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Yunnan

2025 Yunnan Travel Guide: Weather, Transportation, Popular Attractions, and Everything You Need (Updated 2025 4)

About Yunnan

Recommended trip: 7–12 day(s)

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Yunnan Local Travel Guide 2025

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Yunnan Brief Guide

Yunnan stands out with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, offering a unique blend of ethnic heritage and natural beauty. The region is particularly renowned for its picturesque ancient towns, with Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La being quintessential stops. These towns not only highlight traditional architecture and local customs but also act as gateways to exploring the varied geographical marvels, ranging from mystical mountains to serene lakes. Visitors to Yunnan can explore the Stone Forest in Kunming, known for its magnificent stone formations, wander through historic streets in Dali Ancient Town, or marvel at the Three Pagodas. The scenic Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake in Dali offer tranquil nature escapes. Adventurous souls may venture to the Tiger Leaping Gorge for a challenging trek, while those seeking cultural immersion can explore the rich Tibetan traditions at Shangri-La's Songzanlin Lamasery.

Yunnan Best Time To Visit

Yunnan is best visited all year round, in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these two months, the climate is mild, allowing for comfortable sightseeing and outdoor activities. The pleasant weather and the ethnic festivals in these two months add cultural richness to the traveling experience. Another recommended period is November to April, when there is less rainfall, clearer skies, and the chance to witness local festivals, such as the Water Festival in April.

Yunnan Must-try Local Experiences

1. Stroll Through Ancient Towns Yunnan is home to many ancient towns, each with its unique architectural style, such as the Naxi houses in Lijiang Old Town and the Bai-style buildings in Dali Old Town. Life moves at a slower pace here, inviting you to take your time, enjoy a leisurely afternoon, or visit historical sites like Mu's Mansion and the Wuhua Building to feel the weight of history. 2. Cycle or Take a Boat Tour Around Erhai Lake in Dali Rent a bicycle and ride along Erhai Lake, taking in the scenic mountains and waters, or hop on a lake cruise to see Erhai from a different perspective. Along the way, visit spots like Nanzhao Style Islan for a peaceful lakeside experience. 3. Hike in Putatso National Park, Shangri-La Hike through Potatso National Park, passing through pristine forests and alpine meadows while admiring the stunning views of Bitahai Nature Reserve and Shudu Lake. Immerse yourself in the pure and majestic beauty of nature. 4. Explore the Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest Nature Reserve Embark on a rainforest adventure in Xishuangbanna with a guide, venturing deep into the jungle, climbing mountains, and exploring streams. Encounter exotic plants and animals you won’t find in the city, or experience a treetop walk to fully appreciate the mystery and diversity of the rainforest. 5. Capture the Golden Sunrise on Meili Snow Mountain In the early morning, head to Feilai Monastery or the Wunongding Viewing Platform to await sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain. As the first rays hit Kawagebo, the highest peak, it glows golden, like a sacred mountain. The chance to witness this spectacle is higher from October to April. 6. Experience Yan’s Family Courtyard Tea Party Show Take part in a Yan’s Family Courtyard Tea Party Show in Dali, learning about the cultural significance behind it and trying your hand at brewing the tea that symbolizes the ups and downs of life. 7. Celebrate the Dai Water Splashing Festival Join the fun at the Dai Water Splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna in mid-April. One of the Dai people’s most important traditional festivals, this lively event involves people splashing water on each other for blessings and good fortune. 8. Celebrate the Torch Festival If you’re in Yunnan around the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, don’t miss the Yi people’s Torch Festival. Join in the bonfire festivities, singing and dancing with the locals to experience the vibrant festival spirit. 9. Taste Yunnan’s Cross Bridge Rice Noodles and Flower Pastries Be sure to try authentic cross-bridge rice noodles in Yunnan, known for its rich ingredients and flavorful broth. And don’t forget to pick up some flower pastries, made with fresh petals, to take home as souvenirs. 10. Browse Fresh Flowers at the Kunming Flower Market The Dounan Flower Market in Kunming is one of Asia’s largest fresh-cut flower markets. You’ll find a wide variety of flowers at great prices, perfect for decorating your home. 11. Challenge Yourself with a Hike at Tiger Leaping Gorge For outdoor adventure lovers, Tiger Leaping Gorge is an unmissable hiking destination. Trek along the edge of the gorge to enjoy a great workout while taking in the breathtaking natural scenery. 12. Join a Tea Picking Experience in Yunnan’s Tea Plantations Participate in a tea-picking experience at a tea plantation in Pu’er or Xishuangbanna. Hand-pick tea leaves, learn about the tea-making process, and enjoy a fresh cup of Pu’er tea.

Yunnan Transportation

To reach Yunnan, flying remains a top choice as the province hosts 15 airports, including Kunming Changshui International Airport, which provides numerous domestic and international connections. These airports link Yunnan directly to major cities globally, making it accessible from Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Europe. Additionally, Yunnan is well-connected by high-speed trains, particularly through Kunming, offering another convenient option for travelers coming from other parts of China.

Yunnan Best cities to visit

Listed as a World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town was a bustling transit and transfer point on both the famous Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road. The ancient city never had city walls. Lying between the river and the mountains, the landscape is magnificent. Inside the old town, the roads are paved with slick cobblestones. The quaint buildings, small arched bridges and beautiful plateau scenery have attracted the interest of countless visitors. The relaxed pace of life and unique Naxi culture are also part of the Lijiang's charm. The area surrounding the old town also has many beautiful natural landscapes such as the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain) and the idyllic Lashihai Lake. The ancient town of Shuhe and Baisha Old Town are sure to impress with their tranquil breath of life.

Yunnan Useful Guide

It’s important to stay vigilant and familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers while traveling in Yunnan. For immediate assistance, dial 110 for police, 120 for medical emergencies, and 119 for fire emergencies. Additionally, adhere to traffic safety laws such as wearing helmets if you are riding motorcycles or scooters and ensuring all passengers in cars wear seat belts. Always check the latest weather forecasts to prepare adequately for natural conditions, especially if engaging in outdoor activities.

Trip.Best: Yunnan

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Top 12 Luxury Hotels in Yunnan

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Popular Best Things to Do in Yunnan

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Popular Family Hotels in Yunnan

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Top 17 Night Attractions in Yunnan

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Popular Scenic Hotels in Yunnan

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Popular Family-friendly Attractions in Yunnan

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Popular Cultural Hotels in Yunnan

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Popular Spring Outings in Yunnan

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Popular Instagrammable Hotels in Yunnan

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Popular Skiing Attractions in Yunnan

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Popular Vacation Homes in Yunnan

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Popular Hot Springs Attractions in Yunnan

Popular Destinations

More Popular Destinations

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Dali

Kunming

Lijiang

Xishuangbanna

Tengchong

Erhai

Shangri-La

Fuxian Lake

Things to do in Yunnan

What to Do

Looking for things to do in Yunnan? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

Where to Stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Yunnan, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

What to Eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Yunnan dishes and foodie spots.

Yunnan Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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#yunnan

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My cousin-in-law took us on a trip and we found this homestay with a 5.0 rating. It was worth it!

virel_0517

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I stayed in my dream room by Erhai Lake in Dali

WanderlustAbroad

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Yunnan, I'm back! I really don't recommend going this month because…

Cook Ava45Ava

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I declare this is the craziest hotel I've ever stayed in!!

Hayes_38 Addison

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Embrace the Romantic Spring｜[Kunming Cherry Blossoms]

stray_kids111

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6-day Yunnan tour of Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. A complete guide to help you avoid detours.

NEVAEH SHIELDS

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Encounter the golden ocean of 800,000 mu, a romantic spring limited edition recommended by CNN.

Luna789~Anderson

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Compared to Lijiang Ancient Town, I prefer this small town at the foot of the snow mountain.

Sophie~Cooper

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What People Are Saying About Yunnan

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Stone Forest Scenic Area

旺朵朵的种草日记

🌄 Two core highlights of Shilin Scenic Area 1. 🌍 World-class karst wonders - Sword-shaped stone forest group: The large stone forest, small stone forest and other areas are distributed with sword-shaped, columnar and mushroom-shaped stone peaks formed 270 million years ago, up to 40 meters high, known as the "essence of world karst". - Geological wonders: such as "Lotus Peak", "Jianfeng Pool" and "One Moment", among which the "Ashima" stone peak has become a landmark attraction due to Yi legends. - Caves and waterfalls: stalactite wonders of Zhiyun Cave and Da Dieshui Waterfall (the largest waterfall in Yunnan, with a drop of 92 meters). 2. 🎎 In-depth experience of Yi Sani culture - Ashima legend: The "Ashima" stone peak in the small stone forest carries the Yi love epic, and singing and dancing performances can be enjoyed in the scenic area. - Folk activities: such as the "Mizhi Festival" reproduces the primitive hunting culture, and tourists can participate in bonfire parties and big three-string dances. - Intangible cultural heritage handicrafts: Yi embroidery, paper cutting and other traditional skills are displayed, and special souvenirs can be purchased. ✨ Special gameplay recommendation💡: - Sunrise/sunset photography📸: overlooking the stone sea from Bu Shao Mountain, taking photos of light and shadow in the Wannian Lingzhi Scenic Area. - Balance car patrol check-in: encountering the "Hot Wheels" patrol team in the scenic area, it has become a unique landscape. The Stone Forest combines natural wonders + human epics, and is a double feast of geology and culture!

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Yun Nan Nation Village

Anonymous User

The garden director is very big, I didn't finish shopping in the afternoon, there were not many tourists in the off-season, it was very quiet, the scenery was really good, and I didn't want to come out. National characteristic buildings are convenient to understand the customs, culture, and the light show at night is very good.

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Yulong Snow Mountain

Anonymous User

Very convenient, follow the mobile phone SMS guidelines to go directly to the corresponding place to brush the ID card. The big cableway is about the earliest trip in the morning. The queue time does not need to be very long. It takes more than ten o'clock to play. It just happened to go to the restaurant to eat at eleven o'clock. After eating, I rested for more than an hour and continued to set off for Spruce Ping. The only regret is that the lawn of Spruce Ping has not been green. The effect of taking pictures is not very good. Recently, there has been more snow on the top of the mountain. Today, 4680 did not get up. It only reached 4570 meters. Leave a little regret and come back next time.

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Lugu Lake Scenic Area

Anonymous User

The scenery is beautiful, but the specific plank road infrastructure is insufficient, some plank road is artificially damaged, or the wooden boards are rotten, no one repairs. There are many safety hazards and many personal safety problems. There are many plank road attractions that are deserted and hidden. There are many black cars, and there is no safe choice to go to the distance. Don't look forward to going. Maybe it's a legend.

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Cangshan Mountain

烧腊王

✨ Five must experience ❶ Flowers are not provided incense before Buddha, there is no smoke from people, only the flower device replaced daily in the Buddha Palace of the Plant Kingdom composed of hydrangea/succulent/mossile is beautiful to suffocate, remember to bring a flower instead of incense (you can also ask for flowers in the suffocation) ❷ Eat a bowl of Zen Zhai rice for 20 yuan to eat the Michelin experience of the net red vegetarian (strong push!) seasonal yam + more than a dozen side dishes, even the chili oil is amazing ⚠️ queue up half an hour in advance, how much to eat and how much to eat can not be leftovers ❸ Check in aesthetic space · Tea room glass room: Surrounded by succulent tatami tea mats · Backyard hydrangea sea: 6-8 Moon blue and purple flower waterfall pouring down · Coffee courtyard: hand-made vegetarian snacks to see the clouds rise and fall ❹ Collecting Zen language Xiao is fortunate that the "heart lamp is always bright" hanging from the eaves is carved on the wind bell stone "Day is a good day" In front of the tea room, "Because of the bamboo courtyard meet the monks", every detail is a healing copy ❺ Mountain hiking PLUS version is recommended to match the "Gantong Temple-Jizhaoyu-Boro Temple" light hiking route pine needle paved forest trail, the whole 3h novice friendly encounter with small squirrels probability 99%

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Erhai Lake

M25***79

The Bohai Sea is divided into two lines of Haixi Haidong. The main attractions in Haixi are: Fengyang Yi-Cangwu Avenue-Longyi Wharf-Cangxi Village-Covered Bridge-Xizhou Ancient Town-Haitong Park-Zhoucheng Haidong. The main attractions of Shuanglang Ancient Town-Luwoshan-Xiao Putuo-Wenbi Village-Ideal Bang-Xingsheng Bridge. Choose according to your own situation and time.

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Tiger Leaping Gorge

200***52

It is incomprehensible that you have to exchange paper tickets for tickets purchased online, especially when traveling with the elderly. There are no half-price tickets online! The scenery is good. Although there is an escalator, there are still some stairs to walk up. The stairs are relatively high, and it is still quite strenuous for people with poor legs and feet.

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Putatso National Park

Abby_7788

The mountain meadow lake, the scenery is still very beautiful, that is, walking is a bit tired, when I went to the music festival, the lake and the mountains are very pleasant to listen to songs in the mountains! I also met a lot of cute little squirrels 🐿️

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Yulong Snow Mountain

Anonymous User

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Old Town of Lijiang

谭天扫雪

When you come to Lijiang, you must go to the ancient city of Lijiang. The layout of the ancient city is based on water. The water source comes from Heilongtan and runs through the river to form the landscape of "homely running water and household weeping willow". The street is surrounded by mountains and water systems, forming a maze-like pattern, meaning "gossip array", which has both defense and drainage functions. There are many shops in the ancient city, and the decoration style of each store is different, forming the unique style of Lijiang Ancient City.