Yunnan Province Travel

Yunnan, a gem of Southwest China, boasts magnificent natural scenery and diverse ethnic cultures. From Lijiang Ancient City to Shangri-La, from Dali Erhai to Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest, each place showcases the unique charm of Yunnan.

16
Prefecture-level Divisions
129
County-level Divisions
8
5A Scenic Areas
25
Ethnic Minorities

Explore Yunnan Cities and Prefectures

Yunnan Six-Day Five-Night Classic Cultural Journey

Explore the charm of Kunming Flower City, stroll through Dali Ancient City and Erhai, experience Lijiang Naxi culture, feel Shangri-La Tibetan customs, and appreciate the diverse culture and magnificent natural scenery of Yunnan.

Duration
6 Days 5 Nights
Main Destinations
Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La
Suitable For
Culture Enthusiasts, Nature Explorers
Per Capita Budget
¥3500-¥4500
01
Kunming Flower City Tour
Stone Forest · Dianchi Lake · Jinma Biji Archway
Highlights

Arrive in "Spring City" Kunming, visit the World Natural Heritage Stone Forest, stroll along Dianchi Lake Haigeng Dam, and wander through Jinma Biji Archway commercial street in the evening to taste Yunnan specialty foods.

Attractions
Stone Forest Scenic Area
World Natural Heritage, a wonder of karst landform, hailed as the "First Wonder under Heaven".
Dianchi Lake Haigeng Dam
Yunnan's largest freshwater lake, where red-billed gulls can be observed in winter, offering pleasant scenery.
Jinma Biji Archway
Kunming's landmark architecture, surrounded by bustling commercial districts, where you can taste Crossing-the-bridge Rice Noodles and other delicacies.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • InterContinental Kunming
  • Cuihu Hotel
  • Sofitel Kunming
Food Recommendations
  • Qiaoxiangyuan Crossing-the-bridge Rice Noodles
  • Fuzhaolou Steam Pot Chicken
  • Wild Mushroom Hot Pot
Travel Tips
  • Kunming altitude 1890m, pay attention to sun protection
  • Stone Forest covers a large area, wear comfortable shoes
  • Windy by Dianchi Lake, prepare windproof jacket
02
Dali Ancient City and Erhai
Dali Ancient City · Erhai Cruise · Three Pagodas
Highlights

Head to Dali Ancient City, stroll along Foreigner Street, visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, take a cruise on Erhai Lake to enjoy the beauty of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai, and experience the Bai ethnic Three-Course Tea culture.

Attractions
Dali Ancient City
Historic Bai ethnic ancient city, stroll along Foreigner Street and feel the leisurely atmosphere.
Erhai Cruise
Take a boat tour of the plateau lake, enjoying the beautiful scenery of "Cangshan Snow, Erhai Moon".
Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple
Dali's landmark architecture, thousand-year-old pagodas, backed by Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Dali Ancient City: Free
  • Erhai Cruise: 140 RMB
  • Three Pagodas: 75 RMB
Opening Hours
  • Ancient City: Open all day
  • Cruise: 9:00-16:00
  • Three Pagodas: 8:30-18:00
Travel Tips
  • Strong UV in Dali, pay attention to sun protection
  • Respect Bai ethnic customs
  • Stone slab roads in ancient city, wear comfortable shoes
03
Lijiang Ancient City and Yulong Snow Mountain
Lijiang Ancient City · Yulong Snow Mountain · Impression Lijiang
Highlights

Head to Lijiang Ancient City, stroll along Sifang Street, climb Wangu Tower for a panoramic view of the ancient city. In the afternoon, head to Yulong Snow Mountain, take the large cable car to the summit, and watch the "Impression Lijiang" live performance in the evening.

Attractions
Lijiang Ancient City
World Cultural Heritage, Naxi ethnic ancient city, with small bridges, flowing water, and ancient charm.
Yulong Snow Mountain
The southernmost snow-capped mountain in the Northern Hemisphere, take the large cable car to the summit and enjoy the Glacier Park.
Impression Lijiang
A large-scale live performance directed by Zhang Yimou, showcasing Naxi culture and the magnificence of the snow-capped mountains.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Ancient City Maintenance Fee: 80 RMB
  • Yulong Snow Mountain Package: 280 RMB
  • Impression Lijiang: 280 RMB
Food Recommendations
  • Naxi Grilled Fish
  • Lijiang Baba (local flatbread)
  • Cured Rib Hot Pot
Travel Tips
  • Yulong Snow Mountain is at high altitude, pay attention to altitude sickness
  • Low temperature on the snow mountain, prepare warm clothing
  • Vehicles are prohibited in the ancient city
04
Shangri-La Tibetan Customs
Pudacuo National Park · Songzanlin Monastery · Dukezong Ancient City
Highlights

Head to Shangri-La, visit Pudacuo National Park, explore Songzanlin Monastery, known as the "Little Potala Palace", and stroll through Dukezong Ancient City in the evening to turn the world's largest prayer wheel.

Attractions
Pudacuo National Park
China's first national park, integrating plateau lakes, primeval forests, and wetland meadows.
Songzanlin Monastery
Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known as the "Little Potala Palace".
Dukezong Ancient City
An important town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, featuring Tibetan-style architecture and the world's largest prayer wheel.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Pudacuo: 258 RMB
  • Songzanlin Monastery: 115 RMB
  • Ancient City: Free
Opening Hours
  • Pudacuo: 8:00-16:00
  • Songzanlin Monastery: 7:30-18:30
  • Ancient City: Open all day
Travel Tips
  • Shangri-La altitude 3300m, pay attention to altitude sickness
  • Respect Tibetan religious customs
  • Large temperature difference between day and night, prepare warm clothing
05
Tiger Leaping Gorge and Return to Lijiang
Tiger Leaping Gorge · First Bend of the Yangtze River · Lijiang
Highlights

Head to Tiger Leaping Gorge, admire the turbulent rapids of the Jinsha River, overlook the magnificent scenery of the First Bend of the Yangtze River, return to Lijiang in the afternoon for free activities and experience the ancient city's nightlife.

Attractions
Tiger Leaping Gorge
One of the world's deepest canyons, where the Jinsha River rages through with majestic momentum.
First Bend of the Yangtze River
The great bend of the Jinsha River forms an "Ω"-shaped turn, creating a magnificent landscape.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Tiger Leaping Gorge: 65 RMB
  • First Bend of the Yangtze River: Free
Travel Tips
  • Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking requires physical stamina, act within your limits
  • Windy in the canyon, pay attention to wind protection
  • Free activities after returning to Lijiang
Specialty Recommendations
  • Pu'er Tea
  • Yunnan Small-grain Coffee
  • Flower Cakes
06
Kunming Return and Xishan Dragon Gate
Xishan Dragon Gate · Yunnan Ethnic Village · Return Trip
Highlights

Return to Kunming, visit Xishan Dragon Gate for a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake, explore Yunnan Ethnic Village to learn about ethnic minority cultures, and head to the airport/station according to your flight/train schedule to conclude your wonderful Yunnan journey.

Attractions
Xishan Dragon Gate
Kunming's famous scenic spot, ascend the Dragon Gate for a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake, experiencing the beautiful寓意 of "Once you ascend the Dragon Gate, your worth increases a hundredfold".
Yunnan Ethnic Village
A theme park showcasing the cultures of Yunnan's 25 ethnic minorities, where you can enjoy ethnic song and dance performances and architectural features.
Practical Information
Ticket Information
  • Xishan Dragon Gate: 30 RMB
  • Ethnic Village: 90 RMB
  • Eco-friendly Bus: 25 RMB
Opening Hours
  • Xishan: 8:30-17:30
  • Ethnic Village: 9:00-18:00
Travel Tips
  • Xishan requires walking or eco-friendly bus, wear comfortable shoes
  • Ethnic Village performance times are fixed, check in advance
  • Allow sufficient time to get to the airport/station
  • You can buy flower cakes and other specialties as souvenirs
Yunnan Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • March-May: Spring blossoms, pleasant climate
  • September-November: Autumn crispness, enchanting scenery
  • Avoid July-August rainy season and winter cold
Must-Try Foods
  • Crossing-the-bridge Rice Noodles (Yunnan signature dish)
  • Steam Pot Chicken (traditional cooking method)
  • Wild Mushroom Hot Pot (summer exclusive)
  • Dali Milk Fan (specialty dairy product)
  • Lijiang Baba (Naxi traditional flatbread)
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: approx. 800-1000 RMB
  • Accommodation: 300-500 RMB/night
  • Dining: 100-150 RMB/day
  • Transportation: 800-1200 RMB
  • Total: 3500-4500 RMB