Yunnan Tours 2024|2025

Why should travellers travel here?

Yunnan lies at the southwestern border of China and is a gateway to Southeast Asia. It is one of the most important cradles of human civilization, as the people who lived there 1.7 million years ago are the earliest humans discovered in Asia. The complex terrain, with its wide range of altitudes and climates, provides appropriate conditions for growing a variety of plants, making Yunnan a wonderland with its diverse natural scenery. Popular sites are Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Stone Forest, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Erhai Lake, Dian Lake, Pudacuo National Park, Xishuangbanna Rainforest, and many more. The old towns and Tibetan monasteries are also rich historical and cultural relics.

The climate in Yunnan is pleasant all year round. Kunming, the capital city, is also called the ‘Spring City’ for its mild temperatures. The ancient city of culture and history – Dali, the important channel of the Tea Horse Ancient Route – Lijiang, and the Lost Horizon – Shangri-La, are places you do not want to miss. Please check out the sample tours listed and you can click here to make your own Yunnan adventure trip.

What is the best time to visit Yunnan?

The best months to visit Yunnan are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).

If you're interested in local ethnic festivals, consider visiting during:
March: Bai ethnic celebrations
April: Dai Water Splashing Festival
June: Yi Torch Festival

What are the recommended destinations for each season?

Spring: Luoping, Dali, Kunming, Shaxi
Summer: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Jianshui, Puzhehei
Autumn: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shaxi, Jianshui, Tengchong, Shangri-La
Winter: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Yuanyang, Xishuangbanna

What are the must-visit places for first-time visitors to Yunnan?

For first-time visitors, it is highly recommended to explore Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang.

How many days do I need to visit Yunnan?

The recommended duration for visiting multiple destinations is as follows:
4 days: 2 destinations, ex. Kunming, Dali
6-7 days: 3 destinations, ex. Kunming, Dali, Lijiang
8 days: 4 destinations , ex. Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La
10 days: 5 destinations, ex. Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Jianshui, Shangrila
11 days: 6 destinations, ex. Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Jianshui, Shangrila, Xishuangbanna

The Kunming - Dali - Lijiang - Shangri-La route is considered the "golden route" and typically takes 8 days.

What is the best hiking route in Yunnan?

The Tiger Leaping Gorge trek is highly recommended. It generally takes about two days, starting from the town at the bridge head and ending either back in Lijiang or in Shangri-La.

What food is Yunnan famous for?

Yunnan is known for its delicious cuisine, including: Yunnan Rice Noodles, Steam Pot Chicken, Mushroom Hot Pot, Flower Cake, Stir-Fried Flowers, Aged Ham, Cold Pea Curd, Shipin Tofu, Ru Shan.

What cultural activities can I participate in while in Yunnan?

Unique cultural activities in Yunnan include: Flower and bird watching, Learning about mushrooms, Experiencing Naxi culture, Visiting artisan families, Nature photography, Biking around Lake Huahu, Watching the 'Dynamic Yunnan Show', Visiting shamans, Sketching in Lijiang Ancient Town or Tiger Leaping Gorge, Enjoying Naxi music.

Where are the best bird-watching spots in Yunnan?

The best bird-watching locations include: Cangshan Mountain in Dali, Baihualing in Baoshan, Napa Lake in Shangri-La, Villages of Puji and Yulong in Lijiang.
Baihualing and Cangshan host many sub-tropical birds, while Puji and Napa are famous for migratory birds, including black-necked cranes.