What come up to your mind when you think of Yunnan, China? Dali, Lijiang, Shangari-La, diverse ethnic minorities or moderate weather? Yes, Yunnan offers diversity both people and landscapes, which make it a dream destination for travelers. If you are in China, never miss this wonderful land.

Hot Destinations in Yunnan

Yunnan Province, due to its beautiful landscapes, mild climate and cultural diversity, is one of China’s major tourist destinations. Most visitors are Chinese tourists, although travels to Yunnan are attracting an increasing number of foreign tourists as well. There are several hot destinations favored by millions of travelers, such as Kunming – the capital of Yunnan Province as well as Known as the Spring City of China, Lijiang – Ancient Naxi Kingdom with heaven like scenes, Shangri-La – the earthly paradise as Lost Horizon described, Yuanyang – known for spectacular rice-paddy terracing made by Hani people, and Dali – a treasure land for ethnic Bai people.

1. Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province and “Spring City”, is generally served as the gateway city in your Yunnan Tour, from which you will transfer to its amazing surrounding wonders. You won’t miss the Shilin (Stone Forest), a series of karst outcrops east of Kunming, as well as Dongchuan Red Land, which has the reputation of “God’s Palette”.

2. Dali, the historic center of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, is one of the oldest cultural birthplaces of Yunnan Province. You can find Dali Old Town surrounded by Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake and other natural sceneries. The Three Pagodas as the landmark is surely included in Dali Tours.

3. Lijiang, a Naxi minority city. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997. Well-preserved Lijiang Old Town(composed of Dayan Old Town, Shuhe Old Town and Baisha Old Town) is incredibly rich in natural and cultural resources. Other highlights include Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lashi Lake and Lugu Lake, etc, amazing and fantastic.

4. Shangari-La, an earthly paradise at 3,450 meters high, located in Diqing, Yunnan.  Here, you’ll lose yourselves in old towns, mysterious Buddhist monasteries, picturesque lakes, breathtaking beauty and meet the hospitality of unsophisticated Tibetan people. Noted Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Old Town are right here.

5. Yuanyang, a Hani minority settlement with vast rice-terraced mountains. Every year, a crowd of photographers are attracted by the spectacular view of Yuanyang hani rice terraces like sunrise, sunset, sea of cloud. More and more people admire the charm of Yuanyang rice terrace. The Best-known Rice terraces include Laohuzui(Tiger Mouth) Rice Terrace, Duoyishu Rice Terrace, Bada Rice Terrace and Longshuba Rice Terrace.

6. Xishuangbanna, a national scenic resort, noted for its natural and cultural attractions. Jinghong is the center and prefectural capital of the Xishuangbanna Dai minority autonomous prefecture.