Yunnan Province, covering an area of 394,000 square kilometers (about the size of California or Germany), combines unique ethnic cultures, magnificent alpine scenery, rainforest, rice terraces, tea plantations, authentic ancient towns, and delicious food.
Kunming,Dali,Lijiang, andShangri-Laare always on the bucket list to those who haven’t been to Yunnan before. Then there are some in-depththemed visit options: hiking, ethnic culture discovery, photography, etc. for those to want to further discover certain parts of colorful Yunnan.
With the opening of the ‘Nujiang Beautiful Road’ (part of China’s National Highway G219) on December 30, 2019, people are rushing to northwest Yunnan to discover thestunning Nujiang Valleyand unveil “the last mystery of Yunnan”.
Scroll down to read thetop things to do in Yunnanand find out the most suitable places for your upcoming tour of Yunnan. Or take a look at ourYunnan toursfor more inspiration.
Kunming Top Things to Do for First-Time Yunnan Travelers
1. Explore the Towering Karst Pillars — the Stone Forest
The Stone Forestis praised as the "Stone Forest Museum" as you’ll find countless awesome stone formations displayed like large-scale geological exhibits. The Stone Forest area is also the home of the Sani and Yi people. You can enjoy their folk customs and performances at the Stone Forest.
2. Enjoy Panoramic Views from Dragon Gate
Xishan (Western Hills Park)滇池是沿着银行。在上面的one of the hillls lies Dragon Gate, where you will not only enjoy panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and Kunming City, but will also have the chance to appreciate the grottoes, sculptures, corridors, and pavilions that were cut into the cliffs.
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Dali Top Things to Do for First-Time Travelers
1. Wander in Leisurely Dali Ancient Town
Dali Ancient Townhas clear springs and houses the unsophisticated native Bai people. The local people have a custom of growing flowers in their gardens with clear streams of water running by. Their finely-decorated traditional houses make this town well worth visiting.
2. Admire the Long-Lasting Three Pagodas
The Three Pagodaswere built over 1,000 years ago. Arranged in the shape of a triangle, they have become a must-take iconic picture for all visitors. In addition, for those who are interested in Buddhism or history, you will be impressed by their size, beauty, antiquity, and intact preservation.
3. Bike along Charming Erhai Lake
Erhai Lakecovers an area of about 250 square kilometers (100 sq mi). Its unusually clear water and Cangshan mountain backdrop make the scenery extremely beautiful. The best way to enjoy the breathtaking views would be to take a bike ride along the lakeshore. Read more onErhai Biking.
More onTop Things to Do in DaliandHow Long to Spend in Yunnan
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Lijiang Top Things to Do for First-Time Visitors
1. Stroll in Magical Lijiang Ancient Town
Lijiang Ancient Townis the most popular ancient town among domestic and foreign travelers. It is characterized by old Naxi architecture and an ingenious ancient network of waterways. The cobbled streets, ancient bridges, and traditional houses add to the charming picture of this ancient town.
2. Appreciate the Vivid Murals in Baisha Village
The Baisha Muralsdepicts stories of Taoism, Han Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism and embody artistic features of the Naxi, Tibetan, Han, and Bai ethnic groups.
3. Admire the Holy ‘Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’
Jade Dragon Snow Mountainhas 13 peaks that stretch 35 kilometers (22 miles) from north to south. It looks like a dragon from distance, hence its name. The main peak Shanzidou (扇子陡), reaching an altitude of 5,596 meters (18,360 feet), can be seen from Lijiang Ancient Town.
4. Listen to the Roaring of Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge, located between Lijiang and Shangri-La, is one of the world's deepest gorges. With Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the backdrop, the scenery there is just amazing and is considered by many as China's best hike.
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Shangri-La Top Things to Do for First-Timers
1. Experience Tibetan Culture at Songzanlin Lamasery
Songzanlin Lamaseryis praised as "the Little Potala Palace", it is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan Province. China Highlights can specially arrange a visit to a lama’s dormitory and study room so that you can discover more about the monks’ lifestyle, religious beliefs, and discipline.Contact usfor a special and unique experience.
2. Enjoy Highland Views at Pudacuo National Park
Pudacuo National Park has an average altitude of 3,500 meters (11,500 feet) and retains a well-preserved ecosystem within its virgin forests. The must-see scenery in this park is Lake Shudu, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes on the Diqing plateau and is home to lots of wild animals such as bears, golden cats, deer, and pheasants.
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Top Things to Do for an In-depth Yunnan Tour
1. Photograph Picturesque Landscapes
TheYuanyang Rice Terracesare an ideal place for photography. The sunrise scenery of Duoyishu must not be missed and Bada is the best place to see the sunset scenery.
Exploring theHani people's villagesis another highlight of Yuanyang. The Yuanyang Rice Terraces were crafted by the Hani people 1,000 years ago.
The site has since been extended by more than 100 square kilometers (40 square miles) and was acknowledged by UNESCO asa World Cultural and Natural Heritage Sitein 2013. The massive tiers upon tiers of rice terraces attract numerous photographers every year.
Dongchuan Red Land是一个新的,目的地喜爱的摄影师s. Praised as "God's palette", it is believed to be the world’s most imposing red-colored land.
The Meili Snow Mountainsin Deqin County are a holy land of pilgrimage for Tibetan Buddhists. The sunrise over the snowy mountains, perennial glaciers, and the panoramic views of the thirteen peaks are the main elements that Chinese and international photographers pursue.
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2. Experience Minority Cultures — Bai, Dai, Naxi, Lisu…
Yunnan is home to 25 ethnic minorities including the Bai, Yi, Dai, Naxi, Hani, Miao, Tibetan, Lisu, and Yao. All these minorities have quite splendid cultures, especially the Naxi minority. There are more than 400 ethnic festivals celebrated throughout the year, which still maintain unique folk traditions and customs.
InYunnan Ethnic Villagein Kunming, you can not only enjoy a variety of architectural arts, clothing, and remarkable customs, but also live presentations of cultural songs and dances.
Shuhe Ancient Townnear Lijiang was the earliest settlement area for the Naxi’s ancestors, and it is where you can best appreciate their unsophisticated Naxi customs and architectures.
Zhoucheng Villagenear Dali, regarded as the "living fossil" of Bai minority culture, is the biggest Bai minority village.
InShangri-La, you can see numerous ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and experience Tibetan culture. Many travelers go there to experience Tibet without having to apply for a permit for the difficult-to-enter province.
Xishuangbannais a paradise for Dai people, plants, and animals. You will experience both Chinese culture and Southeast Asian culture there.
If you are interested inYunnan festivals, please check the dates before planning a tour.
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3. Discover Less-Traveled Roads in Northwest Yunnan
Yunnan province not only has famous Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La. In the northwest corner of Yunnan, there is a piece of land enjoying the reputation of being “the paradise where God and humans live together”. The Nu Jiang (Salween River) flows between the mountains and mysterious ethnic minorities enjoy their lives in the magnificent gorges.
The best season to discover Northwest Yunnan is from December to March. Go there before it is “more-explored”, and enjoy an adventure holiday along the long, deep, and mysterious Nujiang Grand Canyon while experiencing the unique Christian culture in the colorful Lisu minority villages.
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Special Recommendations for Hiking and Mountaineering in Yunnan
Yunnan has several great destinations for hiking and mountaineering. Most of these destinations have lofty snow-capped mountains, and the sunrises and sunsets there are quite magnificent. We have chosen some hiking/mountaineering routes for different levels to help you to choose the best for you, easiest first…
1. Hiking for Nature Enthusiasts: The Cangshan Mountains
- Difficulty: ★
- Scenery: ★★★★
- Time needed: 2-3 hours
- Best season: May to November
The Cangshan Mountainsare located near Dali City and are full of natural and cultural surprises. The mountain massif is known for its clouds, snow, moon, peaks, and streams. In addition, the views of Erhai Lake and Dali City from the mountainside are stunning.
You may combine both cable cars and hiking to best use your time and immerse yourself in mountain nature.
2. Peacefully Hike to Qiunatong Village
- Difficulty: ★★
- Scenery: ★★★★
- Time needed: 1 day
- Best season: May to November
Qiunatong Village is located in northwest Yunnan and was once an important town during theAncient Tea Horse Roadperiod. Imagine you are a horse caravan and have a moderate hike to this beautiful village.
Though the hiking takes no more than a full day, you can enjoy a seemingly unlimited amount of amazing scenery when passing through the Nu River gorge. One of the highlights is walking the original Tea Horse Road carved into the cliffs.
3. First Choice for Amateur Mountaineers: Haba Snow Mountain
- Difficulty: ★★★
- Scenery: ★★★★
- Time needed: 3 days
- Best season: November to February
Haba Snow Mountainis near Lijiang, facing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain across Tiger Leaping Gorge.
With an altitude of 5,396 meters (17,703 feet) above sea level, Haba Snow Mountain is always the first choice for amateur mountaineers in Yunnan. The mountain is rich in wildlife and plants and has been eulogized as "Gardens of the World" and "Natural Zoo" by biologists.
To reach the summit, it is better to choose dates between November and February when it is drier.
4. Holy Mountain of the Naxi: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Difficulty: ★★★★
- Scenery: ★★★★
- Time needed: 1 day
- Best season: November to next May
“I want to die among those beautiful mountains rather than in a bleak hospital bed all alone.”
America explorer Joseph Rock said this in a letter to his friend to express his endless love for theJade Dragon Snow Mountainrange.
Follow Rock’s footsteps in the embrace of his favorite mountain. Feel Jade Dragon Snow Mountain beneath your feet and see its beauty up close with you own eyes.
5. Celebrated Classic Hiking Trail: Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Difficulty: ★★★★
- Scenery: ★★★★★
- Time needed: 2–3 days
- Best Season: May to November
Tiger Leaping Gorgelies in between the Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain ranges. Known for its throbbing roar and ecological wealth of unusual plants and animal species, it is praised as “the most beautiful gorge in China” and “one of the deepest gorges in the world”.
The lengthy gorge is divided into three parts: Upper Gorge, Middle Gorge, and Lower Gorge. All parts are all well-lined with hostels and restaurants due to its popularity among local backpackers. You may choose to hike the three parts or choose one or two according to your physical condition.
6. Paradise for Hikers: Yubeng Village
- Difficulty: ★★★★
- Scenery: ★★★★★
- Time needed: 4–5 days
- Best season: September to November
Yubeng Villageis in Deqin County, north of Shangri-La. It is an ancient Tibetan village hidden under Mentsmu Peak of the Meili Snow Mountains. Historically, it was blocked off from traffic and isolated from the world, just like a miniature version of the legendary Shangri-La.
Sacred waterfalls, holy lakes, luxuriant forests, and deep gorges can be seen during the hike and you will pass the Sino-Japanese Base Camp for Kawagarbo (the un-summited highest Meili Mountain peak).
More suggestions aboutthe hiking in Yunnan>>>
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- 4-Day Yubeng Village Hiking Tour
- 3-Day Tiger Leaping Gorge and Stone Village Hiking Tour
- 8-Day Yunnan Tour of the Nu River and Tengchong
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Touring Yunnan with China Highlights
We have prepared several tours to offer you a true experience of colorful Yunnan. These are the most popular:
- 6-Day Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour
- 日-香格里拉,Deqin、塔城冒险之旅
- 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Highlights Tour
See yet moreYunnan tours, which cover the highlights of Yunnan and also include exclusive programs to give you a unique experience.
