yunnan
Where 26 ethnic minorities, ancient trading towns, and the Himalayas' edge create China's most diverse province
Top Highlights
- 1 Lijiang Old Town
- 2 Dali Old City
- 3 Shangri-La
- 4 Tiger Leaping Gorge
- 5 Stone Forest
Visa & Entry
Visa required (most nationalities)
Check your nationality's eligibility for visa-free entry or the 144-hour transit exemption. Most visitors from Western countries need a standard tourist (L) visa.
Full visa guideBest Time to Visit
Oct–Apr (dry season)
Suggested stay: 7–14 days. Avoid the Golden Week holiday (1–7 October) and Spring Festival (Jan/Feb) — crowds are enormous and prices peak.
Seasonal travel guideNearby destinations
52 articles — page 2 of 9
All destinations
yunnanLijiang Horse Trekking Guide: Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Yunnan Routes
Horse trekking from Lijiang — routes to the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, through Baisha village and the Yufeng Monastery, and the traditional approach to Tiger Leaping Gorge on horseback. Operators, costs, and what to expect.
Updated May 2026
Read →
photographyChina Photography Guide 2026: Best Locations, Timing & Practical Tips
A photographer's guide to China — the 15 most photogenic locations, ideal shooting times and conditions, seasonal advice, and practical tips for travelling with camera equipment in 2026.
Updated May 2026
Read →
transportDriving in China 2026: Road Trip Routes, Licence Requirements & Practical Guide for Foreign Visitors
Can foreigners drive in China? The honest answer, plus the most spectacular road trip routes, how to get a temporary Chinese driving permit, car rental options for foreigners, and route-by-route advice for self-drive travel in 2026.
Updated May 2026
Read →
beginnersChina Honeymoon Guide 2026: Romantic Destinations, Luxury Hotels & Itineraries
The complete honeymoon guide to China — romantic destinations from Guilin's misty karst to Yunnan's ancient towns, luxury hotel picks, best time to visit, and two ready-made honeymoon itineraries for different tastes.
Updated May 2026
Read →
Fuxian LakeFuxian Lake Guide: China's Deepest Freshwater Lake in Yunnan
Guide to visiting Fuxian Lake (抚仙湖) near Yuxi in Yunnan Province — China's deepest freshwater lake and one of its cleanest. Beaches, cycling, fishing villages, the submerged ruins mystery and how to get there from Kunming.
Updated May 2026
Read →
XishuangbannaXishuangbanna Mekong River Cruise and Rainforest Guide (Yunnan)
Complete guide to the Mekong River cruise from Jinghong (Xishuangbanna) into Myanmar and Laos. Rainforest trekking, Dai minority villages, tropical fruit, and how this corner of Yunnan feels like Southeast Asia.
Updated May 2026
Read →