Tucked into a corner of China bordered by Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos, Yunnan province is a scenic and enticing respite from the urban bustle of much of the country. Of all places to visit in China, Yunnan is one of the most criminally overlooked. There are so many reasons why you should travel to Yunnan in China.
Perhaps combine the serenity of the Yunnan countryside with the frenetic pace of one of the east coast megacities, for a tour of China’s myriad of cultural highlights? However you decide to balance your trip, Yunnan province has some glorious destinations to make your China experience extra special. Here are a few reasons why you should travel to Yunnan in China.
Explore diverse and magnificent landscapes
Diversity is the watchword in Yunnan. Like most places in China, Yunnan Province is on the large side, stretching over a thousand miles from the snowbound Himalayas to sub-tropical lowlands on the border with Laos. The landscapes change dramatically from north to south, and it’s the ideal destination for outdoor exploration.
Stay green and serene in the verdant south
The southeast of the region is characterized by the vivid green of the rice paddy terraces which step up the slopes of the valleys leading towards the Vietnamese border. Base yourself at Yuanyang and head out into the Hong He Valley for some spectacular rice-terrace scenery.
Breath deep in the foothills of the high Himalayas
The landscape becomes ever more mountainous as you approach the border with Tibet, and the peaks here are the foothills of the Himalayan range. The land in this far north-western edge of Yunnan province is buckled and Alpine, sprinkled with lakes reflecting snowbound summits and decorated with jewellike wildflowers in the spring and summer.
Take on the Tiger Leaping Gorge Hike
The challenge of Tiger Leaping Gorge is one that many hikers find hard to resist. The gorge itself reaches an incredible maximum depth of over 3.5 kilometers and stretches about 15 kilometers long. The river rushing at the base of the gorge is the Jinsha, one of the Yangtze River’s tributaries. The upper gorge has been made accessible with the addition of boardwalks, offering a close-up view of the roaring water and the grandeur of the gorge. To truly experience it, plan to spend about two days completing the full trek. There are plenty of breathtaking viewpoints and guesthouses along the way.
Experience Yunnan’s towns and cities
The urban settlements of Yunnan aren’t like the frenetic megacities of eastern China. Here, life moves at a slightly slower pace. Yes, there are skyscrapers and rush hours, but they are less all-encompassing. In the mix are mellow backpacker hangouts, ancient cobbled old towns and smaller cities where the countryside is always close at hand.
Drop your bags for some downtime in Dali
A mellow place of beautiful old temples and classic Chinese scenery, Dali is just touristy enough. It’s a great place to soak in the dreamy vistas over the iconic Er Hai Lake and the Cangshan mountains while enjoying the good variety of food, the minority Bai culture and the slightly bohemian feel of the town. Dali is popular with both domestic and international tourists but has retained a pretty and authentic charm among its cobbled streets and wooden gables.
Wander the ancient streets of Lijiang
Although picturesque Lijiang is most definitely on the tourist trail, it is still well worth visiting. Nestled in the foothills of the southern Himalayas, it was a center for the region’s historic tea-growing industry and an important stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road trading route. The atmospheric Old Town is a tangle of cobbled streets and canals crisscrossed by stone bridges and fringed with weeping willows. Wooden-balconied homes and workshops line the streets and it’s a good spot for picking up local crafts and curios.
Lock eyes on the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The town also makes a lively base for some wonderful excursions into the delightful countryside in the area. The scenery is splendid around Lijiang, and there are several villages that make an easy trip by bike, allowing a close-up and slow-motion look at rural Yunnan life. On the edge of town, the devastatingly beautiful Black Dragon Pool is a must-see with its arcing marble bridge leading to the forest-backed Moon Temple. The waters reflect the snowy peaks of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain beyond. To get a closer look, catch a cable car up to Yunshanping Viewpoint and stroll through Alpine meadows.
Find an internal spring in Kunming
Known throughout China as the City of Eternal Spring, Kunming enjoys a pleasant climate most of the year and has cleaner air than most cities of its size further east. The mild weather is thanks to Kunming’s location at 2,000 meters above sea level, and the spring-like feel is enhanced by the ever-blooming parks and gardens, as well as the peaceful Dian Lake on the city’s edge. Kunming has a large student population, giving it a lively and youthful vibe. This is a city where traditional markets and street life remain vibrant, though a more international flavor is gradually making its mark.
Vibrant culture and traditions
One of the reasons Yunnan makes such a fascinating region for travel is that it is home to a huge variety of ethnic minorities, each with their own particular dress, language, architecture and customs. Yunnan boasts a mix of people so diverse that it is claimed that 28 different ethnicities live here. That’s more than half the total for the whole of China, and these groups account for around 35 per cent of the province’s population. Bai culture dominates in Dali, and Naxi in Lijiang.
Celebrate with the locals at a traditional festival
Due to the proliferation of different cultures, Yunnan province hosts a wide range of festivals, and Dali in particular has a busy calendar of events throughout the year. The spring fair is a definite highlight which falls in April or May depending on the lunar calendar. It is a celebration of the arrival of spring involving five days of dancing, music, a horse market, and races – it’s a great time to visit.
Get stuck into Yunnan’s diverse cuisine
With its mix of influences, both within the province and from neighboring countries, the food offering in Yunnan is diverse. The one thing that it does have in common, though, is heat – expect dishes to be fiery and hot in general. The go-to meal and all-around comfort food is a warming rice noodle soup known as ‘crossing the bridge’ soup. A piping hot chicken broth is combined with a mix of fresh vegetables, herbs, spices, and shredded chicken or other meats. Barbecue is popular in the region with a whole range of meats, veg and fungi skewered at grilled. Mushrooms feature quite highly on the menu as do more obscure foodstuffs, such as algae, flowers, ferns and insects (including grubs and crunchy cicadas).
Make it happen
If you’re still wondering why go to Yunnan, the province’s unique blend of natural beauty, diverse cultures, and unforgettable experiences make it a must-visit destination. To make the most of your trip, get in touch with our local experts who can tailor an itinerary perfectly suited to your interests and needs. Your adventure in Yunnan awaits!
