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Located in Southwest China, Yunnan is the province with the most ethnic minorities. Its rich tourism resources, diverse ethnic culture, fantastic landscapes and pleasant climate in all seasons have made it a very popular destination for travelers. Our private guided tours to Yunnan including spring city Kunming, romantic Dali, World Cultural Heritage Lijiang Old Town, and heaven on earth - Shangri-La, will bring you exciting travel experiences.

Best Yunnan Tours

Yunnan City Packages

Kunming - 7 Itineraries

Lijiang - 8 Itineraries

Dali - 3 Itineraries

Shangri-La - 5 Itineraries

Independent Travelers

Yunnan Map

What are the top things to do in Yunnan?

The hot destinations of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La can't be missed for a thoroughly Yunnan travel package. The province boasts abundant natural sceneries and cultural sites, among which the most popular ones are Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang Old Town, Dali Ancient City, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Stone Forest.

Top 10 Things to Do in Yunnan

In-depth Guide to Top 10 Yunnan Destinations

Best Time to Visit Yunnan

Stone Forest

Tiger Leaping Gorge

What is the best time to visit Yunnan?

Yunnan has a generally mild climate all year round. Spring (March-May), summer (June-August) and autumn (September-November) are the best seasons because of the charming scenery with green hills and clear water. Due to the pleasant weather at that time, it is alright for you to wear T-shirts when traveling. Visitors are advised to carry light jacket or coat in case of the sharp temperature differences between day and night.

How to plan a private tour to Yunnan?

It is suggested to spend at least 4 days for a brief Yunnan tour itinerary. Any two cities of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang or Shangri-La can be covered. If you prefer to include all four popular cities, then an 8-day tour is needed. For photography enthusiasts, Yuanyang Rice Terraces in Jianshui could be a good choice.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Minority people in Yunnan

How to get there and around?

There are direct flights from major cities of China to hot cities of Yunnan. It is quite easy to take Yunnan tour packages from Beijing, Shanghai, Xian or Hong Kong by either flight or high speed train. Also it is convenient for traveling within Yunnan.

By flight

	Beijing	Shanghai	Chengdu	Xian	Guilin	Hong Kong	Lhasa
Kunming	3.5h	3.5h	1.5h	2.5h	1.5h	2.5h	2.5h
Dali	4h	4h	1.5h	2.5h	/	/	/
Lijiang	3.5h	4h	1.5h	2.5h	1.5h	/	2.5h
Shangri-la	/	5.5h	1.5h	2h※	/	/	1.5h

※ indicates not daily

By High Speed Train

	Beijing	Shanghai	Chengdu	Xian	Guilin	Hong Kong
Kunming	11h	12h	6h	10.5h	5h	7.5h

Customer Reviews
Questions & Answers

4.736 Reviews
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Joseph Adasule
Argentina
Posted on May 09, 2021
A good trip to Yunnan. With a well-planned tour, our whole itinerary was reasonable.

On the one hand, we had enjoyed wonderful views; on the other hand, we had had a good rest during those days. Also, we appreciated the local ethnic characteristics and cultural landscape. It was worth visiting!
Angela Raffoul
Mexico
Posted on February 05, 2021
Our tour guide on the Yunnan tour was dedicated and reliable!

During the Yunnan tour, we visited Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. When we climbed up the hill top with an altitude of more than 15,092 feet, spectacular views were in our eyes. Very magnificent!

What's more, we were arranged for the most comfortable hotel. What a pleasant trip!
Senthil Andersen
Singapore
Posted on November 18, 2020
Erhai Lake was terrific! It made me feel quiet. During the whole Yunnan tour, our tour guide offered us with the best service. We were also very satisfied with the accommodation and it was tidy and quiet.

What was important was that there was no shopping as we saw in the websites of TravelChinaGuide. Also, we had sufficient time to walk around. I loved this Yunnan tour!
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Questions & Answers
Asked by cesar angel from SPAIN | Jun. 29, 2019 00:15Reply
it is recommended traveling on July due to raining season?
Answers (1)
Answered by Patty | Jul. 01, 2019 17:52
00Reply

As I think, in July, the weather in Yunnan is not that burning hot like the other places in China. The temperature of Yunnan in July is among 18 - 25℃. So it is not because the rainy season but the cool weather that it is recommended to travel to Yunnan in July.
Asked by debbie leong from MALAYSIA | Apr. 18, 2019 04:26Reply
What is the recommended option for 11 days in Yunnan?
I would like to cover Stone Forest, Dongchuan Red Soil, Dali, Lijiang(Ancient City, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yangtze first bend, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangrila.

What is your advice if we want to explore on our own using public transportation?

Thank You.
Answers (1)
Answered by Jack | Apr. 26, 2019 00:18
00Reply

If you stay in Kunming downtown, you can take the bus to Stone Forest and Dongchuan Red Soil. You will take the bus at the Kunming East Bus Station to Stone Forest and after visiting return to Kunming in one day. On next day you can take the bus at Kunming North Bus Station Dongchuan Red Land. The site is also available for a day round trip.

From Kunming to Dali, you can choose to take the bullet train directly. It usually takes two hours to get to Dali. And from Dali to Lijiang, you can take the regular train, or take a bus from Dali North Bus Station to Lijiang Passenger Station. If you arrive at Lijiang Railway Station, you can take bus No.18 from the railway station to Lijiang old town. If you arrive at Lijiang Passenger Station, you can take bus No.12 to the old town. I kindly suggest you take a local tour or charter a private car to go to the scenic spots of Lijiang, which will be much more convenient. After Lijiang tour, you may take the bus from Lijiang Passenger Station to Shangri-la, which takes about 4 hours on the road.
Asked by Joanna from MALA | Jun. 02, 2018 00:59Reply
Can I do Dali-Lijiang-Shangrila in 6D5N?
I am attending a 4-days conference in Kunming in mid August. After that, I would like to visit Dali- Lijiang-Shangri-la. Is 6 days 5 nights sufficient? I am thinking of spending 1 night Dali, 1 night Shaxi, 1 night Lijiang and 2 nights Shangri-la. Any suggestion on places of interest?

Is it doable to spend a few hours at Tiger Leaping Gorge (TLG), before heading to Zhongdian (Shangri-la)? I may not hike at TLG because it's raining season. I just want to take some pictures there. Which is the best spot for photoshoots

As a female solo traveller, is it safe to travel alone?

Thank you.
Answers (6)
Answered by Katie | Jun. 03, 2018 23:01
00Reply

Yes. It is fine to visit Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-la within six days. In Dali, I would recommend you to visit the Dali Ancient City, Three Pagoda Temple and Erhai Lake. In Lijiang, you can explore the Lijiang Old Town and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. There are direct shuttle buses from Lijiang to Shangri-la, but the bus is non-stop. If you want to visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can take a bus to Qiaotou first and then charter a car to the gorge. After sightseeing, you can get back to Qiaotou and hail a bus bound for Shangri-la. Tiger Leaping Gorge contains three sections, and you can take pictures at the upper section. The main sights in Shangri-la are Songzanlin Temple, Bitahai Lake and Shudu Lake.

These cities are all famous tourist cities with convenient transportation. However, they can not be compared with the big international cities like Beijing, Shanghai, so I would suggest you join in a local group tour or travel with others especially when you go to some remote areas.
Answered by Joanna from MALAYSIA | Jun. 05, 2018 07:41
00Reply

Thank you Katie, for your kind advice.

How far is the Qiaotou to the Gorge? I will be carrying my suitcase with me, is there a place where I can keep while I visit the upper section of TLG, before heading to Shangri-la?

I agree that it's a good idea to join a local group tour, as private tour is very expensive. Do you have any suggestion or websites where I can look into that?

Thank you once again.

Answered by Katie | Jun. 05, 2018 20:08
00Reply

The distance from Qiaotou to Tiger Leaping Gorge is about 10km (6 miles). As for your luggage, you can keep it at the checkroom which is at the entrance of Tiger Leaping Gorge or in your hotel.

If you want to join in a local tour, maybe you can contact TravelChinaGuide who will help you to customize a private tour in Yunnan.
Answered by Joanna from MALAYSIA | Jun. 05, 2018 22:54
00Reply

Since I am on the way to Shangri-la, I have to check out of Lijiang hotel and therefore, will not be able to keep the luggage in the hotel. Can I carry the luggage in the bus from Qiaotou to Tiger Leaping Gorge, and then keep it at the entrance of TLG for just 1-2 hours? Do they have a locker for a 28" suitcase? Do you know how much it would cost?

Thank you, Katie.
Answered by Katie | Jun. 06, 2018 02:07
00Reply

Yes. According to what I know,there is a luggage deposit area at the entrance of Tiger Leaping Gorge. Besides, you can also deposit your luggage in a shop near TLG upon arriving at the upper section if there is no luggage deposit area. The cost would be around CNY 10-20 per locker.

As to the specific charges, you can ask the staffs when you arrive.
Answered by Joanna from MALAYSIA | Jun. 06, 2018 02:13
00Reply

Great. Thank you, Katie!
Asked by lee from AUSTRALIA | Apr. 02, 2018 07:59Reply
I am interested to do the hike in Tiger Leaping Gorge. what sort of fitness level is required.
I am planning a trip to Kunming Dali Lijiang and Shangrila. I also want to stop at Tiger Leaping Gorge to do the hike and then continue to Shangri-La. Is it easy to get public transport to and from TLG or should i join a tour?
Answers (1)
Answered by Yu | Apr. 02, 2018 20:18
00Reply

There are public buses between each city. You can take bus from Lijiang Bus Terminal to Qiaotou and then transfer to Tiger Leaping Gorge. After visit, you may wait by the road for the bus bound for Shangrila. However, to save time, you may consider chartering a car or joining a guided tour.

If you want to do a normal hike, you can visit the upper gorge, which needs 2-3 hours. Middle gorge requires more intense hike, so it is not suggested if you have elderly people or children.
Asked by Rahrah | Feb. 07, 2018 08:36Reply
Travelling from Kunming to Shangri-la
Hello! We are planning to travel within Yunnan, from Kunming to Lijiang and finally Shangri-La. We only have 6 days and we don't want to waste it in Kunming. Based on the flight timings, it looks better than we travel to Shangri-La directly and then down to Lijiang instead, but we are quite worried about altitude sickness. Do most people have issues? Alternatively we could take the overnight train to Lijiang, but we are not sure if we can get sleeper beds (for 4) all in 1 cabin.
Answers (1)
Answered by Debbie | Feb. 08, 2018 04:10
00Reply

The altitude in Lijiang and Shangri-la is higher than other areas in Yunnan, especially for Shangri-la. Generally, it is fine to visit these places, but few people may not feel good due to the altitude sickness. I would suggest you consult your doctor before leaving and take some medicines if necessary.

You can take overnight train to Lijiang, but the same cabin can not be guaranteed. You can make request when you book the tickets.
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