Top Things to Do in Yunnan: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and More

Zoella Last updated 20 Aug 2026

Yunnan is the most ethnically diverse province in the country, home to 25 ethnic minority groups, and the landscape ranges from tropical rainforest in the south to snow-capped peaks in the north. This variety is why Yunnan consistently ranks as one of the most popular domestic travel destinations in China, and why international travelers are starting to take notice.

The classic Yunnan tour connects Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang, with optional extensions to Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna, or the Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Each city offers a distinct experience: Kunming as the gateway with spring-like weather year-round, Dali with its laid-back lakeside vibe, and Lijiang as the base for dramatic mountain scenery. If you are planning a trip, Yunnan tours cover this route with local guides who handle the logistics of navigating a region where English is not widely spoken outside major hotels.

Top Yunnan Attractions

Attraction	Location	Best For	Time Needed
Stone Forest (Shilin)	Kunming	UNESCO geology	Half day
Lijiang Old Town	Lijiang	UNESCO heritage	1-2 days
Tiger Leaping Gorge	Between Lijiang/Shangri-La	Hiking	1-2 days
Erhai Lake	Dali	Cycling, scenery	1 day
Three Pagodas	Dali	History, photography	Half day
Dali Ancient Town	Dali	Culture, shopping	Half day
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain	Lijiang	Mountain scenery	1 day
Yuanyang Rice Terraces	Honghe	Photography	2 days
Xishuangbanna Rainforest	Jinghong	Tropical nature	2-3 days
Green Lake Park	Kunming	City relaxation	Half day

Top 10 Things to Do in Yunnan, China

1. Explore the Stone Forest (Shilin) Near Kunming

The Stone Forest sits about 85 kilometers southeast of Kunming and consists of limestone formations that have been shaped over 270 million years. The tall stone pillars resemble trees frozen in rock, and the effect becomes more surreal as you walk deeper into the formations.

UNESCO designated the Stone Forest as a World Heritage Site in 2007, recognizing it as one of the best examples of karst topography on Earth. The area covers 400 square kilometers, though the main tourist circuit covers about 12 square kilometers. Local Sani people, a branch of the Yi ethnic group, have lived here for generations and add cultural context through guided tours and traditional performances.

stone forest

Practical Info

Reachable by bus from Kunming East Bus Station (about 1.5 hours) or by organized tour. Allow half a day minimum. The site gets crowded during Chinese national holidays, so weekday visits offer a better experience. Entrance fee applies.

2. Wander Lijiang Old Town (Dayan)

Lijiang Old Town, also called Dayan, earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997 for its well-preserved layout, Naxi architecture, and the water system that runs through its streets. The town sits at an elevation of 2,400 meters, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain visible in the distance.

The old town has no city walls, which is unusual for historic Chinese settlements. The layout follows the natural terrain, with canals bringing water from the Black Dragon Pool through the town center. Narrow cobblestone streets connect stone bridges, traditional wooden houses, and courtyards. At night, the lantern-lit streets take on a completely different character from the daytime bustle.

Practical Info

Fly into Lijiang Sanyi Airport (LJG) or take the high-speed train from Kunming (about 3 hours). An old town maintenance fee is charged at entry points. The town works best as a 1-2 day base, with day trips to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge.

3. Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge ranks among the deepest river gorges in the world. The Jinsha River (upper Yangtze) cuts through a narrow channel between two massive mountains: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on one side and Haba Snow Mountain on the other. The name comes from a legend that a tiger leaped across the narrowest point to escape a hunter.

The gorge has two main trails. The High Trail runs along the mountain slope and takes most hikers 6-8 hours to complete, with guesthouses along the route for overnight stays. The Low Trail follows the river and can be walked in 2-3 hours, but passes through the most dramatic section with roaring rapids. Both trails offer views that justify the effort.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Practical Info

Most visitors access the gorge from Lijiang (about 2 hours by bus or car). The High Trail requires reasonable fitness and good weather. Rain makes the trail slippery and dangerous. Guesthouses along the High Trail provide basic accommodation and meals. Allow 1-2 days for the full experience.

4. Cycle Around Erhai Lake in Dali

Erhai Lake sits at 1,972 meters elevation and stretches 42 kilometers long and 9 kilometers wide. The name translates to "Ear Lake" because of its shape. The lake sits between Dali Ancient Town to the west and the Jizu Mountain range to the east, creating one of the most scenic cycling routes in China.

A dedicated cycling path now circles much of the lake, making it possible to ride without sharing the road with motor traffic. The route passes through Bai minority villages, rice paddies, wetlands, and viewpoints. The pace of cycling lets you stop at small temples, local markets, and lakeside cafes that you would miss in a car.

erhai

Practical Info

Rent bicycles or e-bikes in Dali Ancient Town. The full loop takes 1-2 days by bicycle or half a day by e-bike. The best cycling weather runs from March through May and September through November. Summer brings rain, and winter can be cold at this elevation.

5. Visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple stand as the most recognizable landmark in Dali. The main pagoda dates to the 9th century during the Nanzhao Kingdom period, making it over 1,000 years old. The two smaller pagodas were added about 200 years later during the Dali Kingdom period.

The main pagoda reaches 69 meters in height and once ranked among the tallest structures in China. Unlike most Chinese pagodas, it has 16 stories instead of the more common odd numbers. The pagodas survived numerous earthquakes over the centuries, including a major quake in 1925 that destroyed the temple but left the pagodas standing. The reflection pool in front creates the classic photograph composition.

Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

Practical Info

Located about 1.5 km northwest of Dali Ancient Town, reachable by bicycle, taxi, or local bus. Allow 2-3 hours for a full visit. The site opens early and closes in the evening. An entrance fee applies. The best light for photography comes in the early morning or late afternoon.

6. Explore Dali Ancient Town

Dali Ancient Town sits between Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, protected by walls that date to the Ming Dynasty. Unlike the more commercialized Lijiang Old Town, Dali maintains a more relaxed atmosphere that attracts long-term travelers, artists, and those seeking a slower pace.

The town follows a grid pattern typical of Ming Dynasty planning, with north-south and east-west main streets connecting four city gates. Renmin Street runs through the center and hosts the highest concentration of shops, cafes, and restaurants. The side streets leading toward Cangshan Mountain offer quieter walking with traditional Bai-style architecture.

dali old town

Practical Info

Reachable by high-speed train from Kunming (about 2 hours) or by bus. The town works well as a 2-3 day base for exploring the Dali area. Accommodation ranges from budget hostels to boutique hotels. The town is less crowded than Lijiang and works well for travelers who want a more relaxed pace.

7. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain rises to 5,596 meters and dominates the skyline north of Lijiang. The mountain holds sacred status for the Naxi people, who believe it is the home of their protector god. Thirteen peaks run north to south, resembling a jade dragon lying in the clouds, which gives the mountain its name.

The Shanzidou Glacier Park sits at 4,506 meters and represents the highest point most visitors reach. A cable car carries you from the base to the glacier, where boardwalks allow you to walk above the treeline with views of the surrounding peaks. The Blue Moon Valley at the base of the mountain offers another perspective, with terraced lakes in vivid blue-green colors fed by glacial melt.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Practical Info

The mountain sits about 30 km from Lijiang Old Town, reachable by bus or tour. Altitude sickness affects some visitors at 4,500+ meters. Oxygen canisters are available for purchase at the base. The cable car to Glacier Park requires booking during peak season. Allow a full day for the visit.

8. Yuanyang Rice Terraces

The Yuanyang Rice Terraces cover the hillsides of Ailao Mountain in southern Yunnan, carved by the Hani people over 1,300 years. The terraces follow the contour lines of the mountains, creating a pattern that changes with the seasons. When flooded in spring, the water reflects the sky and clouds, creating mirror-like surfaces that stretch across entire mountainsides.

UNESCO added the Honghe Hani Rice Terraces to the World Heritage list in 2013, recognizing both the agricultural system and the culture that maintains it. The Hani people have developed an intricate water management system that channels water from mountaintop forests through the terraces and back to the rivers below. The system has sustained communities for over a millennium.

Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Practical Info

Reachable by bus from Kunming (about 6-7 hours) or by flying to Jianshui and connecting by car. The best photography season runs from November through March, when the terraces are flooded. The area requires 2 days minimum to cover the main viewpoints. Accommodation is basic but improving.

9. Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest

Xishuangbanna occupies the southernmost part of Yunnan, bordering Myanmar and Laos. The region sits in the tropics and feels completely different from the rest of the province. Dai minority culture dominates here, with Theravada Buddhism, tropical architecture, and cuisine that draws from Southeast Asian traditions.

The tropical rainforest covers mountains and valleys with biodiversity that includes Asian elephants, peacocks, and over 2,000 plant species. The Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, run by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, ranks among the best in Asia. The Dai people celebrate the Water Splashing Festival each April, drawing visitors from across China and Southeast Asia.

Practical Info

Fly into Xishuangbanna Gasa Airport (JHG) from Kunming (about 1 hour) or take the high-speed train (3-4 hours). The region works best as a 2-3 day visit. The dry season (November through April) offers the best weather. The Water Splashing Festival falls around April 13-15 each year.

10. Green Lake Park (Cuihu) in Kunming

Green Lake Park sits in the center of Kunming and serves as the city's living room. The park centers around two connected lakes surrounded by willow trees, pavilions, and walking paths. Locals gather here morning and evening for tai chi, dancing, music, and socializing.

The park comes alive during winter (November through March) when flocks of Siberian seagulls arrive to escape the northern cold. The birds have become a Kunming tradition, and locals feed them bread and snacks. The Yunnan University campus borders the park, adding an academic atmosphere to the neighborhood. The surrounding area hosts cafes, bookshops, and the Kunming Confucius Temple.

green lake park

Practical Info

The park sits in central Kunming, reachable on foot from many hotels. Entry is free. The park works well as a half-day visit combined with nearby attractions like the Golden Temple or Yunnan Provincial Museum. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best atmosphere for people-watching.

How to Plan Your Yunnan Itinerary

The classic Yunnan route follows Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang, connected by high-speed rail. This route works well for first-time visitors and covers the province's highlights in 7-10 days. Extensions to Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna, or the Yuanyang Rice Terraces add depth but require additional travel time.

By Time Available

5-7 days: Kunming (1 day), Dali (2 days), Lijiang (2-3 days). This covers the classic route without rushing.
10-14 days: Add Shangri-La (2 days) and Tiger Leaping Gorge (1-2 days) between Lijiang and the north, or extend to Xishuangbanna (2-3 days) in the south.
2-3 weeks: Add Yuanyang Rice Terraces (2 days) and explore smaller towns like Jianshui, Jianchuan, or Shaxi along the way.

By Interest

Photography: Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Culture and history: Lijiang Old Town, Dali Ancient Town, Three Pagodas, Xishuangbanna Dai villages
Hiking and outdoors: Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Cangshan Mountain
Relaxation: Erhai Lake cycling, Green Lake Park, Dali Ancient Town cafes

Getting Around

High-speed rail in Yunnan connects Kunming to Dali (2 hours) and Lijiang (3 hours), making independent travel straightforward. Local buses and trains reach smaller destinations like Yuanyang and Xishuangbanna. For travelers who prefer organized logistics, Yunnan vacation packages handle transport, accommodation, and guided visits with local expertise, which matters in a region where English is limited outside major tourist hotels.

The altitude increases as you move northwest from Kunming (1,900m) to Dali (2,000m) to Lijiang (2,400m) to Shangri-La (3,300m). Most travelers adjust without problems, but those with respiratory conditions should consult a doctor before traveling to higher elevations.

Start Planning Your Yunnan Trip

Yunnan delivers a concentration of experiences that few destinations can match. The province combines dramatic mountain scenery, ethnic minority cultures, historic towns, and tropical rainforest within relatively compact geography. The high-speed rail infrastructure makes independent travel straightforward, while organized tours handle the details for those who prefer a guided experience.

Whether you spend your time hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge, cycling around Erhai Lake, exploring Lijiang Old Town, or photographing the Yuanyang Rice Terraces at sunrise, Yunnan rewards travelers who take time to experience each place rather than rushing through. The pace of life slows as you move away from Kunming, and that slower rhythm becomes part of the appeal.

FAQ

How many days do you need in Yunnan?

For the classic Kunming-Dali-Lijiang route, plan for 7-10 days. This gives you 1 day in Kunming, 2-3 days in Dali, and 3-4 days in Lijiang, with day trips to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge. If you want to add Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna, or Yuanyang Rice Terraces, add 2-3 days for each extension.

What is the best time to visit Yunnan?

Yunnan has mild weather year-round thanks to its elevation, earning Kunming the nickname "Spring City." The best time for most travelers runs from March through May (spring flowers, comfortable temperatures) and September through November (clear skies, autumn colors). Winter brings Siberian gulls to Kunming and floods the Yuanyang terraces for photography. Summer (June-August) is the rainy season, though rain often comes in short afternoon bursts.

What should you not miss in Yunnan?

First-time visitors should not miss Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and the Yuanyang Rice Terraces if photography interests you. The Stone Forest near Kunming offers unique geology, and Xishuangbanna provides a tropical contrast to the rest of the province. The high-speed rail journey between Kunming and Dali also delivers scenic views of the Yunnan plateau.

What are the best things to do in Lijiang, Yunnan?

The top things to do in Lijiang include exploring Lijiang Old Town (UNESCO site), visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain via cable car, hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge, and watching the Impression Lijiang outdoor show. Day trips to Baisha Village and Shuhe Ancient Town offer quieter alternatives to the main old town. Allow 3-4 days minimum for the Lijiang area.