The best of Yunnan: the Most Spectacular Locations

Here is a list of the best of Yunnan; the essential places to visit if you are planning a trip to Yunnan. Yunnan is a province in southwestern China that is known to be the most diverse in the whole country. Every year, more and more people are coming to Yunnan to learn about its ethnic minorities and to see its varied landscapes.

In this Chinese province, we can find mountainous landscapes with peaks up to 5500 meters high. Small karst mountains surrounded by lakes and flowers. Thousand-year-old rice terraces and, in addition, ancient villages that have managed to preserve much of traditional Chinese architecture.

Here’s the map of what to see in Yunnan, with the exact location of each place.
Below, you’ll find a list of the best places to visit in Yunnan, with their description and photographs. Let’s get started!

The best of Yunnan: Must see places

Click here if you want to see the interactive map on Google Maps about the best places to see in Yunnan.

1. Kunming, Yunnan’s capital

The capital of Yunnan province is known as “The Spring City” for its good climate. It is estimated to have about 6 million inhabitants and is at an altitude of 1890 meters above sea level. In Kunming it is recommended to visit:

• Temple of Yuantong; the largest Buddhist temple in the city dating from the eighth century. Chinese characters: 圆通寺
• Green Lake; lake in the center of the city where locals come to stroll and dance. In winter, hundreds of Siberian seagulls migrate to the lake and it becomes an ideal place to take photos. 翠湖 (Cuihu). (Video about Green Lake)
• Golden Temple; is a Taoist temple 12km from Kunming that was built in 1902 during the Ming Dynasty. It is surrounded by gardens where you can take a nice walk. 金殿 (Jin Dian).
• Pagodas of the East and West; they are two pagodas of the Tang dynasty located one opposite the other separated by about 200m of distance. 东寺塔 – 西寺塔 (Dongsi Ta – Xisi Ta).
• Golden Horse Gate Square; Golden Horse Gate and Jade Rooster Gate are two giant gates in the style of traditional Chinese architecture, resembling an arch.  They were built 400 years ago during the Ming dynasty. 金马坊(Jin Ma Fang).
• Dianchi Lake; is the largest lake in Yunnan province with 298 km². It is advisable to climb the Xishan mountain to appreciate the lake from above. 滇池湖 (Dianchi Hu).
• Shilin Limestone Forest, 86Km from Kunming, is a park surrounded by high rocks that emerge from the ground and create a kind of stone forest. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007. 石林 (Shi Lin).

2. The rice terraces of Yuanyang

The rice terraces of Yuanyang are another must-see if you are travelling to Yunnan. Yuanyang County (元阳) is located 300 km south of Kunming. It is famous for its rice terraces which are possibly among the most spectacular rice terraces in all of China. If you’re coming to Yunnan, it’s a must see.

• The Hani ethnic minority was the one who started cultivating these rice fields when they arrived more than 1300 years ago.
• The best time to visit the terraces is between December and March, when the rice terraces are full of water and the rice has not yet sprouted.
• In 2013 the more than 16,000 hectares of rice terraces became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The villages of Bada, Duoyishu and Laohuzui are some of the best known for their incredible views of the rice fields. In my opinión, the best of Yunnan!

3. The Ancient City of Jianshui and Its Famous Double Dragon Bridge

Founded more than 1,200 years ago, Jianshui is one of the oldest cities in Yunnan. Its old town is a maze of narrow alleys, blending traditional mansions, ancient temples, and residential courtyards dating back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. Highlights include:

• The Confucius Temple, one of the largest in China.
• The Zhu Family Garden, an exquisite example of traditional Chinese residential architecture.
• Just 4 kilometers from Jianshui lies one of the most fascinating attractions in Yunnan: the Double Dragon Bridge. Built during the Qing dynasty in the 19th century, it is renowned for its 17 arches, making it one of the longest and most spectacular ancient bridges in China.
• Tuanshan, on the outskirts of Jianshui, was an important commercial and residential center for wealthy landowners and local merchants, which is reflected in the opulence of its mansions. Today, it still preserves more than 20 residences built during the Qing dynasty (1644–1912).

4. The old city of Dali

The ancient city of Dali (大理), located 320 km west of Kunming, is famous for its charming historic center, surrounded by impressive entrance gates. Home to the Bai ethnic minority for over 3,000 years, it has preserved its essence through traditional Chinese architecture, still visible in its streets and buildings.

Historically, Dali was the capital of two important kingdoms: the Kingdom of Nanzhao (8th century) during the Tang dynasty, and the Kingdom of Dali (10th century) during the Song dynasty. These kingdoms played a key role in the history of southwest China, and their legacy is still reflected in the city’s architecture, temples, and monuments.

The Three Pagodas of Dali and Erhai Lake

One of the highlights is the Three Pagodas of Dali, a complex of Buddhist temples just outside the city, built in the 9th century during the Kingdom of Nanzhao. They are located in the Cangshan mountains, facing the beautiful Erhai Lake.

• This lake lies at an altitude of 1,972 meters above sea level.
• It covers 250 km², making it the second-largest lake in Yunnan, after Dianchi Lake.
• The surrounding area features many traditional villages, including old fishing settlements. A great way to explore it is by boat or by renting a bicycle to enjoy the lakeside.
• Xizhou and Zhoucheng are nearby villages known for their traditional atmosphere and local crafts.

5. Shaxi, another small gem of Yunnan

If you prefer to avoid mass tourism during your trip to Yunnan and want to experience a more traditional side of China, you can visit the village of Shaxi, located between Dali and Lijiang. Without a doubt, it’s one of those must-see places in Yunnan.

• Shaxi is famous for being an important stop on the Tea and Horse Road.
• It has preserved its traditional architecture, with cobbled streets, temples, and the historic Sideng Bridge.
• Near Shaxi, it is highly recommended to visit Shibao Mountain, where you’ll find impressive rock-carved sculptures of Buddha and Guanyin, the goddess of mercy. These carvings are etched into the rock and stand as a testament to the Buddhist devotion that has endured through the centuries.

6. The old part of Lijiang

The Old Town of Lijiang (丽江) is located 200 km north of Dali. With over a thousand years of history, Lijiang is one of the best-preserved ancient cities in all of China. It is known for its cobbled alleys, stone bridges, streams, and houses featuring the architecture of the Naxi ethnic minority, the most prominent ethnic group in the area.

The Old Town of Lijiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. However, heavy tourism and many souvenir shops have caused it to lose some of the charm it once had. Still, there are plenty of things to see both in Lijiang and in the surrounding area:

• A visit to Lashi Lake, and if you feel like it, a horseback ride.
• The Black Dragon Pool and its spectacular views of the Yulong Snow Mountains.
• The Mu Palace, which was the residence of the influential Mu family, rulers of Lijiang during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
• The city viewpoints, which are worth a visit to enjoy the full splendor of the town.

7. The canyons of the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Located 60 km from Lijiang, the canyons of the Yangtze River are one of the highest river canyons in the world, reaching up to 2000 meters in altitude. It is advisable to do two days of hiking between mountains, the Yangtze River and through Naxi villages to reach the lowest point of the river.

But if you don’t have time for so much, you can make a quick visit by car. First, you can visit Shigu village to enjoy the views of the river just as it curves into a U-shaped curve and then go down to see the rapids.

The name Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) refers to the legend that tells how a tiger to escape its hunter jumped from one side to the other of the canyon at its narrowest point (25-30m). If you are a nature lover, this is an essential destination on your trip to Yunnan.

8. The Tibetan Shangri-La

Shangri-La (香格里拉) is located at an altitude of 3,380 meters above sea level, about 180 km north of Lijiang. In fact, the city’s original name was Zhongdian, but in 2001 it was renamed to promote tourism in the area.

• Shangri-La was originally a fictional place created by British author James Hilton in his 1934 novel Lost Horizon.
• In the novel, it is described as a utopian place hidden in the Himalayan mountains, where people live happily and in harmony with nature.

Shangri-La, located near the Tibetan border, has a strong Tibetan essence, reflected in its mostly Tibetan population, traditional architecture, and cobbled streets decorated with prayer flags.

Although its old town has lost some authenticity due to commercialization, it remains one of the most visited destinations in Yunnan, offering impressive temples and natural parks that leave no one indifferent.

The Songzanglin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park

Near Shangri-La is the Songzanglin Monastery (also known as Ganden Sumtseling), referred to as the “Little Potala”. This is the largest and most important Tibetan monastery in the province, home to over 600 monks.

Also worth visiting is the Pudacuo National Park, located 20 km from Shangri-La. It is one of the regions with the greatest biodiversity in the world. Although it represents only 0.7% of China’s territory, it is home to over 20% of the country’s plant species, one-third of its mammal and bird species, and nearly 100 endangered species.

9. Luoping and the Waterfall of the Nine Dragons

Luoping (罗平) is located 228 kilometers northeast of Kunming, near the border between the Yunnan province and the provinces of Guizhou and Guangxi. It is characterized by spectacular karst mountain landscapes.

The best time to visit Luoping is in early spring (February-March), when the rapeseed flowers cover the fields in golden blooms.

• The most famous spot to see these stunning views is the village of Jinji, located on the outskirts of the city, easily accessible by bus or taxi.
• The village is surrounded by small karst mountains (Golden Rooster Hills), making the entire area a sight to behold.
• A visit to the Hundred Thousand Hills (Shi Wan Da Shan) is a must. From there, you can see a horizon completely covered with mountains.
• Near Jinji, you’ll also find the Nine Dragons Waterfall, a group of waterfalls, with the largest being 56 meters high and 112 meters long.

10. The karst mountains of Puzhehei

After Luoping, if you haven’t had enough, you can always visit Puzhehei (普者黑) which is only 150 km south. It is one of those unique places to see in Yunnan. Without a doubt, one of my favorites.

• Puzhehei covers an area of 165 km² of karst mountains, natural lakes, caves and rivers.
• In this area, we find five ethnic minorities living together; the Yi, Zhuang, Miao, Yao and Sani.
• Precisely the meaning of the name given to this territory came from the language of the Yi ethnicity and means Lake full of fish and lobsters.

Apart from the abundant nature, the best thing about this place is that there is almost no tourism. It is a place to enjoy with calm and serenity. You can rent a bicycle and spend the day visiting villages and getting lost between lakes and mountains. Finally, if you feel like it, for a small fee, you can take a boat ride on the lake.

Other Fascinating, Lesser-Known Corners of Yunnan

In addition to the more famous destinations, Yunnan hides many other fascinating spots that deserve to be explored. If you have more time or want to discover a more alternative and authentic side of Yunnan, take note of these places:

• Xishuangbanna (西双版纳), located in the southernmost part of Yunnan, is a tropical paradise with jungles, Asian elephants, and Dai culture. This region has a completely different vibe compared to the rest of Yunnan: palm trees, warm climate, golden Buddhist temples, and traditional festivals like the Water Festival. The Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden and the Wild Elephant Nature Reserve are two must-see stops if you decide to travel to this area.
• Baishuitai’s white terraces (白水台): Situated about 100 kilometers southeast of Shangri-La, this is a sacred site for the Naxi people, the local ethnic group, and is considered the birthplace of the Dongba religion. Its stunning limestone terraces, formed over thousands of years by the sedimentation of calcium-rich minerals, create a landscape of natural white pools with crystal-clear water.
• Tengchong (腾冲) is a natural gem located in the west of Yunnan, near the border with Myanmar. It is known for its volcanic activity, natural hot springs, and impressive field of volcanic cones. You can also visit Heshun, a beautiful ancient village with traditional architecture, bookstores, teahouses, and trails offering spectacular views. Tengchong was also a strategic point on the ancient Tea Horse Road.
• Zhuantong (转塘) is a lesser-known destination that has started to gain popularity for its rural setting and mountainous landscapes bordering Sichuan. Here, you can experience the everyday life of the local ethnic minorities in a much quieter and more authentic environment.
• Puer (普洱) is famous for its tea of the same name, considered one of China’s most iconic teas. You can visit tea plantations, tea museums, and production villages to immerse yourself in its millennia-old culture. Additionally, its mountainous natural surroundings are perfect for disconnecting and exploring little-traveled rural routes.

You can also consider places like Weishan, an ancient town with a history as rich as Dali’s but without the tourist crowds, or Nujiang, a remote and wild mountainous region along the Salween River, offering epic trekking and Tibetan communities in a spectacular setting.

The best of Yunnan: More information or contact me to travel to Yunnan

I hope my list of the best places to visit in Yunnan has been helpful to you. Don’t forget to comment on the post, rate it, and/or share it if you found it useful or interesting. If you’re planning a trip to Yunnan, feel free to me for any question. You might also be interested in:

• My experience as an English teacher in China.
• The post about the most surprising things about living in China.
• Living in China: 5 Curiosities that will Surprise You.

Good news! Currently, there’s no need to pay for a visa for a 30-day stay in China for citizens of Spain, Andorra, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Japan and others! Take advantage of this opportunity to travel to China now! Check out our routes:

• Two-week organized trip through Yunnan, with a guide and driver.
• Alternative route through China, where we visit Yunnan, the largest waterfall in China (Huangguoshu Waterfall), the ancient city of Fenghuang, and the stunning Avatar Mountains.
• 15-day trip to China: Complete, exclusive, and personalized, visiting the country’s most iconic places.

Yunnan is not just a destination; it’s a journey into the heart of authentic China. Are you ready to discover it? Contact us and let’s make your dream adventure a reality!

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