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
53 articles — page 2 of 9
All destinations
yunnanXishuangbanna Guide: Asian Elephants, Tropical Forest & Dai Culture in Southern Yunnan
Xishuangbanna — China's tropical zone in southern Yunnan, where wild Asian elephants roam, Dai minority culture thrives, and the jungle landscape feels entirely different from the rest of China. Elephant viewing, Manting Temple, the Water Splashing Festival, and practical logistics.
Updated May 2026
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yunnanKunming Stone Forest (Shilin) Complete Guide: Tickets, Routes & Sani Minority Culture
Complete guide to the Kunming Stone Forest (Shilin) — the different park zones, how to avoid the crowds, the Sani minority (Yi sub-group) heritage, Torch Festival timing, and how to combine with other Kunming area sights.
Updated May 2026
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yunnanDali Cangshan Mountain & Erhai Lake Guide: Beyond the Old Town in 2026
Dali's Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake beyond the tourist old town — hiking routes up the 4,122m mountain range, cycling Erhai Lake's 130km perimeter, Bai minority villages on the lake shore, and how to experience Dali the way long-term travellers do.
Updated May 2026
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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
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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
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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
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