Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Yunnan
Yunnan, a province in southwestern China, is a treasure trove of diverse landscapes and vibrant cultures. It's home to breathtaking natural wonders like Erhai Lake in Dali, Stone Forest, and Dongchuan Red Land in Kunming. Yunnan also has many ethnic minority groups, each with its own unique traditions and colorful heritage, such as the Naxi minority group in Lijiang and the Tibetan communities in Shangri-La.
In this article, we'll take you on a journey through the top 10 must-visit attractions in Yunnan, where nature's beauty and cultural richness come together to create unforgettable experiences.
1. Lijiang Old Town
Naxi people are dancing in Lijiang Old Town
Location: Lijiang
Originally built in the late Song dynasty, Lijiang Ancient Town has a history spanning over 800 years. The town has many canals, and this, combined with the many ancient weeping willows swaying in the breeze, makes the ancient town feel like a living Chinese painting.
In this town, you can take part in Naxi dancing performances to immerse yourself in the minority culture. Also, you can wander through its winding alleys to explore ancient wooden buildings and traditional Naxi courtyards. What's more, visiting the iconic Mufu Palace, strolling along the picturesque canals, or ascending to Lion Hill for a panoramic view of the town are all good ways to enjoy your holiday here.
If you're on a Yunnan tour, the most convenient way to travel to Lijiang is by bullet train. It's cheaper than taking a flight. Or you can choose exclusive cars. Taking a drive from nearby places like Kunming, Dali, and Shangri-La will take no more than 4 hours.
Since Lijiang Ancient Town is a well-preserved cultural site with complete facilities, it has become a great year-round destination. A two-day visit is ideal for fully enjoying yourself in the rich cultural atmosphere and capturing the beauty of this historic town.
2. Stone Forest
Stone Forest, Kunming
Location: Kunming
The Stone Forest is 70 kilometers away from Kunming. It is often called the best Karst rock formation in the world. It is known for its bizarre rock formations, which have been created over thousands of years by wind and rain. The Western Hills Dragon Gate Grotto was built over 72 years during the Ming Dynasty. The grottos include three caves and the Datian Pavilion. The pavilion is the ideal place to enjoy the cooling breezes and get a fantastic view of the surrounding area.
It's a paradise for natural explorers and photographers. You can wander through the labyrinthine pathways among the towering stones, each uniquely shaped and named after its resemblance to animals, plants, or even humans. Don't miss the major highlights like the Greater Stone Forest, the Lesser Stone Forest, and the Naigu Stone Forest, each offering distinct views and experiences.
The best time to visit the Stone Forest is in spring and autumn. In spring (March to May), the weather is mild, and the landscape is lush with greenery. In autumn (September to November), you will find the maple tree dyeing the forest with a bright orange color. Summer is the rainy season. You can appreciate the unique beauty of Stone Forest after rain. However, there will be overcast skies. That's why the scenery in spring and autumn is more pleasant overall.
The Stone Forest is a bit far away from the downtown area of Kunming. It might take about 2 hours to get there by bus. The fastest way to get there is by bullet train, which only takes about 20 minutes. However, you still need to take a shuttle bus to get to Stone Forest. This will take an extra 45 minutes. If you travel with us, we can tailor a trip to your specific needs, including luxury accommodations, private transfers directly to your destination, and English-speaking guides to provide in-depth explanations at each site.
3. Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient City
Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, Dali
Location: Dali
Erhai Lake is a stunning alpine lake located in Dali, Yunnan. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings. The "Erhai" in its name translates to "Ear Sea." It gained this name because it's shaped like an ear and blue like a sea.
Taking a boat offers a peaceful way to explore the beauty of this lake, with stops at islands like Jinsuo Island and Nanzhao Folk Island. During sunrise and sunset, you will admire the beautiful reflections of the Cangshan Mountains on the lake.
Another popular way to admire the view of Erhai Lake is by riding a bike around it. On the way, you can stop and visit the ancient towns: Dali Ancient City, Xizhou Ancient City, and Shuanglang Ancient City. All of them are traditional Bai-style residential towns. Many of the buildings in these ancient towns date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Among them, Dali Ancient City is the most popular one. It was the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom and, later, of the Dali Kingdom. There are many historical remnants in this town, such as the Three Pagodas and Dali Marshal's Mansion.
If Dali is the first city on your Yunnan tour, you can reach there by flying into Dali Airport, which is about 15 km from the ancient towns of Dali and Erhai Lake. If you're planning to move on to Dali from other cities in Yunnan, the fastest way is by bullet train. Compared with taking a flight, you don't need to set off early, and checking in is quite easy.
Actually, Erhai Lake is a great destination year-round, thanks to Dali's relatively cool temperatures. However, it's important to remember to apply sunscreen, as the high altitude in Yunnan results in strong ultraviolet rays, especially in the summer.
4. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Location: Lijiang
If you're seeking an escape in the hot summer, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is definitely on the top of your list. It's also called Yulong Snow Mountain. Located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is an awe-inspiring natural wonder known for its stunning glaciers, and rich biodiversity at the foot of those mountains.
The mountain holds spiritual importance for the local Naxi people, adding a cultural dimension to your visit. You won't climb all the way up to a high point in a scenic area. You can take a cable car, the Glacier Cableway, to get to an altitude of 4506 meters. And then, climb up the stairs until you reach 4680 meters. For a more relaxing way, we recommend you visit the beautiful Blue Moon Valley at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. With the snowy peaks as a backdrop, the view there is dreamlike and stunning.
You can reach Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by taking an exclusive bus at Lijiang Old Town. It takes roughly 40 minutes to get there. Before you reach the scenic area, the bus will stop at the ticket office. You can buy your ticket on the spot or use the ticket you booked in advance.
5. Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Location: Shangri-La
One of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge, is located in Shangri-La. The 15-kilometer (9.3-mile)-long gorge is carved out by the Jinsha River, a tributary of the Yangtze River. This is a popular attraction for hiking. You can hike along the trails to admire the stunning view of roaring water below and see the snow-capped peaks on the far horizon. Because the gorge is flanked by the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain.
For majestic views, visit from May to October, when the rainy season turns the water yellow and powerful. However, there might be heavy rains from June to early September that may cause temporary closures. The water from late October to April is clear and green, sometimes even blue in the spring. If you prefer more serene views, you can plan your hiking tour during this period.
6. Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery
Location: Shangri-La
In Shangri-La, you don't want to miss Songzanlin Monastery, which is often called the little Potala Palace because of its traditional Tibetan architectural style. In 1679, the fifth Dalai Lama chose the monastery’s location by divination, and it quickly became the most important Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. It's a good chance to learn about Tibetan Buddhism and admire the natural beauty around this monastery.
Once at the monastery, you can explore its grand halls, which are adorned with colorful murals, intricate carvings, and large Buddha statues. Don't miss the main assembly hall, where monks gather for prayers, and the peaceful courtyard, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. Photography enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to capture the monastery's striking architecture against the backdrop of snow-capped peaks.
You can reach Songzanlin Monastery by taking a short drive from Shangri-La's city center, approximately 5 kilometers away. The journey takes around 15 minutes by taxi or local bus. For those traveling from other cities in Yunnan, you can take a bullet train to Shangri-La railway station and take a taxi or exclusive bus to Songzanlin Monastery.
Songzanlin Monastery offers a captivating cultural experience any time of the year. For a truly unforgettable visit, consider coming in late December or early January to witness the Gedong Festival. This annual event, held on the 26th and 29th of the 11th Tibetan lunar month, is renowned for its vibrant exorcism dances and prayers for world peace.
7. Dongchuan Red Land
Dongchuan Red Land
Location: Kunming
Dongchuan Red Land is a strikingly beautiful area located in Kunming, Yunnan. It's known for its vibrant red earth, which creates a stunning contrast with the green fields, golden wheat, and blue skies. This unique landscape, shaped by iron-rich soil, has become a paradise for photographers and nature enthusiasts, offering a surreal canvas of colors that change with the seasons.
To reach Dongchuan Red Land, you can take an express bus from Kunming, which takes around 3 to 4 hours. Alternatively, you can travel with us and we will arrange a private car and then you can have a more comfortable journey. The best way to explore the area is by hiking along the scenic roads, stopping at various viewpoints to capture the breathtaking landscapes.
In Dongchuan Red Land, you can enjoy completely different landscapes throughout the year. In spring, the fields are covered with buckwheat and potato flowers; in summer, the rain fills the fields, creating mirror-like reflections; in autumn, canola flowers bloom, turning the landscape into a golden kingdom; and in winter, you can even enjoy the snow. The best time to visit depends on your personal preferences and schedule.
8. Lugu Lake
Lugu Lake
Location: Lijiang
Lugu Lake is on the boundary of Yunnan Province and Sichuan Province. It's a serene and captivating lake known for its crystal-clear water, surrounding lush hills, and unique Mosuo-Ethinic culture. Lugu Lake is like a "Mother Lake" to Mosuo people and a source of inspiration for poets, artists, and photographers.
Except for trekking around this lake, another good way to admire Lugu Lake is by taking a special canoe, Zhucao canoe, to sail on this tranquil lake. From May to October (better in summer), you can see Ottelias flowering on the clear lake. Or you can admire the beautiful view of sunrise or sunset on the canoe and see the lake shimmering under the sunshine. Also, visiting the various islands, such as Lige Island and Heiwawu Island, or hiking in the surrounding hills for panoramic views are both good ways to relax yourself.
You can incorporate Lugu Lake tour into your Lijiang or Shangri-La itinerary. These two places are nearest to Lugu Lake.
9. Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Location: Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture (Honghe County for short)
Yuanyang rice terraces are famous for their stunning beauty, especially during the rice-growing season when the terraces are filled with water and reflect the surrounding mountains. It's located in the southern part of Yunnan Province. The rice terraces in Yuanyang were carved into the mountainsides by the Hani people over centuries. The terraces stretch across the slopes, creating a stunning patchwork of colors and reflections.
Come autumn, the rice paddies ripen into a golden canvas, shimmering like the sun. Once harvested, the fields are flooded, and on clear days, they mirror the sky like countless shattered mirrors, creating a breathtaking sight. Around April, you can join in the spring planting and experience the cycle of life firsthand.
Also, Yuanyang County is home to the Hani ethnic group. The unique culture of the Hani minority is also worth discovering. There are many villages around the rice terraces. Locals are kind and generous; you can visit them and learn more about their culture. To reach the Yuanyang Rice Terraces, you can travel from Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province.
10. Meili Snow Mountain
Meili Snow Mountain
Location: Shangri-La
Compared with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain is higher and more splendid. It's located in the northwestern part of Yunnan. Tibetan Buddhists regard Meili Snow Mountain as a holy site.
However, no one is allowed to hike on Meili Snow Mountain due to the spiritual significance of the local people. You can admire the holy view of golden sunshine on this white and sacred mountain far away. The most recommended places to admire the Meili Snow Mountain are the viewing platforms at Feilai Temple and Wunongding. Feilai Temple is a small Tibetan temple and offers a wide view of snowy mountains. You can take a direct bus to get there. Compared with Feilai Temple, Wunongding is more tranquil. You can enjoy a more relaxing trip there.
For a closer experience, you can hike along the Meili Snow Mountain from Feilai Temple to Yubeng Village. Yubeng Village is a Tibetan village surrounded by beautiful natural views. On the way there, you will see forests with waterfalls, glacial lakes and other Tibetan villages. When you get to the gate of Yubeng Village, you can buy an entrance ticket to enter the village and admire the beauty from a distance.
Travel to See Yunnan's Top Attractions
Except for the top 10 attractions, there are more beautiful places in Yunnan waiting for you to discover. No matter if you want to visit popular sites or hidden gems, Yunnan always has something for you. Why not start to plan a Yunnan tour with us? Write to trip@odynovotours.com, and we can customize an authentic Yunnan tour that fits your needs!
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