If you’re planning to visit China and you’re looking for a trip full of breathtaking nature, ancient towns, and authentic cultural experiences — Yunnan is the perfect destination. This province is one of the most diverse regions in China, both in terms of nature and culture. From Tibetan monasteries to hidden mountain villages, every corner of Yunnan feels like stepping into a completely different world.
Based on my own experience, I’ve put together this 10-day itinerary to help you discover the best of Yunnan, not just the famous tourist spots, but also the hidden gems that made this trip unforgettable for me.
Day 1-3: Shangri-La – Tibetan Culture at High Altitude 香格里拉
How to get there: Fly directly to Diqing Shangri-La Airport from major cities like Kunming or Chengdu or anywhere else in China.
Start your Yunnan journey in Shangri-La, the gateway to the Tibetan world. This small town sits at over 3,000 meters above sea level, so take the first day to rest and adapt to the altitude — drink hot tea, walk slowly, and avoid alcohol.
What to Do:
- Explore the charming Shangri-La Old Town and spin the giant prayer wheel with locals.
- Visit the Songzanlin Monastery 噶丹松赞林寺: also known as the Little Potala Palace, it is the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan.
- Take a day trip to Napahai Lake 纳帕海: rent a scooter from the old town and explore the Napa Valley, it is especially beautiful in the spring when the grasslands turn green.
- Try a Traditional Tibetan Banquet experience: taste local Tibetan hotpot with a performance.
- Wear Traditional Clothes: everywhere in the old town, you’ll find local shops where you can rent traditional clothes and even get your make-up done! It’s a unique experience for less that 100 CNY!
Tips:
- Try local Tibetan specialties like yak butter tea and tsampa (roasted barley flour).
- Book Experiences on the DianPing APP (大众点评).
Day 4-7: Lijiang – Shangnan Yaoxi Village – Baisha Village – Jade Water Village
From Shangri-La, take train ride to Lijiang– 丽江, one of the most famous towns in Yunnan. But what made this part of my journey truly unique was exlporing the nearby mountain villages.
What to Do in Lijiang:
- Walk through the streets of Lijiang Old Town and immerse yourself in its beauty.
- Day Trip to Baisha Village – 白沙: this is one of the oldest town in Lijiang City. It is a small, peaceful village with stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It is the birthplace of Naxi culture and a serene place where life moves slowly.
- Visit Jade Water Village – 玉水寨: Just 15 km away from Lijiang Old Town, this Village is a hidden gem at the foot of the Yulong Snow Mountain. The Village is rooted in the traditions and spirituality of the Naxi people, so here you can learn more about this ethnic minority group.
- Spend a couple of nights in a remote mountain village like Shangnan Yaoxi Village – 上南尧西村, to experience the true countryside life.
Tips:
- The Shangnan Yaoxi Village is not on the tourist map, so if you’re interested in visiting, try asking your hotel or guesthouse in Lijiang for connections to nearby villages.
- To move around from Lijiang to the small villages, I suggest booking a taxi with the DiDi APP (滴滴). Public transportation is also available.
- To enter the Jade Water Village you must get a ticket at the entrace with a price of 30 CNY (4 EUR).
Day 8-9: Dali 大理 – The Chill Lakeside Town
Take a train or car from Lijiang to Dali, a beautiful town located by Erhai Lake. Dali has a completely different vibe compared to the other places as it is more laid-back, almost bohemian, and full of little cafes and bars.
What to Do:
- Rent a bike or an e-scooter and ride along the shore of Erhai Lake.
- Wander through the Dali Old Town, filled with small boutique shops and tea houses.
- Hike to Cangshan Mountain 苍山 for panoramic views over the lake.
- Visit the Three Pagodas – 崇圣寺三塔: a beautiful landmark of Dali City and selected as a national treasure meriting preservation in China.
- Visit the Chinese Santorini: In Dali you will find a picture-perfect replica of Greece’s Santorini. It is a 3700 acres property built at a whopping cost of over 8 billion yuan (1 billion euros)!
Tips:
- Try the famous Dali cheese (乳扇), a local specialty made from goat milk.
- Tickets to the Three Pagodas are around 120 CNY (15 EUR) and you can get it right there at the entrance. Remember to take your passport with you!
Day 10: Kunming 昆明 – The City of Eternal Spring
End your trip in Kunming, Yunnan’s capital, known for its mild climate all year round.
What to Do:
- Visit the Green Lake Park – 翠湖公园, to see locals dancing and playing traditional music.
- Take a short trip outside the city to the Stone Forest – 石林, a unique karst landscape listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where to Stay
Destination Accommodation Type Recommendation
Shangri-La Boutique Hotel Arro Khampa by Zinc Journey
Lijiang Guesthouse Baisha Flamingo Guesthouse
Dali Lakeside Hotel Sky Valley Heritage Boutique Hotel
Kunming Budget Hotel Lost Garden Guesthouse
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Travel Tips for Yunnan:
- The best time to visit is spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November).
- Yunnan’s weather can change quickly — always carry both sunscreen and a jacket.
- Many people in smaller villages don’t speak Mandarin, especially in Tibetan areas — a translation app can be very helpful.
- Be respectful of the local ethnic groups and their traditions.
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Final Thoughts
Yunnan is one of those places that leaves a deep mark on your heart. Here you can truly experience the diversity of cultures that coexist in this corner of China. If you’re planning a trip to China and you want to experience something completely different from the usual tourist routes, I can’t recommend Yunnan enough.