Top Things to Do in Yunnan: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Dreaming of exploring one of China's most iconic provinces? Then set your sights on Yunnan for a truly unforgettable adventure! Nestled in the southwest of the country, between Tibet, Myanmar, and Laos, this mountainous region beautifully blends spectacular natural landscapes with a rich tapestry of diverse cultures.

This guide gives you all the essentials for planning your trip: explore the ancient towns of Dali and Lijiang, marvel at the impressive Tiger Leaping Gorge, discover the Tibetan villages of Shangri-La, and don't miss the incredible rock formations near Kunming.

💡 Trip.com Fun Fact: “Yunnan” means “South of the Clouds”, a name that perfectly reflects its misty plateaus and sky-piercing peaks.

🗓️What to Do in Yunnan Based on Your Stay

You might not realise it at first glance, but Yunnan truly sprawls across an immense territory. It's simply impossible to see it all in one go, even if you dedicated a whole month to it... So, what's the secret? Pick out a few star destinations and cities, then take your sweet time exploring them, rather than trying to dash around everywhere. That's why Trip.com has hand-picked some fantastic itinerary ideas, perfectly suited to your travel dreams and the time you have.

🏘️Must-Visit Cities in Yunnan

Yunnan is absolutely bursting with hidden gems and iconic cities and sites that you simply cannot miss. Each destination boasts its own unique character and truly deserves a few days of your exploration. So, here are the essential places to add to your travel list!

Kunming: The Gateway to Yunnan

It's undoubtedly one of Yunnan's most famous cities: Kunming. It often serves as the gateway to the province, thanks to its international airport. What's more, you'll be delighted to know that the city is affectionately known as the 'City of Eternal Spring' because its temperatures stay wonderfully mild all year round, rarely dipping below 10°C, even in winter!

The main attraction? Just 90 km away, you'll discover the legendary Stone Forest (Shilin), a staggering 270 million years old, where 'stone trees' tower over 30 metres high! The local Sani ethnic group also put on captivating traditional dance shows multiple times a day.

Right in the heart of the city, Yuantong Temple is an absolute must-see, and Dian Lake Park offers the most delightful stroll. And while you're there, make sure to swing by the flower market – it's a truly iconic and wonderfully local spot!

📌 Top tip: While the Stone Forest site covers a sprawling 350 km², you'll be thrilled to discover that the main tourist area can be wonderfully explored in just 3-4 hours!

Dali: Nestled between its lake and mountains

Our second unmissable stop in Yunnan? The captivating city of Dali! It's beautifully nestled between the majestic Cangshan Mountains and the tranquil Erhai Lake, offering a truly magnificent setting. You'll find a wonderfully laid-back vibe here, deeply influenced by the unspoiled beauty of its natural surroundings.

When it comes to the local population, the Bai minority truly shines in this city. You'll easily spot their distinctive traditional white houses, adorned with beautiful painted patterns. For a truly immersive experience, make sure to visit Xizhou village! This is where many locals live, and you'll have the chance to explore some of these traditional homes. You might even get to sample their famous three-flavour tea – a truly authentic local tradition that's not to be missed!

📌 Trip.com's top tip: If your adventures bring you to the area on a Friday, you absolutely must experience Shaxi's weekly market (nestled between Dali and Lijiang). This traditional market is a vibrant tapestry where diverse ethnic minorities converge, promising an experience that's both wonderfully authentic and incredibly colourful!

Lijiang: The Heritage Heart of Yunnan

Lijiang, a true gem, captivates millions of travellers every year. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is an absolute must-see, though a heads-up: it's best to dodge the peak seasons if you're not a fan of bustling crowds. The moment you set eyes on it, you'll be utterly charmed by the traditional Naxi architecture, with its delightful wooden houses and the serene canals that gracefully weave through the streets.

And speaking of the Naxi people, this fascinating matriarchal minority boasts the world's only pictographic writing system still in use today: Dongba! There's even a dedicated museum, the Dongba Culture Museum, nestled right by the stunning Black Dragon Pool Park! Here, you can delve deep into the heart of this local community and truly understand their rich cultures!

Finally, make sure to journey to the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan), an awe-inspiring peak standing tall at 5,596 metres. Several cable cars are ready to whisk you up to its majestic summits, where you can marvel at the breathtaking glaciers.

Trip.com's top tip: whatever you do, don't miss the 'Impression Lijiang' show! It's performed at an incredible 3,100 metres above sea level, with the majestic mountains as its natural backdrop. Prepare for a truly timeless experience!

Shangri-La: Exploring Tibetan Culture

Shangri-La (formerly known as Zhongdian) soars to an altitude of over 3,200 metres. The city officially changed its name in 2001, embracing the mythical paradise described in James Hilton's 'Lost Horizon'. A clever nod to tourism marketing, of course!

Tibetan influence is truly everywhere you look here: in the architecture, the food, the language, and, of course, the religion. The Songzanlin Monastery, affectionately known as the 'Little Potala', is undoubtedly the region's absolute must-see. Dating back to the 17th century, it proudly stands as the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in all of Yunnan. For a truly unforgettable and immersive cultural experience, try to visit early in the morning when you can witness the monks' collective prayers.

Another absolute must-do when you're in Shangri-La is a visit to Pudacuo National Park. Prepare to be enchanted by its stunning alpine scenery, complete with glistening lakes, vast meadows, and ancient forests. And, if you're incredibly lucky (and have a bit of patience!), you might even spot the rare Yunnan golden monkey!

Just a friendly heads-up: the altitude can really make its presence known! You might experience headaches, feel breathless surprisingly quickly, or even a touch of nausea. These are common symptoms of altitude sickness, and they can catch many travellers off guard. So, do yourself a favour and take at least a full day to rest and acclimatise upon arrival, before you dive into all those exciting excursions!

📌 Temperatures: Even in summer, it gets chilly as soon as the sun sets. So, make sure to pack some warm clothes, no matter the season!

⭐ Top 3 Activities and Landmarks to See in Yunnan

Beyond the captivating towns and villages we've already explored, Trip.com has hand-picked 3 absolutely unmissable activities and experiences for your Yunnan adventure.

A Trek through the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world and a truly stunning sight. The Jinsha River, part of the Yangtze, rushes between two huge mountain ranges, creating a powerful and dramatic scene.

The classic hiking route is about 14 miles along the upper trail, usually completed over two days with an overnight stay in a mountainside guesthouse.

If you like a challenge, there is a steep path leading down to the river. This includes the well-known 28 Bends, and it takes you to the famous Tiger Stone in the fast-moving water.

According to local legend, a tiger once jumped onto this rock to escape a hunter, giving the gorge its name. It is hard to imagine when you see how wide and strong the river looks today.

A bike ride around Erhai Lake

Cycling around Erhai Lake is one of the best things to do in Dali, especially if you enjoy outdoor adventures. The lake is about 25 miles long and roughly 75 miles around in total.

A cycling path runs along the eastern side, giving you lovely views of the water and the Cangshan mountains behind it. If you plan to ride about half of the route (around 37 miles), set aside a full day so you can stop in small villages and enjoy a nice meal along the way.

If cycling is not your thing, you can also take a relaxing boat trip on the lake.

📌 Bike hire is very easy in Dali, and you can return your bike in another village, including electric bikes, which is great if you do not want to ride back to where you started.

Exploring the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

For nature lovers, a visit to the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden is an absolute must-do when you're exploring southern Yunnan. This incredible garden stretches across more than 1,125 hectares and is home to over 13,000 species of tropical plants!

Once you arrive, you'll discover the site beautifully split into two main zones: the West (an absolute dream for photographers, boasting the magnificent Banyan Garden and the serene Palm Garden), and the East (a wilder, more untamed expanse featuring the enchanting Green Stone Forest). You'll want to set aside a glorious full day to truly immerse yourself in the diverse thematic gardens, making sure to pause and marvel at the rare plants, and perhaps even enjoy a leisurely lunch right there amidst the beauty.

If you're not quite up for a walk, you can always hop on the panoramic bus that travels between the different gardens to save your energy!

📌 Getting around the park: If you're not keen on walking, you can also hop on the panoramic bus which zips between the various gardens, allowing you to explore the park without breaking a sweat!

🍜Yunnan, China’s Kingdom of Rice Noodles and Wild Mushrooms 🍄

How could we possibly talk about this province without mentioning its incredible food? Because, let us tell you, Yunnan's cuisine is truly something else! It's a vibrant tapestry, weaving together Han influences with the rich, diverse traditions of the province's 25 ethnic minorities. The dishes here are a celebration of fresh, local ingredients, featuring wild mushrooms and aromatic herbs that are incredibly rare to find anywhere else in China.

4 Must-try Delicacies from Yunnan

1. Crossing the Bridge Noodles (Guoqiao Mixian)

This is THE iconic dish of Yunnan, a true culinary star! This incredible rice noodle soup arrives with a piping hot broth, cleverly topped with a layer of oil to keep it wonderfully warm. You then get to add your own finely sliced meats, fresh vegetables, and eggs, watching them gently cook in the aromatic, steaming broth right before your eyes. And for a delightful bit of local lore, legend has it that a loving wife would carry this very dish across a bridge to her student husband on an island – hence its charming name, 'Crossing the Bridge Noodles'!

2. Wild Mushrooms

Yunnan is home to an incredible array of over 250 edible mushroom species! From June to September, the markets absolutely burst with a vibrant kaleidoscope of colourful varieties: think prized matsutake, earthy boletes, delicate morels, and golden chanterelles... For a truly unforgettable culinary adventure, specialised restaurants serve up spectacular mushroom hotpots (known locally as junzi huo guo) that are simply out of this world.

A little heads-up, though: some mushrooms, if not prepared just right, can actually have mild hallucinogenic effects. So, make sure you only savour them in restaurants that truly know their culinary magic!

3. Dali's Goat's Cheese (Rushan)

This Bai speciality is served in delicate, thin sheets, perfect for grilling or frying. Prepare for a truly unique flavour, it's a delightful departure from any European cheese you've ever tasted!

4. Steamed Chicken in a Pot (qiguo ji)

A Jianshui speciality, chicken slow-cooked in a special clay pot. And the result? A fragrant, rich, and comforting broth.

🌤️Best Time to Visit Yunnan

Yunnan generally enjoys delightful weather throughout the year, a lovely perk of its southern location and altitude. However, it's worth noting that significant variations can occur depending on the specific location and the season.

💡 Depending on your destination:

• Kunming and Dali are fantastic destinations, perfect for a visit any time of year!
• For Lijiang, you'll want to visit between March and November.
• When planning your Shangri-La escape, you might want to give December to February a miss – unless, of course, you absolutely adore a proper winter chill!
• For Tiger Leaping Gorge, April-May and September-October are simply ideal!

🚄Yunnan Day Trips: Best Nearby Sights

Getting around Yunnan requires a bit of planning, given the vast distances and varied terrain. So, here are your key options for connecting between the major destinations featured in this guide:

The high-speed train

The travel network across the province has really blossomed in recent years. The Kunming-Dali-Lijiang line is now running beautifully, dramatically slashing those long journey times. For instance, the trip from Kunming to Dali now whizzes by in about 2 hours (a huge improvement from the hefty 5-6 hours by bus it used to take!), and Dali to Lijiang is a mere 1 hour 30 minutes.

You can secure your tickets up to 15 days ahead of time on the China Railway website or conveniently through Trip.com. During peak season, it's wise to book your train tickets as early as you can, as they tend to fill up incredibly fast!

📌 Trip.com's Top Tip: Train stations are often a fair distance from the city centre, so make sure you factor in plenty of time for your journeys.

Long-distance bus travel

For those incredible spots off the beaten track, like Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Yuanyang, where trains don't venture, the trusty bus is your indispensable companion! You'll be pleased to know that Chinese buses are generally comfortable and remarkably punctual. For instance, a scenic journey from Lijiang to Shangri-La typically whisks you away in about 4 hours.

In bigger cities, you might just find English-speaking staff at the bus stations. Otherwise, simply show them the address written in Chinese – that's a foolproof trick!

Domestic flights

Looking to save some precious travel time or venture into those wonderfully remote corners? Flying can be a real game-changer (budget permitting, of course!). Kunming, for instance, is a fantastic hub, offering flights to incredible destinations like Lijiang, Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna, Tengchong, and beyond! And here's a tip: Chinese low-cost airlines often have some surprisingly good deals if you're savvy enough to book your tickets in advance!

Yunnan truly embodies China in all its magnificent diversity. This enchanting province, affectionately known as 'south of the clouds', is a vibrant home to 25 ethnic minorities. They beautifully uphold their age-old traditions amidst breathtaking landscapes that sweep from majestic, snow-capped Tibetan peaks all the way down to lush, tropical southern forests. A genuine cultural and natural mosaic, Yunnan promises an adventure where every single step unveils a new, captivating facet of this truly timeless region.

Start planning your next unforgettable getaway on Trip.com today to unlock the very best deals!

Happy travels to Yunnan! 🏔️✨

❓ FAQ – Things to Do in Yunnan

1. How long do you need to visit Yunnan?
One week is enough for the main highlights such as Kunming, Dali and Lijiang, and possibly Tiger Leaping Gorge. If you want to include Shangri La and keep a relaxed pace, plan at least ten to twelve days.

2. When is the best time to visit Yunnan?
Autumn from September to November offers pleasant weather with dry days and temperatures around 12 to 22°C. Spring from March to May is also great, with blooming flowers but occasional showers.

3. Is altitude sickness a problem in Yunnan?
Kunming, Dali and Lijiang are usually fine as they are around 1,900 to 2,400 metres. Shangri La is higher at about 3,200 metres, so you may feel headaches or shortness of breath. Rest on arrival and drink plenty of water.

4. What is Yunnan famous for?
Yunnan is known for its diverse ethnic cultures, stunning mountains, ancient towns, and delicious local food such as rice noodles and wild mushrooms.

5. Are there free things to do in Yunnan?
Yes, many parks, old towns and scenic walking areas are free to enter, including parts of Dali Old Town and lakeside paths around Erhai Lake.

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