In this blog post, I’ll share ten fantastic things to do in Yunnan to help you plan your trip and sprinkle in some adventure.
Yunnan is the next destination on my China bucket list, and if you’re here, it’s probably because this region has started showing up in your dreams, too!
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- Is Yunnan Worth Visiting?
- When is the Best Time to Visit Yunnan?
- 10 Things to Do in Yunnan
- 1. Discover the China’s Spring City: Kunming
- 2. Hike around the Intricate Yuanyang Rice Terraces
- 3. Best Things to Do In Yunnan: Cycle around the serene Erhai lake
- 4. Best Things to Do In Yunnan: Discover the Chinese Backpacker Life in Dali
- 5. Best Things to Do In Yunnan: Visit Lijiang & Baisha
- 6. Hike on the Tiger Leaping Gorge
- 7. Discover the Sights and Mosuo Villages around Idyllic Lugu Lake
- 8. Breathe Tibetan Air in Shangri La
- 9. Live with the Tibetans in Deqin
- 10. Feel The Southeast Asian Vibe in The Xishuangbanna Region
Is Yunnan Worth Visiting?
Yunnan’s borders with Myanmar, Laos, Vietnam, and Tibet already make it a must-visit destination. Its neighbors have made Yunnan a meeting point for cultures, fascinating religions, and vibrant humanity.
More than half of China’s ethnic minorities live here, offering visitors the chance to experience a different side of Chinese traditions and communities.

And when it comes to nature, Yunnan truly has it all! You can get lost in the wild jungles of the far southwest, where the Mekong River winds through Southeast Asian-like landscapes.
Or, if you’re up for a challenge, hike through the stunning Yuanyang rice terraces in the southeast. These terraces blend gorgeous nature with traditional villages.

Finally, head to the Tibetan border region if you’re looking for a spiritual escape. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, temples, and hiking trails, perfect for connecting with nature.
So yes, Yunnan is definitely worth visiting!
When is the Best Time to Visit Yunnan?
The truth is, no matter the season, Yunnan will always have something to offer.
When you want to escape the cold in Winter, head to the extreme Southwest, the Xishuangbanna region.
On the other hand, summer is ideal for hiking in the Deqin area, as it lets you avoid the harsh winter temperatures.
Finally, if you love flowers like me, late March to May is a good time to visit the entire province. During this season, Yunnan comes alive with wildflower blooms and cultural festivals.
If you’re planning a Spring trip to China, check out these enchanting 17 locations that thrive from March to May. Now, let’s dive deeper into the ten best things to do in Yunnan!
10 Things to Do in Yunnan
1. Discover the China’s Spring City: Kunming
Kunming has long been considered one of the most livable cities in China, thanks to its perpetual spring-like weather and relaxed lifestyle.
It’s the perfect place to spend the first days of your Yunnan trip, embracing its easygoing vibe without feeling rushed.
The city is home to beautiful Buddhist temples, lush green spaces, and museums that allow visitors to dive deeper into the history of Yunnan and Kunming.

Below are some of the top things to do in town:
- Visit the Golden Temple Scenic Area: this beautiful natural spot, with its forests and botanical gardens, is at the foot of Mingfeng Mountain.
- Visit Yuantong Temple: located at the foot of Yuantong Hill, this temple is one of the largest Buddhist complexes in the region. It is often crowded with locals and pilgrims.
- Learn about Kunming and Yunnan’s history in Museums: If you’re interested in the culturally- rich region’s past and ethnic minorities, visit the Yunnan Provincial Museum, Kunming Museum, and the Yunnan Nationalities Museum for free.
- Don’t Miss the Stone Forest: located about 90km from the city, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth visiting.
2. Hike around the Intricate Yuanyang Rice Terraces
Located on the southeast side of the region, almost at the border with Vietnam, the beauty of the rice terrace landscape speaks for itself.
The Yuanyang site, in particular, covers around 125 square kilometers. If I were you, I’d plan at least three days to explore the terraced fields and the unique villages across the hills.

The main spots to soak in the enchanting views are in three key locations:
- Bada Rice Terraces: the ideal place to catch the sunset
- Duoyishu Rice Terraces: the best place to enjoy the sunrise. This terrace is close to Pugaolao Village, so if you’re planning a beautiful sunrise shoot, the latter should be your base during your stay.
3. Best Things to Do In Yunnan: Cycle around the serene Erhai lake
Located on the north side of the region, the Erhai Lake may be your dream destination if you’re picturing yourself cycling around the ring roads encircling the lake under the warm spring sun.

Villages surround the lake to explore, including:
- Caicun: well-known set-off point for water transport across the lake
- Shuanglang: an old-charm town that sits on a peninsula surrounded by the lake’s water and is the starting point for the ferries leading to the tiny islands of Nanzhao and Putuo.
4. Best Things to Do In Yunnan: Discover the Chinese Backpacker Life in Dali
Due to its easygoing vibe, Dali has been considered the Chinese dream for Western backpackers for years.
In addition to backpackers and domestic tourists, the Bai community represents most of the population here.

More than the sights here, the atmosphere of an old town surrounded by the 4000m Mount Chang attracts visitors, as do The Three Pagodas.
This beautiful site can be considered the symbol of the entire Yunnan region. If you are in Dali in April, don’t miss the Third Moon Fair.
5. Best Things to Do In Yunnan: Visit Lijiang & Baisha
Despite being north of the region, Lijiang is likely one of Yunnan’s most popular tourist spots.
The old cobbled streets, wooden buildings, and pretty canals attract domestic tourists, so plan your visit on a weekday and wake up early.

Highlights of Lijiang are:
- Old Market Square with the Waterwheel
- White Horse Dragon Pool
- Black Dragon Pool Park
When the crowds in Lijiang get overwhelming, Baisha is the perfect escape.
Just 12 km from Lijiang, this ancient town has managed to maintain its laid-back vibe despite the usual tourist rush.

Its peaceful streets, lined with low wooden and stone houses, invite you to slow down and explore on foot.
You can spend a relaxed half-day wandering around, stopping by one of the cozy little cafés for a drink, or enjoying a meal at a local restaurant.
6. Hike on the Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is home to some of the best hiking trails in China.
Nestled between Lijiang and Shangri-La, the Jinsha River carves through towering mountains, creating one of the world’s deepest gorges.

The trails are split into three sections, but the Middle and Upper Gorges are the best regarding views.
If you’re up for it, plan a two-day hike and stay overnight at one of the cozy guesthouses along the route. It’s the perfect way to tackle the challenge while enjoying the wild, untouched beauty.
7. Discover the Sights and Mosuo Villages around Idyllic Lugu Lake
Lugu Lake is a stunning alpine lake at the border of Yunnan and Sichuan provinces.
It is nearly 2,700 meters above sea level and offers some of China’s most breathtaking alpine views.
The lake is divided into the Liang Lake Scenic and Cao Lake Scenic areas.

It features five islands and four peninsulas, with Lige Island, Liwubi Island, and Xiwae Island (also called Lock Island) being the most magical to visit.
But Lugu Lake is more than just beautiful scenery. It’s also home to the Mosuo people, a subgroup of the Naxi minority.
The Mosuo are one of the last matriarchal societies in the world. Their unique traditions, including the debated “visiting marriage” custom, make for a fascinating cultural experience.
8. Breathe Tibetan Air in Shangri La
Shangri-La is a small village at the foot of the Himalayan Mountains. While it belongs to Yunnan, the town is ethnically Tibetan, giving it a unique cultural identity.
The main highlight is the Songzanlin Monastery, known as “The Little Potala Palace. ” It looks like a grand palace that overlooks the entire village.

Beyond the town, there are plenty of opportunities to explore nature.
Popular spots include Pudacuo National Park, known for its clear lakes and serene grasslands, and the Napahai Nature Reserve, where horses roam freely in wide-open fields.
9. Live with the Tibetans in Deqin
One of the biggest mistakes when visiting Yunnan is skipping Deqin or not giving yourself enough time to explore this town.
If you’re after authentic Tibetan vibes, jaw-dropping mountain views, and incredible trekking adventures, this is the spot you absolutely can’t miss and one of the best things to do in Yunnan.
With 80% of the population being Tibetan, Deqin feels like a slice of Tibet outside the official region—more straightforward to access from China and without the hassle of getting a permit.
For must-see experiences, hike through the breathtaking landscapes of Meili Snow Mountain, the shimmering Mingyong Glacier, or along the serene Mekong River.
You can even immerse yourself in Tibetan culture by spending the night in a traditional Tibetan village, where life moves at a peaceful mountain pace.
10. Feel The Southeast Asian Vibe in The Xishuangbanna Region
Along the borders of Myanmar and Laos, this region is easily one of China’s most unique corners.
With its Southeast Asian vibe, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite for travelers (and me, too!).
Sunny days, lively water-splashing festivals, and jungle treks through lush greenery—it’s like discovering a whole new side of China.

The area, home to the Dai minority, is divided into three primary counties: Jinghong, Menghai, and Mengla. Bursting with plants and wildlife, it’s a dream spot for nature lovers.
You’ll find rare animals like tigers, leopards, golden-haired monkeys, and even wild elephants making their way through the jungle.
The hiking here is top-notch, with some of China’s most stunning trails weaving through the rainforest.
There would be much more than ten things to do in Yunnan. I hope it helped you get inspired to visit this diverse province in China while helping you plan your trip! 🇨🇳
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This blog post was all about the best things to do in Yunnan.
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DISCLAIMER: These suggestions about the ten things to do in Yunnan are purely based on my experiences and thoughts and are meant to inspire and provide advice. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences—there is no need to follow it in detail. All prices, transport options, and instructions mentioned reflect my knowledge at the time of writing and may have changed since. You must double-check all the information before your trip to ensure accuracy. All opinions and recommendations are my own, rooted in my unique journey through China.
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