Discover Golf in China Yunnan: A Swing into Culture, Nature, and Luxury

When people think of golf tourism, destinations like Scotland, California, or Thailand usually come to mind. But there’s a hidden gem quietly rising in the East—China (中国). With world-class golf courses, stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unmatched value for money, China is becoming one of the most exciting golf destinations for international travelers.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a leisure traveler with a passion for putting, China offers more than just golf—it offers a journey.

1. Must-Play Golf Courses in China

🏌️‍♂️ Mission Hills Golf Club – Shenzhen & Haikou (观澜湖高尔夫球会 – 深圳 & 海口)

Highlights: Recognized as the world’s largest golf club by Guinness World Records, Mission Hills features 12 championship courses, each designed by legends like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Annika Sörenstam.
Ideal For: Golfers of all levels—from casual players to seasoned pros.
Extras: Luxurious hot springs, wellness spas, and five-star accommodations.

🏞️ Spring City Golf & Lake Resort – Kunming, Yunnan (春城湖畔高尔夫球会 – 昆明, 云南)

Highlights: Spring City Lakeside Resort is situated in the 7,560 acres of mountain and lake secret area, with the glistening lake of Yangzonghai and the verdure of primitive forests, it has become a globally renowned golf eco-resort. It is not only a paradise for sports enthusiasts, but also a model for the practice of ‘symbiosis between human and nature’.
Officially inaugurated in 1998, Spring City Lakeside Resort’s vibrant landscape shines with the colors of nature; awakening the senses while providing Kunming and the world’s travelers with an unparalleled golf course and a vacation experience full of vitality and human charm. With the 5th ranked golf course in Asia and 77th ranked golf course in the world, Spring City Lakeside is a pilgrimage destination for golf enthusiasts from all over the world.

Climate: Mild year-round, perfect for golf at any season.The natural environment here is not only enchanting, but also perfectly integrated with the sport of golf. While swinging the club, people can also enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature

Nearby Attractions: Explore the Stone Forest (石林), traditional Yunnan villages, and Pu’er tea plantations (普洱茶山) after your round.

⛳ Yanqi Lake Golf Club – Beijing (雁栖湖高尔夫球会 – 北京)

Highlights: The course is a standard 18-hole course, par 72, with more than 150,000 square meters of staggered waters, converging into a unique mountain golf course.
The fairway distribution of Yanqi Lake is characterized by the intersection of mountains and plains, which cleverly utilizes the terrain and the original ecology of all kinds of plants, and the fairways of every nine holes are meticulously designed on the slopes of the mountains, no matter the front nine or the back nine holes present the intersection of mountains and plains, which is refreshing and relaxing.
The design of the course reflects the unique northern semi-mountainous course with the flow of the hills and plains in turn, while the greens are large, fast, complex and fully stimulate the enthusiasm of the golfers and the desire to challenge, just like a symphony of ups and downs. What is even more wonderful is that the Arrowhead Great Wall on the surrounding mountains is also integrated into the environment of the course, making every shot seem to travel through time and space.
Mountain course fairways are unpredictable, undulating and fun, and many places test the accuracy of the golfer’s landing spot. Yanqihu Golf Course is prepared for those players who really love golf, and it is a commendation for the wise, diligent and strong.
Experience Tip: Arrange a post-game excursion to the Mutianyu (慕田峪) or Badaling (八达岭) sections of the Great Wall.

🏙️ Tomson Golf Club – Shanghai (旭宝高尔夫球场 – 上海)

Shanghai Silport Golf Club was designed and built by designer Bobby J. Martin, a member of the Nicklaus Group. The course takes full advantage of the meandering natural landscape of the Jiangnan water town, and is carefully designed so that the long grass and the lakes and rivers around the fairways form a strange and varied landscape and undulating fairways, bringing the coolest challenges to the golfers. The course is designed to give golfers the coolest challenge. As the course is adjacent to Dianshan Lake, the beauty of the Jiangnan water town blends perfectly with the fairways. Currently, Silport Golf Course is a complete 36-hole golf course, of which 18 holes are exclusive to the club, fully protecting the rights and interests of the club members. Silport Golf Course is famous in Shanghai because of its challenging and diversified greens, which attracts many golfers to participate in the Open Championship qualifier every year. In addition, the 36 stone sculptures of ancient Chinese gods and goddesses from the Ming and Qing Dynasties were collected by the club’s chairman, Mr. Song Minman, who traveled around the world for 30 years, making them the treasure of all treasures. They are like the guardians of the treasures, bringing good luck to all golfers and are also the unique scenery of the course.

2. Top Golf & Travel Itineraries: The Best of Both Worlds

Golf in China doesn’t mean choosing between the green and the sights—you can have both. Here are four themed routes that combine world-class golfing with unforgettable travel experiences:

3. Golf + Culture: A Richer Kind of Round

Playing golf in China is more than a sport—it’s an immersion into a 5,000-year-old civilization.

• Tee off with views of pagodas,traditional gardens, or misty mountains.

• Enjoy tea ceremonies, Chinese calligraphy sessions, or even a post-round Tai Chi class.

• Play a round in Suzhou (苏州), then wander through UNESCO-listed classical gardens like the Humble Administrator’s Garden (拙政园).

• In Yunnan (云南), sip freshly brewed Pu’er tea (普洱茶) after your round, visit ethnic minority villages, and experience traditional festivals.

This fusion of golf and culture makes every trip unique, and offers stories you won’t find on any other course.

4. Why Choose China for Your Golf Vacation?

6. Recommended Golf Tour Packages in Yunnan

Whether you’re planning a luxurious getaway, a cultural expedition, or a high-altitude retreat, China offers thoughtfully designed golf tours that blend sport, scenery, and culture.  Yunnan (云南), known as the “Spring City” (春城), offers a unique blend of world-class golf courses, breathtaking natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Here are two recommended golf tour packages that combine exceptional golfing experiences with cultural exploration

🏌️‍♂️5 Days Kunming Golf Tour with Spring City Golf and Dianchi Lake View Golf

City: Kunming 
Best For: Golf enthusiasts seeking a quick getaway with premium facilities

📅Itinerary Highlights:

• Day 1: Kunming Arrival
• Day 2: Kunming Spring City Golf Course
• Day 3: Kunming Spring City Golf Course
• Day 4: Kunming Lakeview Golf Club
• Day 5: Kunming Departure

Note: This package offers a compact yet comprehensive golfing experience in Kunming (昆明), ideal for those with limited time.

⛰️7 Days Best Yunnan Golf Tour to Kunming, Dali and Lijiang

Cities: Kunming (昆明), Dali（大理）Lijiang (丽江)
Best For: Travelers seeking a blend of golf, natural beauty, and cultural immersion

📅Itinerary Highlights:

• Day 1: Arrival in Kunming, hotel check-in and rest.
• Day 2: Golf at Spring City Mountain Course (Kunming).
• Day 3: Golf at Spring City Lake Course, transfer to Dali.
• Day 4: Visit Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake sightseeing.
• Day 5: Drive to Lijiang via Tiger Leaping Gorge.
• Day 6: Golf at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club, visit Lijiang Old Town & Black Dragon Pool.
• Day 7: Departure from Lijiang
• Day 8: Departure from Lijiang .

Extras:

• Opportunities to experience traditional tea ceremonies (茶艺), local cuisine, and ethnic performances.

• Scenic views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) and access to cultural landmarks.

Note: This tour provides a comprehensive experience of Yunnan’s (云南) golfing excellence and cultural richness.

These packages are designed to cater to different preferences, whether you’re looking for a quick golf-focused trip or an extended journey combining sport and culture. Both options offer high-quality services, exceptional courses, and the chance to explore the natural and cultural beauty of Yunnan (云南).

5. Practical Tips for International Golf Travelers

✈️ Visa

• China offers visa-free transit for travelers from 50+ countries in major cities such as Beijing (北京), Shanghai (上海), and Kunming (昆明).

• Golf-specific travel packages from local agencies can assist with visa letters and fast-track services.

📅 Best Time to Visit

• South China: Best from October to March—dry and sunny.

• Southwest : All-year-round spring-like weather.

• North & East China: Best in spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October).

🏌️‍♂️ Gear & Rentals

• Major courses offer premium gear rental (clubs, shoes, carts).

• Golf bag delivery services are available from some international airlines and concierge providers.

🚕 Transport

• Major clubs are easily accessible via airport transfer or hotel shuttle.

• Some premium resorts offer private driver + golf concierge packages.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of a golf vacation that goes beyond the ordinary—China (中国) awaits. Imagine teeing off with misty mountains in the background, soaking in a hot spring under the stars after your round, or wandering through an ancient village between games. China isn’t just another golf destination; it’s a story, an adventure, and a memory waiting to happen.