How to Plan a Trip to Yunnan: Top Places, Best Time & Tips
Nestled in the southwestern corner of the country, Yunnan is a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unparalleled natural beauty. From the majestic rice terraces of Yuanyang and the tropical rainforests of Xishuangbanna to the ancient towns of Dali and the mystical wonders of Shangri-La, Yunnan offers a tapestry of experiences that cater to every type of traveler. Start to plan your Yunnan tour with this travel guide, and you will get an unforgettable trip to China.
Decide Where to Go
A map of popular tourist cities in Yunnan
Yunnan is a treasure trove of diverse attractions that captivate visitors with its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. The first thing about traveling to Yunnan is to decide your destination. Don't worry if you're not familiar with cities in Yunnan. Here, we've prepared a list of top cities to visit for you.
Kunming
Stone Forest in Kunming
Highlights: Stone Forest, Dongchuan Red Land, and Dianchi Lake
Kunming is the capital city of Yunnan Province. It's often called the "Spring City" because the climate is always temperate there. In Kunming, Stone Forest is a must-see attraction. It's a unique karst landscape with towering limestone formations that resemble a forest of stones. Also, you don't want to miss Dongchuan Red Land, an agricultural landscape famous for its vibrant red color due to the iron-rich oil, and Dianchi Lake, a large freshwater lake near Kunming. If you're planning a trip to Yunnan, you can choose Kunming as your first destination. There are many national flights from major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. And you can take the bullet train from Hong Kong.
Lijiang
Lijiang Old Town
Highlights: Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Black Dragon Pool
Lijiang, located in the northwest of Yunnan, is a captivating destination for both rich ethnic culture and scenic landscape. It's home to the Naxi ethnic group, whose unique Dongba culture and traditions are well-preserved.
The weather in Lijiang is mild, with warm summers and cool winters. So it's a year-round destination. You can explore the country life of Naxi people in Lijiang Old Town, a town surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
If you prefer hiking adventures, you can wander around Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It's one of Lijiang’s most iconic natural landmarks, providing snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and diverse flora and fauna.
Dali
Erhai and Cang Mountains, Dali
Highlights: Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas, Xizhou Old Town, Shuanglang Old Town
Dali is a city that offers a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Erhai Lake in Dali is surrounded by many ancient towns, such as Dali Ancient Town, Xizhou Ancient Town and Shuanglang Ancient Town. All these towns are built by Bai ethnic people, with white-washed houses, tile roofs, and intricately carved wooden doors.
The best way to explore Dali is by riding a bike around the Erhai Lake and visiting those ancient cities. You can easily rent bikes in any one of the ancient towns. If you want to fully immerse yourself in the relaxing environment, you can spend two or more days in this area. There are accommodations in these ancient towns.
Shangri-La
Gedan Songzanlin Monastery, Shangri-la
Highlights: Tiger Leaping Gorge, Potatso National Park, Songzanlin Monastery
Shangri-La is located farther north than Lijiang and has a higher elevation, giving it a cool and temperate climate year-round. Summers are mild and pleasant, while winters can be cold with occasional snowfall. It is home to a large Tibetan population. You can experience Tibetan customs, language and religion by visiting Songzanlin Monastery, the most popular Tibetan site in Shangri-La. By exploring the halls and observing the monks' daily rituals, you can enjoy yourself in the serene spiritual atmosphere.
Shangri-La is also a destination for trekking. The Tiger Leaping Gorge offers dramatic landscapes and adventurous hiking trails. Or you can head to Potatso to admire pristine landscapes, including lush forests, clear lakes and rolling meadows.
Yuanyang
Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Highlights: Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Yuanyang is in the southern part of Yunnan. It's famous for its breathtaking rice terraces, which were carved into the slopes of the Ailao Mountains by the Hani people over one thousand years ago. Whether you’re a photographer, a nature lover, or a cultural enthusiast, Yuanyang offers a deeply rewarding and unforgettable experience. In spring, when it's planting season, the terraces are filled with water, creating mirror-like reflections of the sky. During this period, you may join the local people in experiencing the planting process. While in autumn, the harvest season, these terraces will turn golden with ripened rice.
Xishuangbanna
Highlights: Mengle Great Buddha Temple, Wild Elephant Valley, Jinuo cottage
Being located at the southernmost tip of Yunnan, Xishuangbanna has a tropical climate. It's renowned for its tropical landscapes, rich cultural diversity, and unique biodiversity. The weather here is rather warm year-round. Thus, Xishuangbanna is ideal for growing tropical fruits, spices and tea. Apart from fresh agricultural products, you can see exotic wildlife in Xishuangbanna. Wild Elephant Valley is one of the best places to see Asian elephants in their natural habitat.
Xishuangbanna is the heartland of the Dai ethnic group. The Dai people have a rich cultural heritage, characterized by their distinctive stilt houses, traditional clothing, and unique customs. The Dai New Year, usually falling in mid-April, known as the Water-Splashing Festival, is one of the most important and lively events in the region, where locals and visitors alike take part in joyful water fights to bring good fortune for the coming year.
Best Time to Visit Yunnan
Mild weather of Napa Lake in Yunnan
Yunnan's geographical location results in a mild climate with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 23°C in summer and 7°C to 11°C in winter. The annual temperature difference is generally small, making it a year-round destination. The best time to visit largely depends on your personal preference and any specific holidays you'd like to experience. If you enjoy warm weather and festivals, summer might be ideal. However, be prepared for the rainy season and peak season in summer. In spring and autumn, the temperature will be cooler and there will be fewer crowds. Since there are snowy mountains in Yunnan, winter could be the perfect time for your trip if you're interested in them.
For detailed information about four seasons and weather in Yunnan, please refer to: Best Time to Visit Yunnan 2024/2025
Not Recommended Time to Visit Yunnan
To avoid large crowds, we highly recommend you plan your trip outside of peak travel seasons, such as the Labor Day holiday (May 1st-5th), the National Day holiday (October 1st-7th), and the Lunar New Year. Additionally, the summer months (July and August) often see increased tourist numbers due to school holidays. To make the most of your trip, planning ahead and booking early is essential. Contact us to arrange your tour, and we'll make your experience hassle-free, even during the busy season.
Top Travel Ideas for a Yunnan Tour
Each city in Yunnan has its own unique attractions. A stay of 2-3 days is ideal for exploring them. For a more in-depth experience, consider extending your visit. Generally, a classic Yunnan tour can range from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your interests.
One-Week Itineraries
One week in Yunnan is a suitable duration for first-time visitors. During one week, you can visit 2 to 3 popular cities, such as Shangri-La and Lijiang. Or immerse yourself in an in-depth tour of one city. We've compiled a list of the the most popular Yunnan tours for you to consider, and each can be customized to suit your interests and schedule.
7 DAYS 
4 DAYS 
5 DAYS 
5 DAYS More than a Week
If your schedule allows, you can explore 4 to 5 destinations, including those mentioned above, plus Dali and Kunming. Consider venturing into lesser-known areas like Yuanyang for its stunning terraced fields or Deqin for breathtaking views of Meili Snow Mountain.
- 9-Day Classic Yunnan Tour: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La
- 11-Day Authentic Yunnan Tour: Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La
If you're planning a China tour, you may include Yunnan into your itinerary to find more beauty in China.
Here are our most popular tours that include Yunnan, for your reference:
How to Get to Yunnan
It's quite convenient to travel in Yunnan. The popular tourist cities, including Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Dali, all have railway stations, making it easy to travel by bullet train.
Generally, getting to Yunnan is easy. You can take an international flight to major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong, and then transfer to Kunming, Lijiang, Shangri-La, or Dali by domestic flight or bullet train.
What to Eat in Yunnan
Yunnan rice noodles
The food culture in Yunnan is influenced by its ethnic diversity and varied geography. Basically, the dishes in Yunnan taste a bit spicy and sour, with ingredients like chili peppers and pickled vegetables. Local people love to add mushrooms to many dishes, adding a deep and savory flavor.
In Yunnan, the most famous and worth trying dish is Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles, also known as Guoqiao Rice Noodles. It features a bowl of hot broth served with rice noodles, raw meat, vegetables, and other toppings that are cooked in the broth by the diner. Besides, you can try bamboo rice. Sticky rice is cooked inside a bamboo tube, absorbing the fragrant aroma of the bamboo, and often mixed with ingredients like mushrooms, peas, and meats.
Plan Your Yunnan Tour With Us
Whether you're interested in the serene beauty of highland lakes, the bustling traditional villages, or the dramatic landscapes of snow-capped mountains, Yunnan is waiting for you! Contact us or write to trip@odynovotours.com for a customized trip to Yunnan. With our local knowledge and attention to detail, we guarantee a seamless and unforgettable journey through China.
Quick Question
What Our Clients Say
"Great Customized Service", "Trip of A Lifetime", "Exceed All Expectations"
SUBSCRIBE TO WIN A FREE TOUR
Subscribe to our newsletter for a chance to win a free 9-day the Philippines tour! And more insider travel news, exclusive offers, and inspiration will be sent straight to your inbox.