Yunnan province is diverse. Yunnan province is also huge: it is bigger than Germany, and the volume of attractions here really is country-sized. Realistically, Yunnan needs close to one month to truly appreciate: the province is home to gigantic mountain ranges, more lakes than you can count, ancient towns, grand canyons, rain forests, nation-crossing rivers, jungles, waterfalls, hot springs and mind-boggling huge rice terraces. Yunnan is also the most culturally diverse province of China (more than half of the country’s minority groups reside here). The regions cultural diversity (ranging from mountain-dwelling Tibetans to Mekong-fishing Dai) is part of the adventure, and only adds to the wonderful colour of the the eye-catching contrasts of the land itself. Yunnan is an adventurers paradise not to be missed, and after a visit here you will be bragging about it for decades to come. Read below for a full guide on Yunnan province travel.
Travel Yunnan province: Kunming
The provincial capital of Yunnan is affectionately known as the ‘Spring City’ due its year-round agreeable climate. Kunming has also always been considered one of China’s most liveable cities, and the laid-back vibes, nearby national parks, craft breweries, hip bars and young (including expat) populace are testament to the reputation. Kunming, of course, has a more than a few must-see attractions, and the Shilin Stone Forrest tops the list. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an extravaganza of rocky peaks, jagged rocky outcroppings, water caves, and underground rivers. The topography here is otherworldly, and for most, a once in a lifetime sight…
Jiuxiang is the subterranean counter-balance to the Stone Forrest. With over 100 caves here, the scale of Jiuxiang is immense (indeed, it the largest cave cluster in China). The greater Jiuxiang area is also densely forested with magnificent mountains and valleys to spare.
Dongchuan Red Land is located to the north east of Kunming. The soil here is ridiculously rich in iron and aluminium (this oxidizes the earth), and the result is land of a dazzling crimson colour. From a distance, the blue sky, white clouds, green crops and red earth merge to create a spectacular scene. Pack the camera, pack the drone, pack the tripod, pack the film… Do whatever is humanely-possible to capture the craziness of the area.
Finally, be sure to appreciate the unique cultural variance of the province at Yunnan Ethnic Village. The attraction is a collection of ethnic minority villages including those of the Dai, Bai, and Yi people. Each village contains traditional dwellings, workshops, folk arts, ethnic performances, and unique snacks.
Travel Yunnan province: Lijiang
This is one of Yunnan’s undisputed must-see destinations: Lijiang is a perfect combination of historical sites, snow-capped mountains, lakes, and ethnic minority cultures. The regions surrounding nature is dead-set gorgeous and easily accessible. Lying between river and mountains, the landscape here is absolutely magnificent. Put simply, Lijiang one of the most special places to visit in China. Downtown may be average, but really Lijiang is synonymous to its Old Town. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 800 year old Lijiang Old Town was once a chaotic and bustling transit point on both the Silk and Tea Horse Roads. The quaint Old Town is magnificently preserved: cobblestone paved roads, picturesque buildings and arched bridges abound amongst the canals. A great way to explore the Old Town is on foot: lose yourself in the small twisting lanes that open into courtyards, hidden teahouses and tiny temples.
After loosing yourself to the moment, Mufu Palace within the Old Town is a splendid architectural garden combining the style of the Ming Dynasty with the techniques of the local Bai and Naxi peoples. This magnificent building is surrounded by white marble balustrades, and the internal pavilion houses thousands of sutras, paintings and calligraphy works.
The exceeding beauty of Lijiang’s surrounding areas is best captured with a visit to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. A quick bus or taxi ride from the Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is stunningly breath-taking. The area is made up of 13 different peaks, the highest with an altitude of 5,600 meters (18,360 feet). Just head to the main visitor area and choose what you want to explore: mountain peak glaciers, alpine meadows, lakes, year-round snow caps – it’s all here to enjoy. So whether you decide to sit atop a mountain, hike through the forest or feel the spray of a waterfall, Mother Nature has you covered.
When finding yourself at the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, do not miss the Blue Moon Valley. The rivers and lakes here are fed by meltwater from Yulong Snow Mountain (one of the mountain peaks), and the result is water so clear that it has turned a stunning shade of blue. Blue Moon Valley is made up of four lakes, each with its own distinct colour: Jade Lake, Mirror Pond, Blue Moon Lake, and Wave Lake. The valley is also dotted with many picturesque little waterfalls, which only adds to the effect.
Lugu Lake is approximately 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the centre of Lijiang City. The lake is about 2,600 meters (8,500 feet) above sea level and is absolutely gorgeous: the water is blindingly crystal. Hitching a ride on a local boat or staying in a lake side bungalow are equally effective methods of absorbing the serenity. The region is also home to the Mosuo people, a matriarchal society where women dominate the role of production and management, holding the principal positions of their society.
Travel Yunnan province: Dali
For many travellers to Yunnan, Dali is a must-see destination. The city lays by the beautiful Erhai Lake (cycling around the lake is about as tranquil as it gets), and the many historic attractions, cafes and bars on offering within Dali tend to leave people wanting to extend their intended stay. A trip to Dali is usually combined with a trip to Lijiang, as the two cities are well connected by both bus and rail. Begin your Dali tour with Erhai Lake: the scenery here is spectacular, with good weather year round. Be sure to explore some of the many lake side villages, and assign a healthy portion of time to simply chilling.
Wondering amongst the plethora of artsy shops and hipster cafes in Dali Ancient City has a surprising therapeutic effect on many. Besides eating and chilling (and tasty local coffee), the ancient city is a beautifully preserved specimen of grand city walls, traditional Bai ethnic minority folk houses, cobble-paved streets and temples. After a visit to Dali Ancient City, head over to Nanzhao Customs Island (on Erhai Lake). The scenery here is gorgeous, with imposing white marble statues and many different styles of inns.
The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple is the landmark of Dali. This 1,800 year old temple is quite impressive, and extremely photogenic. If you find yourself in Dali, do not miss out on a visit to these pagodas. Finally, the Butterfly Spring Park has a square pool of crystal clear spring water, and (to further explain the name) attracts a ridiculous number of butterflies. This spectacular insect-sight has given rise to a local festival: the annual ‘Butterfly Meet’ on April 15th.
Shangri-La
This is one of the most majestic regions of the world. Shangri-La is where Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet converge, and Tibetan culture spectacularly flourishes. Allocate close to a week to explore the area: this is truly a once in a lifetime destination, so do not rush. Pudacuo National Park is a 1,300 square kilometre (500 square mile) national park in Shangri-La County. The first national park in China is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a picture of beautiful scenery, quiet and clear mountain lakes, vast pastures, wetlands filled with flowers and lush virgin forests. If you travel Yunnan province, do not miss this!
Balagezong Grand Canyon offers equally breath-taking natural scenery. Fathomless canyons and awe-inspiring snowy mountains make for some great hiking and kayaking excursions. Ancient Tibetan villages and some thousand year Bodhi trees are a photographers dream come true.
With turquoise waterways and lime green rice terraces, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the most stunning landscapes anywhere in China (and indeed the world). Also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the surging waterways here are spectacular. One of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge is also a world-renowned hiking destination. The gorge runs for 16 kilometres (10 miles), and hiking the entire length of it is possible along two separate trails. Allocate a few days to explore the gorge (accommodation can be found along the hiking trails).
Shika Snow Mountain is a holy Tibetan site. Boasting precipitous snow peaks, beautiful valleys, forests, shimmering lakes, and lush meadows, the area is a great reflection of Shangri-La as a whole. The mountains here tower some 4,500 metres (14,000 feet) above sea level, and this accounts for its alpine vegetation and feel. Besides the stunning vistas, the local Tibetan customs (cattle grazing, villages, shepherds and all) is a tranquil site in itself.
You will really gain an appreciation of the Tibetan ways here once you set your eyes on the Sungtseling Monastery. This large Tibetan Buddhist monastery was built in 1679, on the advice of the 5th Dalai Lama. Sungtseling has a similar design to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and so is sometimes affectionately called the “Little Potala Palace”. Close to one thousand monks still reside and practice in the monastery, and thousands of pilgrims make the journey here annually. This is a religious treasure of Tibetan Buddhism and is absolutely worth a visit.
Feilai Temple is famous for its magnificent setting facing the Meili Snow Mountains. The temple is still used by Tibetans to pay homage to the sacred mountains here, but for outside visitors, the stunning views is what attracts. A final recommendation (but by no stretch-least) is the Tibetan Yubeng Village. Yubeng Village is situated deep in the mountains, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). You will need to make an effort to reach the village, as there is little-to-no established transport routes (but the effort is well worth it). The waterfall on the hill next to Yubeng Village is still a holy place of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists.
Travel Yunnan province: Xishuangbanna
Have you ever wondered how Thailand would look and feel like without all the “massage parlours”, rowdy (and, let’s put it mildly, intoxicated tourist), eardrum-blasting electro beats, touting vendors and smog-factory tuk-tuks? Well if you have, Xishuangbanna is a dream become reality. Bordering Laos and Myanmar, this place really is the stuff of fantasy. The Mekong River (did you know that the river is actually emerald green?!) snakes through dense and wild jungles; wild elephants and monkeys roam freely; ancient Buddhist temples and pagodas are hidden within tangled wilderness; tight-knit communities of ethnic minorities still preserve a more ancient way of life; and coconuts (utilized in every mouth-watering way) & sticky-rice with mango & prawn curry & pineapple rice & barbequed fish & Thai tea & fresh papaya juice & (ok, you get the point)… You will fall in love with Xishuangbanna.
Xishuangbanna is the home of the Dai people (devoted Buddhist believers), and the region is dotted with Southeast Asian Buddhist temples and pagodas. You’ll be spoilt for choice here, but begin by heading to Manting Park to check out the gardens, peacocks, ethnic musical performances, and exquisite Dai and Thai styled buildings. Follow this up with the Gaozhuang Pagoda area. Besides a golden pagoda dedicated to the Dai people, the area is home to lively commercial streets, specialty restaurants, and the distinctive Gaozhuang Night Market. Head to the night market to experience some Dai culture (and basically eat until you cannot move…).
Xishuangbanna is a kingdom for natural life, with a wide variety of animal and plant species (many of which are rare and endangered). The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden should not be missed. Considered the best botanical garden in China, this 11 square kilometre (4.5 square miles) garden is home to over 13,000 plant species. In fact, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is also a comprehensive tropical plants institution engaged in scientific research, species preservation, and science communication.
Follow up with a trip to the Xishuangbanna Primeval Forest Park. Home to ancient trees and thousands of peacocks, the forest park is also a great place to enjoy the Songkran (Thai Water Splashing) Festival in April.
Yuanyang
A visit to Yuanyang County can only lead to one thing: the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces. Commonly referred to as the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, these are the Hani ethnic minority’s masterpiece of ingenuity. The rice terraces were moulded out of the surrounding Ailao mountain range by locals over hundreds of years, with the result being a man-made landscape of scarcely believable beauty. The terraces here are surely the most magnificent in the world, and this is only reinforced by the fact that the terraces are UNESCO World Heritage Listed. Believe us when we say: pack the camera, charge the phone, and invest in a drone! Be prepared for future disappointments, as all rice terraces fail in comparison after a visit to Yuanyang…
There are four major scenic spots in the area: Bada, Laohuzui, Duoyishu, and Jingkou Village (all offer breath-taking views). January to March offers some of the most beautiful vistas, as this is when the terraces have been irrigated (creating a dazzling mirror effect). The scenery is equally spectacular in early spring (February and March) with seas of clouds and wild cherry blossoms dominating the landscape. Also be sure to set the alarm and catch the sunrise: you won’t regret it.
Travel Yunnan province: Qujing
Qujing is situated in the east of Yunnan province. It has a varied landscape and diverse culture, with a range of ethnic minorities including the Yi, Zhuang, Miao and Yao peoples. A visit to Qujing is all about one of two things: Jiulong Waterfalls or the blooming Luoping Canola Flower Ocean. The Jiulong Waterfalls is actually a system of waterfalls spread over 4 kilometres (2.5 miles). In some spots the waterfalls drop over 100 meters (328 feet), making for a pretty spectacular site.
Qujing really comes alive (with blossom and tourist) in February. The Luoping Canola Flower Ocean attracts photography enthusiasts from across China during the Rape Flower Tourism Festival held here in February. The entire town becomes a sea of golden-yellow, with canola flowers in full bloom. The scale of the bloom is quite extraordinary and well worth the effort (investing in a drone is equally well worth it).
Yuanmou
Seldom visited (and equally seldom known) Yuanmou is a little hidden gem of Yunnan. If you have the option to make a stop over here, do not miss the Yuanmou Earth and Forest Scenic Resort. Be amazed by the imposing quartz and stone pillars here, and try to catch the milky way in the wee-hours of the morning.
The Yuanmou Ape Man Museum is, as the name suggests, home to the Yuanmou Man. The Yuanmou Man, who lived 1.7 million years ago, was the first Homo erectus ever found within the boundaries of China. The remnants of Yuanmou Man were discovered in 1965.
Travel Yunnan province: Baoshan
Boarding Myanmar to the south, Baoshan once served as the beginning of the Southern Silk Road which lead to India. Although the city is full of ancient villages (indeed thirteen ethnic minorities are native to Baoshan) and temples, it is the thermal hot springs here which are most renowned. Heshun Ancient Town was once an important stop along the Southern Silk Road. Built upon the mountain side, Ming and Qing dynasty ancestral halls, memorial archways, and ancient residences are spread throughout the town. Heshun Ancient Town is a lovely introduction to the regions distinctive local flavour.
The best place to appreciate the regions nature is at the Beihai Wetlands. Created through volcanic activity, the Beihai Wetlands is a protected nature reserve in Yunnan. Pay a visit in spring for a colourful dazzle of flowers, reeds, and birds. Visit during the summer and to marvel at a sea of purple blossom.
The Tengchong Thermal Sea Scenic Area is the regions most famed attraction. With more than 20 geothermal pools to choose from, your muscles will hang like jelly after a dip in these waters.
We hope that we have inspired you to travel Yunnan province!