Where to visit in Yunnan? 17+ best places to visit in Yunnan

Yunnan is a land with diverse landscapes and many unique cultural features in China. So, where to visit in Yunnan, where to go in Yunnan? Let’s check out the list of 17+ best places to visit in Yunnan with Klook below!

Yunnan is a beautiful land located in Southwest China, attracting tourists with its magnificent natural scenery from majestic mountains to lush green valleys. During your trip to Yunnan, you will have the opportunity to experience unique activities such as mountain climbing, visiting traditional villages, or participating in folk festivals of ethnic communities. Let’s explore the beauty of this land with Klook through the famous tourist destinations in Yunnan below.

Stone Forest – Kunming, Yunnan (#best places to visit in Yunnan)

• Address: Yi Autonomous County, Kunming City.

The Kunming Stone Forest is a natural wonder which was recognized by UNESCO as a World Geopark. Covering an area of ​​400,000 square meters, this place stands out with towering stone pillars up to 170 meters high, forming a spectacular maze shape. Take the time to explore the three main areas of Great, Small Shilin Stone Forest Park, and Naigu Stone Forest to admire the natural sculptures formed over millions of years.

In particular, on the 24th day of the 5th lunar month, this place also holds the traditional Hoa Ba Tiet festival of the Yi ethnic group. This is a great opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere and explore the unique and colorful culture of this land.

Lijiang Old Town – Lijiang, Yunnan

• Address: Gucheng District, Lijiang City

Known as the Venice of the East, Lijiang Old Town attracts visitors with its picturesque scenery. Nestled at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, this destination has a history of nearly 1,000 years, reflected in its ancient architecture and moss-covered streets. The area is divided into 3 parts: the quiet Dayan with ancient streets, the peaceful Baisha with traditional wooden houses and Shuhe with a system of canals, creating a picturesque landscape.

Don’t forget to visit Heilongtan/Black Dragon Pool and walk along the Five-span stone Bridge, a place that is said to be reserved for kings to walk and watch the moon. With the beauty of thousands of years of Chinese culture, Lijiang Old Town is a destination not to be missed for tourists who love peace and cultural exploration.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Lijiang, Yunnan

• Address: Lijiang City

Located in Lijiang City, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a complex of 13 peaks close together, like a silver dragon crossing the sea of ​​clouds. This place is considered a sacred symbol by the Naxi community and attracts tourists thanks to its majestic beauty. Each season at Jade Dragon Mountain has its own beauty, but winter is certainly considered the most ideal time to enjoy the romantic white snow scene.

Experience the cable car ride up to an altitude of 4,500 meters to admire the thousand-year-old glacier or stroll through the Blue Moon Valley to see the jade-green water. Ganhaizi Grassland and Maoniuping Village are also peaceful destinations and give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local cultural life. And the Impression Lijiang show is a masterpiece that recreates Naxi culture amidst majestic nature that you should not miss.

Dali Ancient Town – Dali, Yunnan

• Address: Northwest Region, Yunnan

Dali Ancient Town is a vivid picture of the history and culture of Yunnan. Located at the foot of the majestic Cangshan range, this place still preserves intact the stone-paved roads and moss-covered tiled roofs of the Bai ethnic group. Walking around here, you will feel like you are lost in the quiet space of Chinese historical films.

The ideal stopover not to be missed is Chongsheng Temple, a sacred symbol with more than 1,000 years of history, preserving the quintessence of Buddhist art. When the afternoon falls, climb the watchtower of Dali ancient city to see the whole view of the ancient town, feel the beauty of “Wind – Flower – Snow – Moon” that this place has preserved through many ups and downs.

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple – Dali, Yunnan

• Address: Dali City

For those who are passionate about exploring ancient architecture and long-standing beliefs in China, Three Pagodas is an ideal destination. Located 1.5 kilometers from Dali ancient city, this structure was built in the 9th century under the Nanzhao Kingdom, including the main tower of Qianxun, 69 meters high, and two secondary towers, 42 meters high.

Strolling around the Three Pagodas, admiring the exquisite Buddha statues and enjoying the sacred space is an experience not to be missed. Visit in March or May to enjoy the warm weather and colorful flowers blooming on the majestic Cangshan Mountains.

Erhai Lake – Dali, Yunnan

• Address: Dali City

Erhai Lake, located east of the ancient city of Dali, is the second largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, and is known as one of the four great beauties in China. Surrounded by the majestic Cangshan Mountains, the lake stretches for more than 40km, as clear as a giant, smooth silk strip. The destination is notable for the three islands of Jinsuo, Nanzhao and Putuo, along with ancient villages such as Xizhou and Youcai.

There are many fun activities at Erhai Lake such as walking around the lake, boating or cycling to see the simple life of the local people. Spring is the ideal time to visit, when camellia and primrose flowers bloom, creating a romantic and peaceful atmosphere.

Xizhou Ancient Town – Dali, Yunnan

• Address: Xizhou Ancient Town, Dali City

Entering Xizhou Ancient Town, you will be amazed by the peaceful and poetic scenery that has been around for more than 1,000 years. This destination, known as the “happy ancient town”, bears a strong historical imprint from the time of the Nanzhao Kingdom. The yin-yang tiled houses and ancient cobblestone streets still retain their nostalgic features through the ups and downs of history.

Coming here, you will experience the Tea Sessions that recreate the bustling trading atmosphere of the past with typical products such as Pu’er tea and precious herbs. Visit the sacred Daci Temple, worshiping Bodhisattva Guanyin, and you will feel the subtle blend of Buddhist architecture and Bai ethnic culture. In addition, exploring the Yan Family House, which preserves ancient artifacts, will help you understand more about the prosperity of the Yang family during the Ming Dynasty.

Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang & Shangri-La, Yunnan

• Address: 54Q7+QH2, Xiangge Lila, Deqing District

If you love adventure travel and conquering nature, you definitely cannot miss Tiger Leaping Gorge when coming to Yunnan. This place is one of the deepest gorges in the world, located between two majestic mountain ranges, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Kaba Snow Mountain. It stands out with its breathtaking scenery and the Jinsha River flowing through steep cliffs.

Come here, challenge yourself with the experience of trekking through rugged roads and admiring impressive white waterfalls. After the journey, don’t forget to enjoy local cuisine with famous rose cake or smoked pork to replenish your energy. If you have time, remember to visit the Naxi village and learn about the beauty of different culture, language, music and art.

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery – Shangri-La, Yunnan

• Address: Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shangri-La City

Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, also known as Songzanlin, is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, located at an altitude of 3,300 meters on the Shangri-La Plateau. Built in 1679 by order of the 5th Dalai Lama, the monastery has an architectural style imitating the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa. With an area of ​​30 hectares, it includes many harmoniously linked structures, the most prominent of which is the central monastery with 108 large columns, shining under the magical light of oil lamps.

Entering the monastery, visitors can immerse themselves in the sacred space and admire religious artworks such as exquisite bronze Buddha statues and unique reliefs. Don’t miss the opportunity to chat with Lamas to learn more about Buddhist philosophy and the spiritual life of Tibetans. This is definitely an ideal destination for those who love culture and beliefs.

Pudacuo National Park – Shangri-La, Yunnan

• Address: Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Region, Shangri-La City

Spreading over an area of ​​nearly 500 square kilometers, Pudacuo National Park is famous for its diverse ecosystem of primeval pine forests, vast grasslands and beautiful lakes. In addition to the beautiful scenery, Pudacuo is also a place to preserve Tibetan culture with temples and traditional relics.

Join the hiking activities along the trails around Bita Lake, visit the poetic Shudu Lake or admire the vast Militang grasslands, promising to bring you an unforgettable experience. Pudacuo in spring will be immersed in the brilliant colors of rhododendron flowers, while autumn brings a captivating scene of red and yellow leaves. These are the ideal times to visit, when the natural scenery is in full bloom and the weather is cool.

Yuanyang Terraced Fields – Yuanyang, Yunnan

• Address: 3RR5+V39 Yuanyang County, Honghe Hani and Di Autonomous Region

Yuanyang Terraced Fields own about 3,000 plots spread over an area of ​​over 16,000 hectares and are located at an altitude of over 2,000 meters, creating a beautiful picture. The scenery here changes with the seasons, spring is covered with the green color of young rice, when summer turns to autumn, the golden color of ripe rice covers everything. It is no exaggeration to say that Yuanyang is a paradise for photographers.

Coming to Yuanyang, visitors will admire the majestic beauty and have the opportunity to explore the ancient village of Azheke to discover the unique cultural life of the Han people. You will also enjoy famous specialties such as mushroom hotpot or traditional rice wine to make your trip more complete and memorable.

Dongchuan Red Land – Kunming, Yunnan

• Address: Dongchuan District, Kunming City

Located about 250 kilometers from Kunming, Dongchuan is known for its terraced fields stretching in a distinctive red-brown color. This impressive color is formed by the oxidation of iron under the humid subtropical climate of Yunnan. Every year, in the spring, when the fields are plowed to prepare for the harvest, a large number of tourists come to admire.

Interwoven with the red color are the emerald green of barley and the golden yellow of buckwheat, creating a vivid natural picture. Visitors can freely hunt for photos at Hydrangeas Garden, admire the terraced fields at Lac Ha Cau or explore the “fallow” area to feel the wild beauty.

Lugu Lake – Lijiang, Yunnan

• Address: Northwest of Yunnan Plateau, Lijiang City

Lugu Lake is located on the border of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, known as the “pearl of the plateau” with clear, calm water. Coming here, visitors can participate in many interesting activities such as taking a boat to visit the islands, exploring the villages of the Mosuo people or enjoying the peaceful space of the lake through cycling around the shore.

The ideal time to travel to Lugu Lake is in the spring (March to May), when peach, pear, and apricot blossoms bloom, creating a colorful and poetic space. The destination is as beautiful as “heaven on earth”, so bring lots of beautiful clothes to bring back lots of poetic and “million-heart” photos.

Shaxi Ancient Town – Dali, Yunnan

• Address: Jianchuan District, Dali City

Shaxi is an ancient town that is certainly a familiar place for fans of the healing movie Going to the Windy Place. This place impresses with its ancient, peaceful beauty expressed through stone-paved roads and hundred-year-old wooden houses.

Once an important trading point on the Tea Horse Road, Sa Khe bears the historical and cultural imprints of the Bai people. That beauty is still preserved intact through every street corner and ancient architectural work. Walking around Sideng Street, you will feel the tranquility and simplicity of life here, making visitors feel like they are entering a completely different world.

Meili Snow Mountain – Shangri-La, Yunnan

• Address: Deqin District, Shangri-La City

Located between the majestic flows of the Nujiang River and the Mekong River, Meili Snow Mountain is known as the “Prince of Snow Mountains”. Possessing 13 peaks over 6,000 meters high, of which Kawagebo Peak is the highest at 6,740 meters, Meili has majestic beauty and is also a sacred place of the Shangri-La land.

Besides the snowy mountains, visitors can also explore the sparkling Mingyong Glacier, surrounded by lush primeval forests. For adventure enthusiasts, the Feilai to Yubeng trekking route takes you past waterfalls, glacial lakes and the peaceful Yubeng village. Autumn and winter (October to March) are the ideal times to visit Meili, when the snow-covered landscape offers visitors an unforgettable natural experience.

Wild Elephant Valley – Xishuangbanna, Yunnan

• Address: Jinghong City, Mengyang

Wild Elephant Valley in Xishuangbanna is an ideal destination for those who are passionate about exploring the beauty of wild nature. It features majestic mountain scenery, surrounded by lush tropical forests and extremely rich flora and fauna. Visitors can join trekking trips through the forest, conquer spectacular waterfalls, or visit reserves with more than 10,000 rare species of flora and fauna.

In addition to its beautiful nature, Elephant Valley is also famous for its unique cultural activities, such as water splashing festivals, Buddha’s birthday celebrations, dragon boat racing, or enjoying typical Thai dishes. Not only that, Xishuangbanna Night Market is also an ideal stop for visitors to explore the unique cuisine and shop for unique handicrafts.

Xishan – Kunming, Yunnan

• Address: Xishan District, Kunming City

Known as “The First Scenic Spot in Tianzhong” (Tianzhong refers to the central area of ​​Yunnan), Xishan is the highest mountain range in Kunming City. This place impresses with its fresh natural landscape and contains many cultural and historical values ​​through the ages. Notable destinations such as Longmen Cave, Huating Temple, and Taihua Temple are ancient relics with strong cultural imprints, reflecting the changes of this area. In particular, on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the folk festival in Xishan attracts a large number of tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the specialties of this land.

Yunnan is not only a place that preserves majestic natural beauty but also a unique cultural treasure, where each tourist destination tells its own stories. From the magnificent beauty of the Jade Dragon and Meili mountains to the charming scenery in Sa Khe ancient town, it will certainly bring visitors many unforgettable experiences.

The post first appeared on Klook Vietnam and was translated, more compiled and edited by Living Nomads. If you find any images or text that belong to you, please contact us, so we can credit you or give us permission to use them. Thank you very much!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Yunnan you can refer to

• Private Kunming Downtown Day Tour
• Kunming Changshui International Airport Transfers
• Stone Forest Admission Ticket in Kunming
• Private Kunming Downtown Day Tour
• Kunming Private Car Charter
• Jiuxiang Scenic Region Admission Ticket & Chairlift in Kunming
• 6-day luxury trip to Shangri-La in Dali, Lijiang, Yunnan
• Roaming in Yunnan for 6 days
• Dreamy Yunnan·Cool Northwest Yunnan 6 days and 5 nights
• [Dream Yunnan·Essence of Northwest Yunnan] In-depth pure play in Yun
• Yunnan Nationalities Village Ticket

Read more Yunnan guide here.