Ten must-see destinations in Yunnan (China)

Yunnan is not just another Chinese province. Located in the far southwest of the country, it's famous for its exceptionally pleasant year-round climate, earning it the nickname "四季如春" (sìjì rúchūn), meaning "everlasting spring." But its charm extends far beyond the weather. Yunnan boasts an incredible mix of cultures, home to more than 25 ethnic minority groups, each with their own unique traditions, clothing, and festivals. This destination combines breathtaking natural landscapes, from cloud-touching rice terraces to ancient villages steeped in history, offering an authentic and deeply enriching experience. If you're looking for adventure, culture, and a genuine connection with nature, Yunnan is the place to be.

Here is a list of must-see places to consider for your itinerary.

1. Shangri-La (Zhongdian):

Located 3,450 meters above sea level in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shangri-La makes you feel like you've found paradise. It's a place of inexhaustible natural resources and well-preserved historical relics. You'll be amazed by its mirror-like lakes, endless grasslands, flower-filled wetlands, and the constant sound of monks chanting. Songzanlin Monastery, known as the "Little Potala Palace," is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and a must-see. Additionally, Pudacuo National Park is a pristine, fairytale world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to visit is from May to July and from September to October, when temperatures are cool and pleasant, with average highs between 15°C and 18°C. Keep in mind that nights are cooler due to the altitude.

2. Baishui Terraces (Shangri-La):

These terraces aren't rice paddies, but limestone terraces. They're located at the base of the snow-capped Haba Mountain, about 100 kilometers from Shangri-La County, at an altitude of 2,380 meters. They were formed over thousands of years by the deposition of calcium carbonate carried by hot spring water, creating natural pools in the form of terraces. They cover an area of about three square kilometers and are the largest spring terraces in China. You can reach them by bus from Shangri-La to Sanba County (about 4 hours) or by shuttle from Lijiang. You can visit them year-round. The temperature here is similar to that of Shangri-La City, but slightly cooler.

3. Ancient Lijiang:

This ancient city, located at an altitude of 2,418 meters, is a sacred site declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China. It's a place steeped in history, part of the ancient Southern Silk Road. To fully appreciate the culture and traditions of this province, this destination should be on your itinerary. However, keep in mind that this place is quite popular with both locals and tourists, so don't expect to find empty and quiet streets. The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November). During these seasons, the weather is very stable, with sunny days and daytime temperatures around 20°C, perfect for walking. Avoid visiting during Chinese festivals!

4. Dali:

Dreaming of Dali is easy. Its old town is historically rich, with exquisite pavilions and cobblestone streets lined with traditional Bai houses, famous for their ornate courtyards. It's an incredibly romantic place; you can pledge eternal love to your partner with Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain as your backdrop. Bai culture is the soul of Dali, an ethnic group that has developed its own unique traditions and crafts over the centuries. Visiting their workshops and markets is to immerse yourself in a living cultural heritage. The climate here is temperate almost year-round, with an average annual temperature of around 15°C. Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons.

5. Yuanyang:

If you're looking for one of the most spectacular agricultural landscapes on the planet, Yuanyang is your destination. Located in southern Yunnan, it's the heart of the Hani Honghe Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Generations of Hani people have sculpted these mountains to create terraces that rise to 3,000 meters. Watching the sunrise over the Duoyishu terraces or the sunset over the Bada terraces is a breathtaking visual experience. Trekking among the terraces and the scattered Hani villages is also a must. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the terraces fill with water and reflect the sky, creating a magical mirror effect. Temperatures are mild, ranging from 10°C to 20°C during the day.

6. Luoping:

Every year, between late January and early April, Luoping transforms into an endless golden sea of rapeseed flowers. It's a spectacle that attracts thousands of tourists and photographers. Climbing Jinfeng Peak rewards you with an incredible panoramic view of this yellow ocean, dotted with the region's typical karst hills. When mist drifts through the fields, the scene resembles a living painting. About 25 km northwest of the county, you'll also find Jiulong Waterfall, considered one of the six best waterfalls in China. The temperature at this time is cool in the morning and mild during the day, with highs around 18°C.

7. Jianshui:

On your way from Kunming to Yuanyang, don't miss this historical gem. Jianshui is a cultural city with over 1,200 years of history. Its old town is exceptionally well-preserved, boasting more than 50 ancient residences, the second largest Confucian temple in the world, and a former imperial examination house. Outside the town, the Twin Dragons Bridge (Shuanglong Bridge) is an architectural marvel known as the "Number 1 Bridge of Yunnan." Exploring Jianshui is like stepping back in time. The weather is warm and sunny for most of the year, with a pleasant average temperature of 20°C.

8. Puzhehei:

Although it's 286 km from Kunming, it's now easily accessible in just one hour by high-speed train. This idyllic world, the setting for popular Chinese dramas, has recently gained fame. Its landscape is dominated by rivers and lakes surrounded by verdant karst hills. In summer, countless lotus blossoms blanket the water's surface, creating a scene of serene beauty that seems straight out of a martial arts novel. A fun activity is to participate in a water fight with water pistols from boats gliding among the lotuses. The best time to see the lotuses in full bloom is from June to August, with warm temperatures that can exceed 25°C.

9. Mengle Temple (Jinghong, Xishuangbanna):

This temple in Jinghong City is an architectural masterpiece that justifies a trip alone. Its design, which symbolizes a seated Buddha, is dazzling: red roofs contrast with golden surfaces covered in intricate patterns. A large golden Buddha dominates the complex. To reach the top, you can climb 3,000 steps or take a bus and walk down. Xishuangbanna has a tropical climate. The ideal time to visit is from November to April to avoid the intense heat and humidity of summer. Temperatures during the dry season are very comfortable, ranging between 20°C and 28°C.

10. Wengding Village:

For a truly immersive cultural experience, visit this Wa village, one of the most ancient and best-preserved ethnic groups in China. Located 40 km from Cangyuan County, you'll be greeted by Wa women in traditional dress, singing and dancing. An elder may mark a black dot on your forehead as a symbol of good luck. The natural surroundings are stunning, with picturesque mountains and crystal-clear waters. The dry season (November to February) is ideal, with dry, sunny weather and daytime temperatures around 20°C. From March to April, the vegetation comes alive, and from September to October, there are fewer tourists and a very peaceful atmosphere.