Check my day trip report about Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for more information: CHINA – A Jade Dragon Snow Mountain day trip from Lijiang

With a history of over 1000 years Lijiang wasn’t known to the outside world until after the earthquake of 1996. The old town was mostly destroyed but reconstructed quickly. In 1997 it got the UNESCO World Heritage Site status together with the small towns Yuhu, Baisha and Shuhe. These events made Lijiang a Yunnan highlight and known to the world and within China. Lijiang has a beautiful old town where I stayed in luxury at both the Intercontinental Lijiang and the Indigo Lijiang .

Lijiang was once part of the Old Tea Horse Caravan Trail and ruled for five centuries by the Mu family. The Mu family complex is the main attraction in Lijiang old town. All streets are lined with beautiful typical Naxi houses. Walking through the narrow streets will get you “lost” at some point but that’s the beauty of exploring. A day is easily spent in Lijiang old town which is one of Yunnan’s highlights.

Read all about Lijiang Old Town including all highlights in my day trip report: CHINA – Two days in Lijiang old town and outlying small villages

Tiger Leaping Gorge is located between two snowcapped mountains called Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. Each of them are holy mountains and Haba Snow Mountain area is part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas UNESCO World Heritage Site. The gorge is one of the deepest in the world with a length of 15 kilometers. A true Yunnan highlight. To reach Tiger Leaping Gorge it takes just over an hour by car from Lijiang. A taxi is not a good option as it can’t cross into the Shangri-La county so make sure to have a private driver.

This Tiger Leaping Gorge hike is amongst the best Yunnan trekking you can get. First make a short stop at the start of the gorge and see the spot where legend says a tiger jumped across the river escaping a hunter. The full hike is difficult to do in a day, so I went with car all the way up to Halfway Guesthouse. I had a very early lunch there and hiked from there to the end at Tina’s Guesthouse. The 2 nd half of the full trail is the most beautiful part and takes up to 4 hours. I went back to Lijiang for the night.

Read all about my Tiger Leaping Gorge hike in my day trip report: CHINA – A day trip from Lijiang: the Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike

EXTEND YOUR TRIP: It’s possible to hike the full gorge too. You can extend this Yunnan itinerary by going to the Tiger Leaping Gorge before the day you go to Shangri-La. Do the first part of the trek the first day. Stay overnight in the gorge and finish the second part (the part I did) the next day and go to Shangri-La. If you want to go trekking in Yunnan the Tiger Leaping Gorge hike is the most famous to do.

On day 10 of this Yunnan itinerary you will explore Naxi minority villages and see rural China. There are 3 small old towns inscribed together with Lijiang as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. I visited Yuhu, Baisha and Shuhe on a day trip from Lijiang by car. Yuhu is famous for its Naxi houses made of stones and mud. It doesn’t see many visitors and kept its authentic look. Baisha Old Town was once the center of the Naxi people before they moved to Lijiang. It’s about 10 kilometers away. It’s not yet fully commercialized but Shuhe Old Town is. Shuhe is just 2 kilometers from Lijiang. Each town has family houses, temples, and workshops you can visit. Expect to spend 2-3 hours in each. You won’t have time to explore each single street but the core area you can see. If you want more time, I recommend skipping Baisha even though Shuhe is more commercialized. I always enjoy going away from the tourist and therefore Yuhu is my favorite.

Read all about Yuhu, Baisha and Shuhe in my day trip report: CHINA – Two days in Lijiang old town and outlying small villages

SHORTEN YOUR TRIP : If you want to shorten your trip by a day, I recommend visiting one of the small towns after your trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Do go early to the mountain preferable before opening time to be in the front of the queue. You won’t be able to visit more as one in this case.

I started the day with relaxing in the morning at the pool of the Intercontinental Lijiang . After lunch the driver picked me up for my transfer to Shangri-La. The drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La takes probably 4-5 hours which can be faster as this totally depends traffic. During the drive you’ll pass various food stalls along the road selling dried Yak meat. Make sure to buy some. It’s delicious. The altitude increases throughout this Yunnan itinerary so that altitude sickness won’t be a problem. One more reason to start in Kunming. I arrived late evening at my hotel in Shangri-La. Traffic was bad.

Check also my Lashi Lake day trip report if you extend your trip: CHINA – Lashi Lake from Lijiang: horseback riding & canoeing

EXTEND YOUR TRIP : You for sure have time to make a stop at Lashi Lake if you go in the morning to Shangri-La but to fully experience the area you won’t. My original Yunnan itinerary was longer as I planned a full day leisure at Lashi Lake . The area is famous for horseback riding which I did in the morning. After lunch I enjoyed various water activities including canoeing at the lake. A completely different day compared to most other days of this Yunnan itinerary.

Day 12 was a day off for me. I did check out a bit of old Shangri-La including the Golden Temple. The rest of the day I used to catch up with work emails. I did that because I combined this Yunnan itinerary with a Tibet itinerary which totaled over 3 weeks. This day was in the middle. I have plans to return to the area anyway but if you don’t make sure to go to Songzanlin Monastery. It’s a Tibetan monastery just 30 kilometers away. I will visit another time when I’ll go deeper into the mountainous Tibetan area. In the evening I went with the driver to a local place for Yak meat. That was the spiciest yet delicious dish I ever had. I don’t know where it was exactly but just ask around and you’ll find a great place too.

If you arrive at Potatso National Park (also called Pudacuo National Park) you might think I have added a weird street food place on this Yunnan itinerary. The entrance is a kind of alley with many food stands. A good place to buy some local yak dishes to have new energy for the walk ahead. The altitude is 3600 meters so you might want to buy some chocolate too. It will help with the lack of oxygen.

The Potatso National Park was the first national park in China and for sure a Yunnan highlight. It is home to both the Bita and the Shudu lakes of which the first is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The hike goes along the two lakes over a wooden walkway so that you really get close to the nature without having to climb over trees or walk through mud. The area is magnificent with crystal clear water, smelling pine trees and fields full of yaks.

Read all about the short hikes in Potatso National Park in my day trip report: CHINA – A hike through the Potatso national park near Shangri-La

Everything comes to an end and so does this Yunnan itinerary. I hope my selection of Yunnan highlights, Yunnan trekking and everything else Yunnan will make you want to go to. This Yunnan travel guide for sure covers all the main places of interest. I continued to make a 7 days trip in Tibet but if you must return home you can catch a flight back to Kunming. You can also fly elsewhere in China as it’s a huge country. I’ll add more China itineraries over time!

If you don’t want more China, I recommend checking my 2 weeks Vietnam itinerary , 2 weeks Thailand itinerary , 2 weeks Japan itinerary or my 3 weeks in Indonesia itinerary . Completely different cultures but just a few hours away. Do let me know how you travelled in Yunnan after you have visited in the comments below!

Stay tuned for more stories and subscribe to the newsletter or follow CTB on social media ( Facebook , Twitter , Instagram including Instagram stories; on all social media you can find CTB @christravelblog) to get updated information.

Did you visit Yunnan province in China too or do you have questions? Please leave a comment at the bottom of the page. Love to hear from you!

Related Articles

Tunisia – el jem day trip from sousse (or tunis) & sfax medina tour.

Table of ContentsEl Jem day tripHow to get to El Jem AmphitheaterEl Jem day trip: The Roman amphitheaterEl Jem day trip: Museum & Roman VillaSfax medina tourHow to get to SfaxSfax medina tour: Wander the souksMuseum Dar JallouliSfax kashbahGallery El Jem & Sfax Tunisia has [read more]

MEXICO – Exploring Yucatan: An amazing 10 day Yucatan itinerary

Table of ContentsYucatan itinerary planningYucatan itinerary day 1: arrival in CancunYucatan itinerary day 2: Muyil, Cobá and TulumYucatan itinerary day 3: Time to relaxYucatan itinerary day 4: Ek Balam & Izama en route to MeridaYucatan itinerary day 5: Dzibilchaltun Mayan site & Merida city centerYucatan [read more]

YEMEN – Mainland Yemen itinerary with all the best places to visit in Hadramout

Table of ContentsHow to plan a trip to YemenYemen itinerary pre-arrival day: Arriving to CairoDay 1 Yemen itinerary: Flight from Caïro to Seiyun & Yemen immigration Day 2 Yemen itinerary: Eastwards hunting Tombs & ShrinesDay 3 Yemen itinerary: Seiyun to Wadi Do’an with Shibam as highlightDay [read more]

All text, images, photos and videos are copyright © by Chris Travel Blog / CTB Global® 2009-2024, all rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Chris Travel Blog / CTB Global® with clear written note and link to the original content. Read the privacy statement to learn how personal data is collected and stored!

• 6 Days Kuming to Yuanyang
• 8 Days Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-La
• 10 Days Vietnam to China
• 15 Days Yunnan - Guizhou

Lijiang Old Town

• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
• Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Stone Forest

Dali Ancient City

Yuanyang rice terraces.

• Meili Snow Mountain
• Potatso National Park
• 10 Special Foods to Try
• Zhangjiajie

Top 10 Things to Do in Yunnan

Located at China southwestern border, Yunnan has always been known as a mysterious land attracting tourists from all over the world. With thousands of years of history, it has bred the marvelous ancient towns and unique minority folk culture; Kunming, Dali and Lijiang stand out most. Its plateau monsoon climate and exceptional topography make what it is now: the criss-cross mountains and valleys, dotted lakes and running wild rivers, a variety of plants and animals, unusual karst landscape… What are the top things to do in Yunnan and the must-see places? Here comes the tour list for you to explore in person.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang

Erhai Lake, Dali

Hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge

Potatso National Park, Shangri-La

Meili Snow Mountain, Deqin

Kunming Stone Forest

You May Also Like:

10 Days Itinerary for Yunnan, the most diverse province in China

By Author Christian L.

Posted on May 25, 2021

Categories Asia , China , Destinations

China is an incredible country, brimming with epic sights, exciting experiences and a fascinating history spanning back thousands of years. However, with so much to see and so many  places to visit in China , it’s best to focus on one area when deciding on an itinerary, rather than trying to see too much. If you have only 10 days and want to see China at its most vibrant, a Yunnan itinerary is hard to beat.

Why you should travel to Yunnan province?

Yunnan province in southwestern China is one of the most varied and diverse provinces in China, both in terms of natural beauty and cultural experiences. This province is incredibly diverse, with steaming jungles with elephants in the south, all the way to the borders of the Tibetan plateau in the north.

Between these extremes, you’ll find some of the finest attractions in China. Whether you’re looking to explore ancient towns, see ethnic minority groups, hike the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge,   be blown away by the incredible  Blue Moon Valley , or want to indulge in unique Chinese food, Yunnan truly has it all.

Yunnan has a very pleasant climate, and can be visited throughout the year. With good infrastructure, visiting Yunnan is easy and can easily be done independently.

If you’re looking for the best Yunnan itinerary for 10 days, you can’t go wrong with the Kunming – Dali – Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge route.

How to get to Yunnan

The gateway to Yunnan province is the capital city of Kunming (also known as The Spring City due it’s fantastic climate).

Kunming Changshui International Airport is well connected with the rest of China, as well as other Asian countries such as Thailand , Korea, Vietnam , Nepal and Indonesia . Lijiang also has an airport, but it’s often cheaper and more convenient to fly to Kunming.

Kunming can also be reached from all over China with high-speed trains which make traveling to Kunming easy and comfortable, there are 10 high-speed trains between Kunming and Chengdu each day with the faster only taking 5hours and 8min. 3 high-speed trains from Beijing each day with the faster only taking 10 hours and 49 min to travel the 1,700 miles (2,735 km) distance between the two cities. 4 high-speed trains between Shanghai and Kunming each day, taking 10 hours and 39 min for the 2,266 km (1, 408 miles) long journey. This is also China’s longest east-west high-speed rail line And Kunming has more than 20 high-speed trains to Guangzhou everyday, with the fastest only taking 6 hours and 32min to complete the 1658km (1,030 miles) long journey. Once in Kunming, regular bullet trains will whisk you off to destinations further afield in Yunnan province.

10 Days Itinerary for Yunnan Overview

Day 1: Arrive Kunming – Dali

Day 2: Dali

Day 3: Dali

Day 4: Dali – Lijiang

Day 5: Lijiang

Day 6: Lijiang

Day 7 Blue Moon Valley

Day 8: Tiger Leaping Gorge

Day 9 Tiger Leaping Gorge

Day 10 Lijiang – Kunming

Day 1: Kunming to Dali

With only 10 days, you will unfortunately not have much time to spend in Kunming. Instead make your way to Kunming Railway station right away to catch a bullet train to Dali.

To get from the airport to Kunming Railway Station, take the airport shuttle bus from just outside the arrival terminal. Bus number 2 or 6 both go to the station, and should take about 45 minutes depending on traffic. Buses run every half hour and cost RMB 25.

There is a train to Dali every 20 minutes or so, and the journey takes about 2.5 hours. For convenience, it’s best to book your train tickets online at Trip.com.

Once you arrive in Dali, make your way to Dali Old Town, which is about 30 minutes by bus away from Dali station.

Day 2,3: Dali

The  Old Town of Dali  has been a favourite amongst local and international visitors for years, yet it still retains a lot of its laid back charm and atmosphere. Dali is known as somewhat of a backpacker heaven for its laid back atmosphere, lakeside setting and great weather. People often end up staying longer than they planned. That being said, Dali has not been spoilt by mass tourism, and that is perhaps the best thing about Dali.

Surrounded by a city wall and 4 gates leading into the old town, Dali is a great little town to explore on foot. Spend your first day leisurely exploring the old town.  

The cobblestoned streets of the old town are filled with quirky shops selling souvenirs such as amber, Bai minority tribe handicrafts and wild mushrooms which Yunnan is famous for. Trying wild mushroom hotpot is also an excellent idea. Another snack you must try in Dali is grilled yak cheese, which Bai women grill over hot colals right on the street all over the old town.

On the second day, rent an electric scooter and head out to explore the lovely countryside around Dali.

The imposing Three Pagodas just outside town should be your first stop. These three ancient pagodas dating back to the 10 th  century are magnificent, and the setting right in front of the Changsan Mountains are a sight to behold. The main pagoda is 16 stories high and almost 70 meters tall. Surrounding the pagodas are lovely gardens and ponds, which are perfect for getting photos with the reflections of the pagodas.

After spending a few hours admiring the gardens, ponds, temples and pagodas, jump back on your e-bike and follow the signs to Lake Erhai.  The drive along the shores of the lake will take you past strawberry farms, mountain scenery and pretty rural villages.

Notice the cat statues on the roofs of the houses as you explore the villages of Lake Erhai. The cat statues, with the mouths wide open, have a dual purpose: scare away evil spirits, and catch good luck and wealth in their wide-open mouths.

Day 4, 5, 6 : Lijiang

Catch the morning train from Daili at 10:00 to Lijiang and you should arrive in Lijiang before 13:00.

The picturesque old town of Lijiang is perhaps the most popular attraction in the whole of Yunnan province – for good reason.

This well-preserved ancient town dating back to the 11 th  century is drop dead gorgeous with wooden architecture, cobble stoned streets, canals running through town, friendly Naxi minority people – all backed by the snow- capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain not far away.

Word of advice: Beautiful Lijiang has been popular with Chinese tourists for decades and, as a result, it can get incredibly busy. This does not mean that you should avoid visiting Lijiang. Just keep your expectations in check. To best enjoy Lijiang, get up early and enjoy the stunning town before the crowds descend. Also remember that most tourists stick to certain areas, which leaves other areas beautifully undisturbed. All things considered, Lijiang is a great place to visit, and the large number of visitors actually contribute to a lively atmosphere.

Spend the next few days walking all over Lijiang and discover hidden alleys, cute teahouses and more than enough options for street food. Over the next few days, make sure to check out the following places of interest:

The Black Dragon Pool

Just outside the old town of Lijiang, this incredible park has some of the most iconic views of Yunnan. At various points in the park, you’ll get a beautiful view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with an arched, stone bridge and pagoda in front of it, and the Black Dragon Pool in the foreground.

Almost as spectacular as the views and the serenity of the park is the fish in the crystal-clear ponds. Thousands of fish in all sizes and colours will keep you mesmerized for quite a while. You can also buy some fish food to join the locals in feeding these beauties.

Wangu Tower

Sitting on the highest point in Jiliang, the area surrounding the Wangu Tower offers a sweeping view over the black tiled roofs of the Lijiang Old Town. Pop into one of the many tea houses for a drink to rest your feet and enjoy the view.

Dance in the town squares

You’ll find people of the local Naxi minority group dancing in the town squares throughout the day. Everyone is free to join in, and it’s good fun. This continues into the night, and it’s much livelier after dark. It’s very acceptable to get a cold beer from a convenience store and drink it in the squares while enjoying the entertainment.

Visit the Tea Market

There are hundreds of Tea houses and shops scattered all throughout Lijiang Old Town. You can pop into any of them, and you’ll be treated with a little tea ceremony and the chance to try various teas.

Yunnan province is well known for its high-quality tea, of which Pu-erh tea is the most famous.

For a less touristy (and cheaper) experience, head to the Tea Market, located just outside the old town. Vendors will be quite surprised seeing foreigners here and will go out of their way to sell you some tea. Like at the tea shops in the old town, they will put on a tea ceremony and keep the good stuff coming until you’ve found what you were looking for.

Suhe Old Town

When the crowds in Lijiang get too much, jump in a taxi and drive out to Suhe Old Town. Suhe is only 4km away from Lijiang but is a world away. Although Suhe is much smaller than Lijiang, it makes for a very enjoyable half-day trip. The Tea Horse Road Museum, set in a handsome old building offers informative displays on the history of the area and how the trade in tea has formed the history and culture in this part of Yunnan.

Day 7: Blue Moon Valley

For once, the Blue Moon Valley is more than just a catchy name and is indeed as cool as it sounds. This incredible valley, located at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain makes for an excellent half or full-day trip from Lijiang.

The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area is home to various surreal landscapes, of which the Blue Moon Valley is perhaps the most unbelievable. A series of ice-blue lakes sit right in front of the snow-capped mountain behind it, and you’ll be excused if you thought that you were dreaming and woke up somewhere in the Rockies.

An incredible sight to see it submerged trees standing like skeletons in that surreal and crystal-clear water. If you are looking for a unique photo opportunity, you could also dress up in the local Naxi attire and ride a yak in that unworldly scene.

As to be expected of one of Yunnan’s most beautiful attractions, it can get unbelievably busy. To enjoy this amazing sight, come here first thing in the morning, before the tour buses arrive.

Other than the blue lakes, you could also visit meadows and grasslands, or ride a cable car to the glacier on top of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Day 8,9: Tiger Leaping Gorge

Two hours by bus north of Lijiang, the  Tiger Leaping Gorge  is one of China’s most spectacular (and accessible) adventures. The Tiger Leaping Gorge is the deepest gorge in the world, with a height of almost 3000 meters from the river at the bottom of the gorge to the mountain tops beside it.

Hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge usually takes two full days, but if you’re pressed for time, or don’t want to walk that long, it’s possible to cut it down to only a one-day walk.

If walking for two days, start walking at Qiaotou where the bus will drop you. From here it will take most of the day to reach the stunning Tea Horse Guesthouse where you can spend the night. Otherwise, get a taxi in Qiaotou to take you to Tea Horse Guesthouse. You could spend the rest of the day enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery, or take short walks in the area.

After a comfortable sleep, some delicious mountain food and bright starry skies, hike from Tea Horse Guesthouse to Tina’s Guesthouse.

The hike between these two guesthouses is the most beautiful stretch of the gorge, and known as the Middle Gorge, takes about 6 hours to walk, and the scenery just keeps on getting better around every bend in the path. Along the way you’ll walk past waterfalls, farmers herding sheep, sheer drop-offs and you might even spot rainbow clouds if you’re lucky.

You should reach Tina’s Guesthouse around lunch, so grab a bite to eat and perhaps something stronger to celebrate the end of hike. The bus back to Lijiang leaves from Tina’s Guesthouse at around 15:30 in the afternoon. If all goes well, you should be back in Lijiang just before sunset.

Day 10: Lijiang – Home

Today is the last day of our Yunnan itinerary. You could get a flight from Lijiang Sanyi Airport, which has good connections to most major cities in China. Alternatively, you could backtrack to Kunming in about 3 hours by fast train.

Yunnan Itinerary Conclusion

A 10-day itinerary for Yunnan is just the right amount of time to see the highlights of northern Yunnan, without rushing it. This itinerary allows you to see the best sights and attractions in the province. With more time, you could extend your trip to include Shangri la on the eds of the Tibetan world, or perhaps spend a day or two in Kunming or travel to the southern part of Yunnan to visit either the Yunnan Stone Forest or the Yuanyang Rice Terraces , which are both UNESCO World Heritage sites. With fewer days, consider culling a day from Lijiang.

A journey through Yunnan is sure to be an enjoyable and interesting experience and something that will stay with you forever.

Tuesday 27th of June 2023

Is it necessary to drive? Will it be easy to find taxi ?

Christian L.

Taxis will be very very expensive for that whole route

• A Round Route Through Paradise...

A Round Route Through Paradise: An Itinerary for Roadtripping in Yunnan

The Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La route is the staple of any trip to Yunnan. The long stretches of relatively uncomplicated expressway driving make it perfect for a road trip, particularly for a beginner in Chinese driving. Follow this classic trail and hit the road.

Total Distance (approximate): 680 kilometers (423 miles)

Hours of Driving: 10 hours

Recommended number of days travelling (approximate): 1 week

Best for: Adventurous types who are comfortable driving long distances

Day 1: Kunming to Dali

Distance: 360 kilometers (224 miles)

Hours of Driving: 4 hrs 40 mins

Toll Fee: RMB165 (19 GBP/24 USD)

Places to Stay: Dali, Yunnan

From Kunming, get on the HangRui Expressway, G56. This expressway goes all the way from Hangzhou to Ruili, on the border of Burma, passing through Dali on the way. This is a relatively straightforward shot, however it is often quite congested, on holidays in particular when loads of Kunmingers take long-weekend getaways to Dali. During this time, accidents are common due to a combination of high speeds, steep mountain roads, and increased vehicle volume. If you’re unlucky enough to get stuck in an epic traffic jam, be prepared to be stuck in non-moving traffic for upwards of an hour. Bring snacks and make sure your car is fueled up! That said, there are many service stations along the way, the biggest of which is at Chuxiong which is just about the halfway mark between Kunming and Dali.

If you have a day to spare in your itinerary, Chuxiong, a hometown of the Yi ethnic group , is worth a stopover. Check out the Yi Ren old town where you can see Yi culture on display, or, if you’d rather have a more off the beaten track experience, head 33 kilometers away to Mi Yi Lu Ethnic Valley. Here there is a collection of six ethnic Yi minority villages where traditional Yi culture has been preserved.

From Chuxiong continue on to Dali. You will exit the expressway in the “modern” Dali city, which is called Xiaguan. Be careful not to exit at Dali East 大理东, but to exit where it says Dali Old Town. Once you exit the toll road, you can take either the Da-Li Expressway or National Road 214 to Dali Old Town. The Da-Li line runs along ErHai Lake, and 214 along Cang Mountain. Either will take you straight to your destination, although route 214 is somewhat easier to find and there are several parking areas conveniently located along the road near the gate to the Old Town.

To get to route 214, when you exit the toll booth, take a left on Nan Jian Road. After about 2 km, Nan Jian Road will become Yong Ping road. Stay on Yong Ping Road for about 4.5 km, then take the turn-off marked Xi Jing Line. You should loop around and come out onto Xi Jing Line, which is route 214. Continue on route 214 for about 10 km, until you start to see signs for the gate to Dali Old Town. The Old Town is on your right-hand side, and there is a parking lot at the corner of Renmin road and route 214. Once in Dali you will find an abundance of accommodations, but if you are traveling during a Chinese national holiday it is best to book in advance as rooms fill up fast.

Once in Dali there is a lot to see and do. Be sure to check out Erhai Lake, which is most easily accessible via the village of Caicun , which has become a destination in and of itself. Head down to the Caicun wharf and catch a tour boat to Jin Suo Island, where you can have a walk around a temple and a small market. The boat tickets are about RMB100 (11.25 GBP/14.50 USD) per person, but prices do vary depending on who is buying the tickets.

Another option is to rent a bicycle or an electric scooter from one of the many many shops in Dali Old Town. Since businesses in China come and go so quickly, it is best to simply walk around the Old Town until you see a shop with a number of bikes on display, rather than trying to find any particular rental store. To rent a bicycle you should expect to pay about RMB20 (2.25 GBP/2.90 USD) for the day, with a deposit of about RMB200-300 (22.50-33.75 GBP/29-44 USD). Cycling around Er Hai Lake, or to the neighboring town of Xizhou , is a really pleasant way to spend a sunny day in Dali.

Day 3/4: Dali-Lijiang

Distance: 157 kilometers (98 miles)

Hours of Driving: 2 hours 15 minutes

Toll Fee: RMB70 (8 GBP/10 USD)

Places to Stay: Lijiang, Yunnan

From Dali Old Town, Lijiang is a relatively easy drive that can be done with minimal stopping, although there are plenty of service stations on the expressway should you need to. The newly completed expressway from Dali to Lijiang, G5611 (colloquially known as the Da-Li Expressway, not to be confused with the Da-Li line you took to get to Dali Old Town) is on the other side of Erhai Lake, passing through Shuanglang. If you stayed overnight in Dali Old Town, you’ll need to first take National Road 214 until you reach the town of Eryuan, where the expressway joins route 214. The entrance to the expressway is well marked and hard to miss, but if you do miss it don’t fret since route 214 was the original route to Lijiang before the expressway was complete. Note that this route will take you significantly longer though. Possible stopping places along the way include Jianchuan county, but the most interesting town is Shaxi, an ancient town that was once an important stop on the tea-horse caravan route. It is a significant distance from the expressway, so only stop there if you have a day or two to spare.

Once you reach Lijiang you will have to make your way from the “modern city” to the Old Town, which is known as Dayan. This is relatively straightfoward — you will exit the toll booth and continue going straight, where the road will become Fu Hui Road. Continue onto Fu Hui Road for about 2 km, until you reach Yu Yuan Road, where you should take a right. One of the many entrances to Dayan Old Town will be about 500 m down the road, on your left-hand side. As with Dali, there are a great many guesthouses and hotels in both the modern town and the Old Town, but if you are traveling during a Chinese holiday it is best to book in advance.

Another option is to skip Dayan Old Town altogether, and opt for the smaller, quieter hamlets of Shuhe or Baisha . Baisha in particular offers amazing views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and intricate Buddhist wall paintings over three hundred years old. Visitors should be aware, however, Baisha is extremely small and offers next to nothing in terms of nightlife. If you want lots of activity, it’s best to stick to Dayan in Lijiang proper. However, Baisha is definitely worth a day trip. One of the main draws of Baisha is Doctor He (“He” is the Pinyin spelling of the surname, 和, but long before Pinyin was invented this character was romanized as “Ho,”), a Naxi man nearly 100 years old who practices traditional Naxi and Chinese medicine. Doctor He, who speaks quite good English, has treated thousands of patients from all over the world over the years and many swear by his remedies.

Most visitors to Lijiang also choose to take a trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain . Be aware, going to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain park is a rather pricey affair, costing over RMB200 (22.50 GBP/29 USD) per person, with additional costs added in depending on whether you choose to visit the glacier or other various parts of the park not included in the actual entrance fee. If the idea of paying a lot of money to enjoy natural scenery bothers you, give the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain park a miss. That said, the scenery inside the park is indeed stunning, and you may find it was worth the steep admission fees. Also, if you speak Chinese or can get help from a Chinese friend, discount tickets are available online.

Day 5/6: Lijiang-Shangri-La

Distance: 177 kilometers (110 miles)

Hours of Driving: 3 hours 20 minutes

Toll: RMB20 (2.25 GBP/2.90 USD)

Places to Stay: Shangri-La, Yunnan

From Lijiang Dayan Old Town retrace your steps back to the Da-Li Expressway, where you will head North for about 24 kilometers, until you reach the exit for National Road 214 (you should remember this route from your Dali leg of the journey). You can take route 214 all the way to Shangri-La, although if it is under construction as it is at present, you will have to use the Xi-Jing Line for portions of your journey. Pay attention to signage and watch for blocked portions of this road, and adjust your route accordingly. As you enter the city you will be on the Xi-Jing Line, and you will approach a roundabout. Exit the roundabout onto the South Ring road, Huan Cheng Nan Road, proceed for about 2.7 kilometers, and then take a left onto Jin Long Road. After about 500 meters you’ll see your destination, the Shangri-La Du Ke Zong Old Town .

The Shangri-La Old Town is significantly smaller than the other two old towns that you will have visited by now. The main attractions in Shangri-La, are the Ganden Sumtseling Tibetan Buddhist Monastery (known locally in Chinese as the Songzanlin Monastery) and the holy mountain, Meili (Tibetan Mainri) Snow Mountain, the highest peak of which, Kawagebo, is sacred for Tibetan Buddhists.

Songzanlin Monastery is the largest and oldest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, and has earned the nickname “Little Potala Palace” after its resemblance to the much more well known palace in Lhasa. It is an active monastery, with many monks, young and old, in residence.

The holy Meili Snow Mountain is over 6,000 meters high and none of the main peaks have ever been summited , although many mountain climbers have perished in the attempt. China finally made this sacred mountain off limits to adventurers, and special permission must be obtained in order to attempt a climb. The Kawagebo peak is the site of Tibetan Buddhists’ annual circumambulation, a walk around the base of the peak as a part of a ritual that is known as “ kora .”

From Shangri-La, you can turn around and go back the way you came, or if you like and have more time, continue your travels. Further upfield from Shangri-La is the Yunnanese route to Tibet, which may or may not be accessible with your vehicle. If you’re planning to continue overland to Tibet, check ahead with local travel agencies for an accurate update on rules and regulations, which change often and without warning when it comes to foreigners traveling in Tibet. From Lijiang, Lugu Lake is a good side trip, as is Shaxi in Jianchuan county. Whichever way you go, remember to drive safely!

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1131873
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

Yunnan Tours - Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-la and more!

Yunnan, an ideal holiday destination in China, enjoys a perfect combination of amazing natural scenery, diverse ethnic customs, and a pleasant climate all year round. From the snow mountains to the tropical rainforests, from the highland lakes to the canyons, from the historic cities to the fascinating minority villages. It is the most complicated and colorful area in China.

No matter whether you would like to include the main sites — Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, and the legendary Shangri-La — for your first visit, or if you would like to discover Yunnan's hidden beauty in your second trip, we will tailor make your private Yunnan tour according to your interests. We'll help you enjoy charming Yunnan!

The Best Yunnan Tours

These are the top Yunnan tours to visit the highlights of the area. Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La are the must-visit cities for first-time visitors in Yunnan. Sightseeing is just a basic way to experience the beauty of Yunnan — in our best Yunnan tours, you will get an in-depth experience by reliving the history, immersing in the culture, and interacting with locals.

• Mountains and old towns
• Ethnic minorities
• Moderate biking and hiking
• Cultural experiences

Yunnan Adventure Tours

There is a saying in a folk song about Yunnan: "The beauties of Yunnan are as many as the flowers on the slopes of the mountains." What Yunnan has is definitely more than you would expect. Here are some tours to help you find the roads less traveled and discover the hidden beauties of Yunnan.

• Explore Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Hiking
• Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking
• Naxi stone village
• Hike in the Terraced fields
• Ancient Chinese architectures
• Meili Snow Mountain
• Jinsha River and Lancang River
• Hidden valley in the mountain
• Naxi culture in Yuhu village
• Snowy mountains, ice lake, and holy waterfall
• Forest and gorge hikes
• Great gorges scenery
• Tea Horse Road Hiking
• Experience the snow mountain climbing
• Summit a mountain of 17,700 ft

Hot Destination Tours in Yunnan

If you have limited time or are just passing through Yunnan or want to explore a single destination in-depth, here are some hot destinations you might want to explore. We have combined the highlights of each place with some special experiences to help you fully enjoy the history, culture, and the local people's lifestyle in each destination.

• Explore the rain forest
• Experience the culture of Dai ethnic minority
• Ancient town
• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
• Hike on the Cangshan mountains
• Bike along Erhai Lake
• Songzanlin Lamasery
• Tangka painting learning
• Romantic lake
• Matriarchal Mosuo people
• Visit the ancient Shaxi Ancient Town
• Salt and ham making in Nuodeng
• Beautiful red land
• Experience the Life in the countryside
• Grasp the scenery of Spring
• Limestone formation
• Less touristy Stone Forest
• Local people's lifestyle

Popular Destinations in Yunnan

Here are the popular cities for a Yunnan tour. Click to get more information about each destination and tours

Spotlight Experiences to Enrich Your Yunnan Tour

Besides sightseeing, we would like to help you have a more in-depth experience in Yunnan, no matter whether you are interested in the history of the Tea Horse Road, the old and mysterious minority cultures, or the legend of Shangri-La. Our spotlight experiences connect you with the local people. They will show you the splendid cultures they have created and the hometowns they love.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

More travel ideas and inspiration, sign up to our newsletter.

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Why China Highlights

Where can we take you today.

• Southeast Asia
• Japan, South Korea
• India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri lanka
• Central Asia
• Middle East
• African Safari
• Travel Agents
• Loyalty & Referral Program
• Privacy Policy

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China

• 86-19138970032 (GMT+8 18:00~09:00)

• Beijing Xian Tours
• Shanghai Beijing Tours
• Hong Kong Guilin Tours
• Hangzhou Suzhou Tours
• Kunming Lijiang Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Tours
• Chengdu Tibet Tours
• More Short Stay Tours
• China Tours in January
• China Tours in February
• China Tours in March
• China Tours in April
• China Tours in May
• China Tours in June
• China Tours in July
• China Tours in August
• China Tours in September
• China Tours in October
• China Tours in November
• China Tours in December

• High Speed Trains
• China Yangtze Cruise Tour
• Photography
• Desert Adventure
• Ethnic Villages
• Biking Tours
• Kung Fu Tours
• Heritage Sites Exploration
• China Spring Tours
• China Summer Tours
• China Autumn Tours
• China Winter Tours

Notice! 2024 available cruise routes include 4~5 days Chongqing-Yichang(most classic) and 11~12 days Chongqing-Yichang-Shanghai(limited).

• Best-value Yangtze Cruises
• Top Family-friendly Cruise Ships
• Top 3 Luxury Yangtze River Cruises
• Yangtze River Highlights
• Yangtze River Cruise Routes
• Upstream or Downstream?
• Dining & Drinking
• Accommodations
• On-board Activities
• Yangtze Cruise Booking Steps

• Inner Mongolia

• Fanjingshan
• How to Plan Your First China Tour
• How to Plan Beijing Tour
• How to Plan Xian Tour
• How to Plan Shanghai Tour
• How to Plan Guilin Tour
• How to Plan Sichuan Tour
• How to Plan Family Tour
• 2024 China Travel Ideas
• Best Time to Visit China
• What to Pack for Your China Journey
• Make Payment in China & Currency Exchange
• Updated China Travel News
• Ultimate Chinese Visa Guide
• Chinese Visa Types
• Chinese Visa Requirements
• Do I Need a Visa for China
• Chinese Visa Application
• Chinese Visa Exemptions
• 144-hour Visa Free
• Shenzhen Visa on Arrival
• Hainan 30-day Visa Free
• Embassies & Consulates
• Invitation Letter
• Useful Visa FAQs & Tips
• Entry Regulations
• Baggage Allowance
• Customs Declaration
• Exit Regulation
• How to Book Train Tickets
• How to Collect Train Tickets
• How to Cancel & Alter Train Tickets
• How to Read Train Tickets
• China High Speed Train Types
• Seats Class & How to Choose
• Friendly Facilities on the Train
• The Train Station Departure Process
• Available Food and Drinks on the Train
• Western Toilets on the Train
• Luggage Racks & Baggage Allowance
• Beijing Train Stations
• Shanghai Train Stations
• Guilin Train Stations
• Xian Train Stations
• Chengdu Train Stations
• Hong Kong West Kowloon Railway Station
• Beijing - Xian
• Beijing - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Shanghai
• Shenzhen - Shanghai
• Chengdu - Xian
• Shanghai - Hangzhou
• Shanghai - Xian
• Chengdu - Chongqing
• Kunming - Lijiang
• Beijing Capital International
• Beijing Daxing International
• Shanghai Pudong International
• Shanghai Hongqiao International
• Guangzhou Baiyun International
• Hangzhou Xiaoshan International
• Chengdu Tianfu International
• Chengdu Shuangliu International
• Xian Xianyang International
• Shanghai - Beijing
• Hong Kong - Shanghai
• Guangzhou - Beijing
• Chengdu - Lhasa
• Shanghai - Guilin
• Shanghai - Sanya
• Travel in Spring Season
• Travel in Summer Season
• Travel in Autumn Season
• Travel in Winter Season
• Weather in January
• Weather in February
• Weather in March
• Weather in April
• Weather in May
• Weather in June
• Weather in July
• Weather in August
• Weather in September
• Weather in October
• Weather in November
• Weather in December
• Top 10 China Destinations
• Top 15 Things to Do
• China World Heritage Sites
• Top 10 Best Natural Beauties
• Top 10 Museums in China
• Top 10 Old Towns & Villages
• Five Great Mountains in China
• Top 10 Monasteries & Temples
• Top 10 Ski Resorts
• Top 10 Beautiful Lakes in China
• 7 Best Beaches in Sanya
• Top 6 Beautiful Waterfalls
• Panda Volunteering
• Having fun on Ice and Snow Festival
• About Us Who We Are Our Team Why Travel with Us Feedback & Reviews Travel Stories Travelers' Gallery Payment Guide Customer Support Contact Us
• Tour Experiences

Destinations

• Travel Guide

6 Days Best of Yunnan Tour

Best 16 Yunnan Tours & Valuable Yunnan Tour Packages 2024/2025

Discover Colorful Yunnan with China Discovery

Yunnan, located in the remote southwest of China, offers a diversity of both people and landscape that makes it a dream destination for travelers. If you have time to visit only one province in China, then it should be Yunnan.

Yunnan gathers 25 ethnic minority groups living harmoniously together in its vast land. The unique song and dance, culture and folklore, etc. of each distinct group make Yunnan Province the most colorful and majestic region in entire China, providing an extraordinary glimpse into China's mixed garden of humanity with great joy. Besides, this beautiful land houses the hugely varies splendors taking you to see more and diverse wonders by nature and human creativity - quaint ancient towns, Ancient Tea-Horse Road, magnificent rice terraces, beautiful red fields, towering and snow-capped mountains, thrilling gorges, emerald lakes, exquisite pagodas, and tropical flavor in the south... Any sight in Yunnan can be called a picturesque masterpiece!

No matter what kind of travelers you are, you will get a trip to suit best! To help you plan a trip to Yunnan in the easiest way, we list the top CLASSIC Yunnan tours ranging from 5-11 days for a wonderful savory of Yunnan and the top FEATURED Yunnan tours to meet your special likes at below. We also summarize the hottest tours of each top destination and most popular themed travels for your most inspirations. Besides, you will have full understanding of all most popular destinations and find the most useful travel articles for your ultimate trip planning. Furthermore, China Discovery with rich experience in trip customization is always here to help you tailor make your own Yunnan trip or Yunnan China trip based on what you need and like! Please feel free to tell us anything directly to draw a beautiful start of your wonderful Yunnan trip in China!

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Classic Yunnan Tours

Featured yunnan tours.

Best of Yunnan Tour

Best glimpse of yunnan.

This tour gives you a great overview of the beautiful region!

Trip at a Glance: Lijiang (2N), Shangri-La (2N), Kunming (1N)

Sites: Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery, Stone Forest

Transfer: Private Car & Flight

Yunnan Essence Tour

Scenic & ethnic yunnan.

Meet top 3 destinations with distinct sightseeing and culture.

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (1N), Dali (2N), Lijiang (2N)

Sites: Stone Forest, Dali Old Town, Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge

Transfer: Private Car & Bullet Train

Most Classic Yunnan Tour

Golden route of yunnan.

Start from Kunming and end in Shangri-La for 8 days.

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (2N), Dali (1N), Lijiang (2N), Shangri-La (2N)

Sites: Stone Forest, Three Pagodas, Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery

Amazing Yunnan Tour

Panoramic sight of yunnan.

Best trip to admire diverse sceneries, ethnic folks, historic treasures in vast Yunnan

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (2N), Yuanyang (2N), Jianhsui (1N), Dali (1N), Lijiang (2N), Shangri-La (2N)

Yunnan Rice Terrace Tour

Magnificent rice terraces.

Shoot the amazing sunrise, sunset at different rice terraces and meet local Hani people.

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (1N), Yuanyang (2N), Jianhsui (1N)

Sites: Stone Forest, Yuanyang Rice Terrace, Jianshui Old Town

Transfer: Private Car + Driver

Lijiang Shangri-La Highlights Discovery

Quaint city & earthly paradise.

Explore famous ancient city and Garden of Eden with landscapes.

Trip at a Glance: Lijiang (2N), Shangri-La (2N)

Sites: Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Mural, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park

Beautiful Yunnan Tour

God’s magic palette.

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (2N), Dongchuan (1N), Dali (3N), Lijiang (2N), Shangri-La (2N)

Sites: Dongchuan Red Land, Stone Forest, Dali Old Town, Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery

World Heritage Site Jingmai Mountain

6 days untamed yunnan tour from xishuangbanna to jingmai mountain.

Stunning natural beauty and diverse ethnic minority cultures of southern Yunnan province.

Trip at a Glance: Xishuangbanna (3N), Jingmai Mountain (2N)

Sites: Wild Elephant Valley, Dai Minory Village, Jingmai Mountain, Puer Tea Forest

Kunming Lijiang Bullet Train Tour

Budget vacation in two cities.

Best Exploration of Kunming and Lijiang by high speed train.

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (1N), Lijiang (3N)

Sites: Stone Forest, Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Hani Rice Terraces Admiration

Unesco heritage terraces.

Top popular trip for outstanding Hani rice terraces appreciation.

Trip at a Glance: Yuanyang (2N)

Sites: Longshuba Rice Terrace, Duoyishu, Bada Rice Terrace, Azheke Village Hiking, Hani Ethnic Market

Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour

World precipitous hike route.

Trek on the world-class precipitous route along torrential Jinsha River.

Trip at a Glance: Lijiang (1N), Tiger Leaping Gorge (1N)

Sites: Lijiang Ancient Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge

Kunming Golf Tour

Swing with fine landscape.

Enjoyable golf trip at world top courses in pleasant Kunming city.

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (4N)

Sites: Kunming Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, Kunming Lakeview Golf Club

Picturesque Yunnan Photos

Superlative visual feast.

Record terrific splendors in Dongchuan, Yuanyang & Jianshui.

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (3N), Dongchuan (1N), Yuanyang (2N), Jianshui (1N)

Sites: Stone Forest, Dongchuan Red Land, Yuanyang Rice Terrace

Transfer: Private Car & Driver

Luoping Rapeseed Flowers Appreciation

Golden canola flowers sea.

A spring visual trip to the golden sea of rapeseed flowers in Luoping.

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (1N), Luoping (2N)

Sites: Stone Forest, Luoping Rape Flowers, Nine Dragon Waterfall

Kunming & Xishuangbanna Contrast Tour

Spring city & “little thailand”.

Joyout trip to leisure “spring” Kunming & tropical Xishuangbanna.

Trip at a Glance: Kunming (1N), Xishuangbanna (3N)

Sites: Stone Forest, Dai Minority Park, Tropical Botanical Garden

Transfer: Private Car + Flight

Step into Paradise Yubeng

Incredible hike trip to “heaven”.

Trek at Yubeng Village with Meili Snow Mountain sunrise admiration.

Trip at a Glance: Shangri-La (1N), Meili Snow Mountain (1N), Yubeng (3N)

Sites: Songzanlin Monastery, Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng Village

Find Your Yunnan Tours by Destinations

The large Yunnan is home to many great travel destinations. While, there are several hot destinations long been favored by millions of travelers home and abroad, such as Kunming - the capital of Yunnan Province and known as the “Spring City” for its pleasant comfortable weather all years round, Lijiang - national famous old city with literal charm and Ancient Naxi Kingdom with fabulous sceneries, Shangri-La - the globally dreamy earthly paradise as “Lost Horizon” described, Yuanyang - the spectacular rice-paddy terracing listed as the UNESCO world natural heritage to compliment the creativity of both nature and local Hani ethnic people, Dali - a fabulous sunny getaway with profound Dali Old Town Kingdom and Nanzhao Kingdom stories and shining Bai ethnic culture, Xishuangbanna - quite different tropical Kingdom of plants and animals with rich flavors to match Thailand, and so forth. If your time is limited for 1~5 days or you have your own ideas to tour one destination in Yunnan, you can check the following city tours with detailed travel guide (attractions, things to do, transportation plan, hotels, maps) and find your way for exploration. Discover now!

• Jingmai Mountain
• Xishuangbanna

3 Days Kunming Spring City Tour

Highlights: Stone Forest, Western Hills & Dragon Gate, Yunnan Nationalities Museum, Green Park, Yuantong Temple

The best trip to feel the leisure and “Eternal Spring” weather of Kunming by visiting all must-sees.

4 Days Kunming & Dongchuan Red Land Scenic Tour

Highlights: Dongchuan Red Land, Sunrise and sunset of Dongchuan, Western Hills & Dragon Gate

Popular trip to appreciate “God’s Magic Palette” of smooth and magnificent red land with best highlights in Kunming city.

3 Days Kunming Tour to Stone Forest & Jiuxiang Cave

Highlights: Stone Forest, Jiuxiang Cave, Western Hills & Dragon Gate, Green Lake, Flowers & Birds Market

Exciting itinerary to admire the Kunming’s miracles of Karst landscape aboveground and underground.

4 Days Kunming & Luoping Canola Flowers Appreciation Tour

Highlights: Luoping Rape Flowers, Nine Dragon Waterfall, Green Lake, Yuantong Temple

Scenic tour to appreciate the stunning golden sea of rapeseed flowers in spring from Kunming.

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

Highlights: Lijiang Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge

Most popular and classic Lijiang discovery to feel its real culture, nature, architecture, etc.

3 Days Romantic Lijiang Tour with Visits to Naxi Kingdom

Highlights: Lijiang Ancient Town, Baisha Murals, Black Dragon Pool Park, Tiger Leaping Gorge

Explore Lijiang’s Naxi ethnic folk culture with charming landscape around the iconic old town.

5 Days Kunming Lijiang High Speed Train Tour

Highlights: Stone Forest, Western Hills & Dragon Gate, Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

5 worthy days to discover all natural and cultural treasures in Kunming and Lijiang with time-saving transfer by high speed train.

7 Days Yunnan Paradise Tour to Lijiang, Shangri-La & Lugu Lake

Highlights: Lijiang Ancient Town, Baisha Murals, Lugu Lake, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery

Discover the mysterious matriarchal society, kingdoms for Naxi people and wonderland for Tibetans in Yunnan.

3 Days Best Shangri-La Tour with Nature & Culture Experience

Highlights: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Dukezong Old Town, Tibetan Family Visit

Best classic Shangri-La trip to seek the “real” and “soul” of Shangri-La described in “Lost Horizon”.

5 Days Lijiang & Shangri-La Best Highlights Tour

Highlights: Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Murals, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park

Best vacation to explore best highlights in the charming “Kingdom of Naxi People” and “Garden of Eden”!

7 Days Shangri-La Tour with Meili Snow Mountain & Yubeng Hiking

Highlights: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng Village

Full Shangri-La discovery with sacred Meili Snow Mountain and amazing trekking to Yubeng Village.

5 Days Shangri-La & Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage Tour

Highlights: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Meili Snow Mountain & sunrise

Seek “Best Shangri-La” with an inspiring pilgrimage journey to holy Meili Snow Mountain.

3 Days Yuanyang Rice Terraces & Hani Culture Discovery Tour

Highlights: Longshuba Rice Terraces, Duoyishu Rice Terrace, Azheke Village, Daba Rice Terrace

Classic trip to appreciate the proud UNESCO heritage rice terraces at Duoyishu, Bada, Aichun...

5 Days Kunming, Jianshui & Yuanyang Rice Terraces Tour

Highlights: Stone Forest, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Azheke Village, Jianshui Ancient Town

Popular trip to fantastic Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Jianzhui Ancient Town and Stone Forest from Kunming.

3 Days Yuanyang Rice Terrace Hiking Tour for Hani Culture Exploration

Highlights: Duoyishu Rice Terrace, Aichun Village, Bada Rice Terrace, Azheke Village

Hike to explore the most beautiful Yuanyang Rice Terraces spreading near and far.

4 Days Yuanyang Rice Terrace Awesome Photography Tour

Highlights: Stone Forest, Bada Rice Terraces, Duoyishu Rice Terraces, Yuanyang Ethnic Market

Classic photo tour to shoot the most beautiful rice terrace landscape and Hani folk life.

3 Days Dali Classic Tour

Highlights: Dali Old Town, Three Pagodas, Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake, Xizhou Ancient Town, Zhoucheng Tie-dye

The best short trip to discover all best nature, culture and history of Dali City in the most classic way.

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

Highlights: Dali Old Town, Xizhou, Shaxi Ancient Town, Linden Centre

Real relaxing holiday to savor natural and cultural gems in Dali with experience at famous boutique hotel.

4 Days Kunming & Dali Highlights Tour by High Speed Train

Highlights: Stone Forest, Three Pagodas, Erhai Lake, Xizhou Ancient Town

Best combo to seek the best sightseeing, leisure life pace, ethnic culture ... in Kunming and Dali.

6 Days Dali Lijiang Tour with Shaxi Ancient Town

Highlights: Dali Old Town, Zhoucheng Tie-dye, Shaxi Ancient Town, Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Murals

Wonderful discovery of best landscapes and old towns in Dali and Lijiang with Shaxi Ancient Town on Tea-Horse Trail.

3 Days Escape Tour to World Heritage Jingmai Mountain

Highlights: Flight/train Pickup, Jingmai Mountain, Ancient Villages of Ethnic Groups, Ancient Tea Forest.

Breathtaking Jingmai Mountain landscape and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Ancient Tea Plantations of Puer Tea.

Highlights: Wild Elephant Valley, Dai Minority Park, Buddhist Monastery, Jingmai Mountain, Sunrise & sunset, Ancient Villages of Dai and Bulang

Discover from the tropical rainforests of Xishuangbanna to the ancient tea plantations of Jingmai Mountain.

4 Days Xishuangbanna Tour with Tropical Flavor & Dai Culture

Highlights: Manting Park, Tropical Botanical Garden, Dai Minority Park, Wild Elephant Valley, Zongfosi Temple

The classic itinerary to savor the symbolic tropical charm and Dai ethnic culture in Xishuangbanna.

5 Days Kunming & Xishuangbanna Contrast Flavor Tour

Highlights: Stone Forest, Green Lake, Tropical Botanical Garden, Dai Minority Park

A memorable memory of comfortable "spring" Kunming and “hot” Xishuangbanna with tropical charm.

Highlights: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Meili Snow Mountain, Yubeng Village, Ice Lake

5 Days Yubeng Trekking Tour

Highlights: Yubeng Village, Sacred Waterfall, Ice Lake, Xiaonong Base Camp, Feilai Monastery

This 5-day tour package is the classic Yubeng tour taking hiking lovers to have best fun at the primitive Yubeng Village from Shangri-La!

4 Days Yubeng Tour with Basic Hiking

Highlights: Yubeng Village, Sacred Waterfall, Ninong Grand Canyon, Feilai Monastery, Baima Snow Mountain

This is the best choice to visit tranquil Yubeng Village with basic hiking pace and discover top highlights along the way from Shangri-La to Feileisi!

3 Days Tengchong Hot Spring Vacation Tour with Heshun

Highlights: Heshun Ancient Town, Hot Sea, Beihai Wetland, Hot Spring Hotel Accommodation...

3 Days Tengchong Vacation Tour, including 2 nights Hot Spring Hotels and Tengchong highlights visit, in the most relaxing pace and at the best price!

Explore Yunnan on the Focus

You have already known Yunnan is a colorful land, but, do you know how to explore to the fullest in each destination? China Discovery has well selected seven different travel styles for different travelers. No matter what kind of travelers you are (nature fan, culture lovers, photographers, or good hikers), we have got a tour that’ll fit you just right. Select your favorite now!

Highlighted Experience & Articles for Yunnan Tours

For your deeper and full understanding of Yunnan and its top popular places, we here have our comprehensive travel guide and best-selected travel articles to give you the best and most up-to-date information of each major travel destination, including Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Dali, Yuanyang, etc. And each place includes all you want to know, such as why to go, top things to see and do, best time to visit there, how to get there & travel around, suggestion on places to stay and accommodations, other useful tips should know before setting off, etc. Please feel free to check all travel information for more travel ideas and know more things as locals!

Ultimate Yunnan Travel Guide & Useful Articles

• Top Things to Do in Yunnan
• Yunnan Weather & Best Time
• Ultimate Yunnan Transportation Guide
• Useful Yunnan Maps 2024
• Yunnan Ethnic Markets
• Yunnan Ethnic Festivals
• 25 Ethnic Minorities in Yunnan

• Top 10 Lijiang Attractions on TripAdvisor
• How to Plan a Kunming Tour
• From Kunming to Stone Forest
• How to Plan a Shangri-La Tour
• Things to Do in Shangri-La
• How to Plan a Dali Tour
• How to plan a Kunming Lijiang Trip
• Get from Lijiang to Shangri-La

• From Dali to Shaxi Ancient Town
• How to Plan a Yuanyang Tour
• Get from Kunming to Yuanyang
• Yuanyang Rice Terraces
• Top Jianshui Attractions
• Top Xishuangbanna Attractions
• Yubeng Village
• Meili Snow Mountain

Extend Your Yunnan Tours

Yunnan located in the southern China borders Guangxi, Guizhou , Sichuan and Tibet is usually planned with one of its bordering destinations into a China Yunnan trip for in-depth exploration of the south and west part of China. Besides, it is also a popular idea to travel Yunnan with other top destinations such as Beijing , Shanghai , Hong Kong , Xian , Zhangjiajie , and so on for a panoramic China seeking. Choose our popular well-organized tours to discover the differences between the various ethnic groups' cultures and marvel at the diverse culture and majestic landscape of China. Furthermore, if you have other attractions or destinations want to discover or any other idea to plan your own Yunnan China trip, please feel free to tell our professional travel expert to customize your own Yunnan China tour ! Start your vacation now!

Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Lhasa

Shanghai / Zhangjiajie / Kaili / Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri-la / Kunming

Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming / Fanjingshan / Kaili / Zhaoxing / Congjiang

Chengdu / Leshan / Mount Emei / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming

Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming / Zhangjiajie

Guilin / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming

Beijing / Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La

Beijing / Xian / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming / Guilin / Yangshuo / Shanghai

Yunnan Travel Stories Shared by our Guests

Creating a travel story to capture the unforgettable moments during your trip is an incredibly meaningful experience. At China Discovery, we have assisted numerous travelers in completing their Yunnan trips, and some of them have kindly shared their travel stories with us. Some of them were enchanted by the mystical Stone Forest in Kunming, while others preferred strolling through the lanes of Lijiang Old City or immersing themselves in a spiritual experience in Shangri-La. Through their stories, you can discover more about Yunnan's nature, culture, history, and more, and be inspired for your own trip. If you are one of our customers who has visited Yunnan and would like to share your travel story, please do not hesitate to contact us.

•  Jimmie(USA/Philippines)
•  Couple
•  2020.12.02-2020.12.04
•  3Days

•  Steve(USA)
•  Family,Friends
•  2019.10.08-2019.10.29
•  22Days

•  Elizabeth(UK)
•  2019.05.05-2019.05.17
•  13Days

•  David(UK)
•  Family
•  2019.01.05-2019.01.12
•  8Days

Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once inquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.

• Affordable and valuable price
• 100% tailor-made packages
• Highly rated customers reviews
• Efficient customer support

China Tours

• Top 10 China Tours
• Classic China Tours
• China Tours from Beijing
• China Tours from Shanghai
• China Tours from Hong Kong
• China Tours from Chengdu
• Short China Trips
• Customize China Tour
• China Panda Tours
• Family Tour with Kids
• High-Speed Train Tour
• Silk Road Travel
• Yangtze River Cruise
• Hiking & Trekking Tours
• Photography Tours
• China Minority Travel
• Beijing Shanghai Tours
• Shanghai Yangtze Tours
• Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tours
• Chengdu Lhasa Tours
• Suzhou Hangzhou Tours
• Guilin & Yangshuo
• Zhangjiajie

“Very good experience”

“WONDERFUL 25 DAYS IN CHINA - PRIVATE TOUR”

“Awesome China tour from northeast to southwest”

Any questions, please email us at: [email protected] or call us at: 86-19138970032 (Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. GMT+8)

• Terms & Condition
• Privacy Policy
• Customer Support

Copyright © 2011-2024. All rights reserved.

Cookie policy

We use cookies to give you the best experience on our website. Continue using our website means you agree with our cookie policy. For more info, please read here .

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Bundle & Save
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

Alicia Villarreal - Donde Todo Comenzo 2024 (Wheatland) | Hard Rock Live Sacramento

Experience the magic of Alicia Villarreal - Donde Todo Comenzo at Hard Rock Live Sacramento on May 18, 2024. This iconic concert will take place at 3317 Forty Mile Road, Wheatland, CA, 95962, where fans will be treated to a mesmerizing performance filled with hits like "Si una vez," "Insensible a ti," and "Besos y copas." Alicia Villarreal will showcase her talent with songs that have captivated audiences worldwide, including "La jefa" and "La suegra." Don't miss this opportunity to witness a true musical legend in action, singing classics like "Arrastrando la cobija" and "Dos mares." Mark your calendars as tickets for Alicia Villarreal - Donde Todo Comenzo go on sale starting from December 15, 2023, at 18:00, until May 19, 2024, at 04:00. Prepare to be amazed by an unforgettable evening of music and memories that will stay with you long after the final note has faded away.

Provided by HelgeTonka | Published Apr 27, 2024

Are you interested in Alicia Villarreal - Donde Todo Comenzo 2024 (Wheatland)?

Recommended products for alicia villarreal - donde todo comenzo 2024 (wheatland) | hard rock live sacramento, huquan tianyi hotel, dongfengyun sceneic area, mt. jinping scenic resort, huquan banshan hot springs, taiping lake forest chalet, mile, keyi village, more contents about mile.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

Text: A A A Print Politics

Chinese foreign minister receives written interview with al jazeera media network.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, received a written interview with Al Jazeera Media Network recently.

The following is the full text of the interview: 

Q1: Foreign Minister Wang Yi, you talked about the conflict in Gaza at your recent press conference held on the margins of the annual session of the National People's Congress. What measures will China possibly take to promote an immediate ceasefire in Gaza?

Wang Yi: The protracted conflict in Gaza has become a humanitarian catastrophe that should not have happened, which has gone far beyond the bottom line of modern civilization. For nearly six months, the conflict has caused over 100,000 casualties and displaced over one million civilians. The international community must act now.

First, what is urgent now is to realize ceasefire as early as possible, and this is the overriding priority. Even one more day of delay would mean further violation of human conscience and more erosion of the cornerstone of justice. Thanks to the concerted efforts of all parties, the United Nations Security Council not long ago adopted its first resolution demanding ceasefire since the start of the conflict. The resolution is legally binding, and should be enforced effectively to achieve an unconditional and lasting ceasefire right away.

Second, unimpeded humanitarian assistance must be ensured at all times, and this is the pressing moral obligation. China has firmly opposed forced transfer of Palestinian civilians and collective punishment against people in Gaza since the beginning of the conflict. We have vigorously supported the early establishment of a humanitarian relief mechanism, and have continuously provided humanitarian assistance to Gaza. Going forward, China will continue to work with the international community to channel all our efforts toward the ceasefire resolution enforcement, civilian protection, and rapid, safe, unhindered and sustainable delivery of humanitarian supplies to people in Gaza.

Third, further spillover of the conflict must be forestalled, and this is the practical necessity for preventing the situation from spinning out of control. The escalation of Iran-Israel hostilities is the latest spillover of the conflict in Gaza. China calls on all related parties to stay calm and exercise restraint to avoid further escalation. With the ongoing sense of justice, China will actively promote peace and stability in the Middle East and help ease the tension.

Fourth, historical injustice to the Palestinian people must be redressed timely, and this is the right way to address the root of the conflict in Gaza. The Gaza calamity shows once again that the perpetual denial of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people is the root cause of the Palestinian question, and it is also the core issue of the Middle East question. The only way to break the vicious cycle of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, eliminate the breeding ground of extremism and hatred, and achieve enduring peace in the region is to truly restore justice to the Palestinians, effectively enforce the two-State solution, and bring about political settlement to the legitimate security concerns of all related parties.

China will continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with Middle East countries and the whole international community to firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights; firmly support internal reconciliation among different factions of Palestine through dialogue; firmly support Palestine's full membership in the United Nations at an early date; and firmly support establishing the independent State of Palestine and realizing "the Palestinians governing Palestine." We call for a more broad-based, more authoritative and more effective international peace conference to set a timetable and a roadmap for the two-State solution, to promote comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question, and to ultimately realize peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine as well as harmony between the Arab and Jewish peoples.

Q2: The Chinese Ministry of National Defense announced the deployment of several hundred servicemen in an escort fleet for cargo ships. In this connection, how do you see the rising tensions in the Red Sea?

Wang Yi: The Red Sea has vital international shipping lanes for goods and energy going through it. Safeguarding its peace and stability helps keep global supply chains unobstructed and ensures the international trade order. That serves the interests of the region and the wider international community. For quite some time, rising tensions in the Red Sea have affected important interests of regional countries, especially the littoral states. They have also heightened the overall security risk of the region and weighed on the global economic recovery. China is deeply concerned about this.

China's position on the Red Sea is quite clear, which can be summed up in four points:

First, attacks and harassment on civilian vessels in the Red Sea should stop. There is no excuse at all for attacks on civilians.

Second, the international community should work together in accordance with law to ensure safe passage in the Red Sea. All parties are expected to play a constructive role toward deescalation.

Third, the root cause of the rising tensions in the Red Sea is the Gaza conflict. There should be an early ceasefire in Gaza so as to stem spillovers at source.

Fourth, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Yemen and other Red Sea countries should be upheld in earnest.

Since the flare-up of the tensions, China has stayed in touch with all parties and strove vigorously for deescalation. We take seriously the legitimate concerns of countries in the region, especially the littoral states of the Red Sea. We stand ready to coordinate more closely with regional countries and work together with the international community to continue with our constructive role in restoring peace and stability in the Red Sea at an early date.

It must be noted that the ongoing escort mission by the Chinese navy is not related to the Red Sea situation. It is carried out in the Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia as authorized by the UN Security Council. Since 2008, the Chinese navy has deployed 45 task groups in that region with a total of over 150 vessel sorties to deter pirates and conduct humanitarian operations. They have been a key part in safeguarding security in those waters. China will continue to act on the Global Security Initiative to protect the safety of international shipping lanes and to promote tirelessly a community with a shared future for mankind.

Q3: China has called for international peace conferences quite a few times to resolve the Ukraine crisis through negotiations. How will China mediate in these negotiations as the primary strategic partner of Russia? Will China pressure Russia to end the war?

Wang Yi: China's position on the Ukraine crisis is consistent, unequivocal and transparent. China is not a direct party to the conflict, and it did not start the crisis. Yet China is not an indifferent onlooker. In the two-plus years since the full escalation of the crisis, China has made tireless efforts to promote ceasefire and end the fighting. President Xi Jinping had in-depth talks with leaders of Russia, Ukraine and other countries. He stressed that peaceful negotiation is the only viable way out, and expressed China's hope for all parties to build conditions for political settlement of the crisis through dialogue. In addition, China has released a position paper particularly on the Ukraine crisis, and its Special Representative has made many visits to relevant countries to conduct good offices, pass on messages, clarify positions, and urge all sides to seek common ground, put aside differences and build consensus.

At present, the danger of further deterioration and escalation of the crisis still exists. The international community must strengthen solidarity, pool all the efforts for peace, and take real actions to lower the temperature.

It is imperative to remain committed to political settlement. Conflicts and wars do not end on the battlefield but at the table. China supports an international conference held at a proper time that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine and that ensures equal participation of all parties as well as fair discussions of all peace plans so as to achieve early ceasefire and end the fighting.

It is imperative to uphold objectivity and impartiality. There is no panacea to defusing crises. All sides should play their due part, and build up mutual trust to create conditions for ending hostility and starting peace talks. Any attempt to exploit the chaos for selfish gains or add fuel to the flames must be firmly rejected. More important, no one should form factions or provoke bloc confrontation.

It is imperative to address both symptoms and root causes. To uproot the crisis, we must dive deeper into the question of security. Pursuing unilateral or absolute security by willfully compressing the security space of others will inevitably tip the balance of power in the region and give rise to conflicts.

China will, together with the international community, uphold the principle of indivisible security, champion the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, accommodate legitimate security concerns of all sides, and support a balanced, effective and sustainable regional security architecture. We will work with all parties constructively to promote political settlement of the crisis, and contribute more to regional tranquility and security and enduring world peace.

Q4: On Taiwan. We have noted that eyes are on the Chinese government to see if it will take military action on China's Taiwan region. Given Taiwan's close ties with the United States and U.S. continued arms sales, how do you see the situation across the Taiwan Strait?

Wang Yi: Taiwan has been an inseparable part of China since ancient times. The Cairo Declaration jointly issued by the governments of China, the United States and the United Kingdom in 1943 clearly stated that Taiwan, which Japan had stolen from the Chinese, shall be restored to China. The Potsdam Declaration of 1945 to end World War II reiterated in Article 8 that "the terms of the Cairo Declaration shall be carried out." UN General Assembly Resolution 2758 was another unequivocal recognition of the one-China principle. These legally-binding international instruments are constituents of the postwar international order. They have further consolidated the historical and legal basis of Taiwan being an inalienable part of Chinese territory. Therefore, the Taiwan question is entirely China's internal affair, and how to achieve national reunification is a matter for the Chinese people on the two sides of the Taiwan Strait. We will strive for peaceful reunification with the utmost effort and greatest sincerity. In the meantime, our bottom line is also clear: we will absolutely not allow anyone to separate Taiwan from China in any way.

At present, the cross-Strait situation is stable on the whole. But it faces serious challenges as well. The biggest challenge comes from "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and external disruptions. The "Taiwan independence" elements are the troublemakers, and do the biggest harm to cross-Strait stability. Maintaining peace across the Strait inherently means resolutely opposing "Taiwan independence." Yet some countries are giving "Taiwan independence" separatist elements more and more weapons behind the scenes, in stark contrast to their calls for peace and stability of the Strait. These moves will only increase the risk of conflict and confrontation, and seriously undermine peace and stability in the Strait and the region as a whole. China will not sit on its hands with external disruptions. No one should underestimate the firm resolve, strong will and great capability of the Chinese people to defend our sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As President Xi Jinping has stressed, complete reunification of our motherland is the shared aspiration of the people, the trend of the times and a historical inevitability, and no force can stop it. China will ultimately achieve complete reunification, and Taiwan is bound to return to the embrace of the motherland. We also firmly believe that Middle East countries and the international community will stay committed to the one-China principle and support the Chinese people's just cause of opposing "Taiwan independence" separatist activities and striving for national reunification.

Q5: On U.S. election and China-U.S. relations. How does China see the election and the prospects of China-U.S. relations?

Wang Yi: The China-U.S. relationship bears on the well-being of the Chinese and American peoples and the future of humanity and the world. Last November, President Xi Jinping had a successful meeting with President Joe Biden in San Francisco upon invitation, and the two presidents agreed on a future-oriented San Francisco vision. China is sincere in improving its relations with the United States. A predictable, sustainable, healthy and stable China-U.S. relationship serves the interests of both the Chinese and American peoples as well as the whole world.

Meanwhile, the United States still sticks to its misperception of China, and presses ahead with its misguided policy to contain China. It has recently continued to woo its so-called allies in an attempt to provoke tensions at sea in the region and build networks to contain China at a faster pace. It has kept ratcheting up its unilateral sanctions, and gone all out to constrain China's development of science and technology. The United States should not view the world through the lens of Cold War and zero-sum mentality, and it should not say one thing but do another. The people of the world have clear eyes, and even more so for the Middle East people that can see easily who is on the right side of history and justice. What China brings to the world is cooperation, growth, stability and win-win. China's development and rejuvenation enjoys strong internal impetus and conforms with the trend of history. It will not be stopped by any force.

The U.S. election is an internal affair of the United States. China never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries. Meddling with others is just not the Chinese way. Whoever is elected, Chinese and American peoples will still need to have exchanges and cooperation, and the two major countries must find the right way to get along with each other. The three principles -- mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation -- put forward by President Xi Jinping are our fundamental guidance and goal when viewing and handling China-U.S. relations. During his recent phone call with President Biden, President Xi pointed out once again that two big countries like China and the United States should not cut off exchanges or turn their back on each other, still less slide into conflict or confrontation. They should instead cherish peace, value stability, and uphold credibility.

The China-U.S. relationship cannot go back to its past. But it should, and can fully, have a bright future. China is ready to work with the United States to carry out more win-win cooperation, do more that benefits the whole world, and truly fulfill their respective responsibilities to the international community.

World's first cable-stayed bridge in alpine canyon landscape

China successfully launches Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship

Four swivel bridges rotate into place in Sichuan

Blooming flowers decorate Sayram Lake in Xinjiang

Chinese FM spokesperson refutes western accusation of 'overcapacity'

China's Shenzhou-18 crew members meet press

Zhongguancun Forum to kick off in Beijing

Wisteria flowers enter best viewing season in Beijing

Xi calls on Chongqing to write its chapter in Chinese modernization

China unveils Shenzhou-18 crew for space station mission

China Space Day: Exploring China's Romanticism in Space

China in Diplomat's Eyes: Vibrant Xi'an city in antiquity and modernity

Space Day of China celebrated with exhibitions

Lhasa welcomes peak tourism season

Second phase of the 135th Canton Fair opens in Guangzhou

In Numbers: Reading in the digital age

Qingdao illuminated in celebration of 75th founding anniversary of Chinese PLA navy

Preview of International Horticultural Exhibition 2024 Chengdu

Rongshan Yangtze River Bridge connected in Sichuan

Chinese PLA navy celebrates 75th founding anniversary

China's first deep-sea multi-functional vessel launched in S China

Light show staged to mark 9th Space Day of China in Wuhan

Pearl River basin in S China braces for flood

Cradle of civilization: The Cangjie Temple

In numbers: China-Slovenia relations

Culture Fact: UN Chinese Language Day

Tunnel boring machine Yongzhou installed in E China

4th China International Consumer Products Expo concludes

Centuries-old tree blooms in Hangzhou

China Post issues commemorative stamps of Chengjiang Fossil Site

In Numbers: China's economic indicators in Q1 of 2024

China receives 38 cultural relics returned from U.S.

Storm dumps heaviest rain ever recorded in UAE

Panda strolls in flowers

Historic Copenhagen stock exchange in flames

China ready to launch Shenzhou-18 crewed spaceship

Most popular in 24h, more top news.

• China Anti-Doping Agency releases statement following WADAl's launch of compliance audit
• Scholar: U.S. claims of 'China's overcapacity' baseless
• China, U.S. must decide the future path of ties, Wang tells Blinken
• Travel to and from China rise during the May Day holiday
• Mt. Qomolangma welcomes advanced 5G network

Closer militarily between U.S. and Taiwan will eventually backfire: spokesperson

Traditional horse race held at 'Third Month Fair' in Yunnan