Yunnan, the most southwestern province of China, is home to mild weather, diverse culture, delicious foods, and stunning scenery. Winter is a decent time to travel Yunnan. The highest mountains and the coldest temperatures in winter can be experienced in the northern part of Yunnan which borders Tibet. However, travelling around Lijiang, Dali and Kunmingof the central Yunnan would be a great experience. The weather is good enough with bright sunshine, azure sky and less rainfall. Flowers are in full bloom, and you may feel like it is in spring not in winter. This page introduces you why travel to Yunnan in Winter.

1. Pleasant Weather

Yunnan is a warm winter holiday destination in China. From December to February, the generally temperature is between 12ºC – 18ºC, and if there is sunshine, the temperature can rise above 20 ºC. Popular destinations in Yunnan like Lijiang and Dali have an average high of around 16ºC in December, and Xishuangbanna (home to the only tropical rainforest in China) averages 26ºC in December. It makes being outdoors really enjoyable in the winter months in Yunnan. Please note that the time difference between day and night is great, bring enough warm clothes too.

Read more about Yunnan Climate.

2. Colorful Festivals

Yunnan is home to 25 of China’s ethnic minority groups, which make up over 34% of the local population. In the winter days of Yunnan, except for the Chinese Spring Festival, there are numerous local festivals that happen in accordance with their minority traditions such as the Sword Pole Festival which is one of the earliest of the season. Experiencing the festivals themselves, or even helping with the preparations, is a great way to understand the ethnic minority cultures that inhabit so much of this diverse province.

Read more about Yunnan Ethnic Festivals.

3. More Cost-effective

Yunnan is a big tourist province. Compared to other times, crowds of domestic tourists are much lower in winter, while the prices for hotels, transportation, etc, become much more negotiable. During the popular travel seasons, many hot destinations are overcrowded while winter is a good time to appreciate these beautiful places at your own pace. However, you’d better avoid the holiday of Chinese Spring Festival due to many Chinese people will choose to spend their holiday outdoors with their family during the holiday. All kinds of travel costs will rise sharply during by then.

4. Unique Scenery

Yunnan is suitable to visit all the year round for its abundant tourism resources. It is a very diverse province with the Himalayas in the north and subtropics in the south. In winter, you can enjoy its unique scenery that cannot be seen during other seasons. Mainly birds from Sibiria come to Yunnan during the winter months such as red-beaked seagulls and Black-necked Crane. The rice terrace fields are completely filled with water before fresh rice grows again in spring. The fields along the mountain sides offer spectacular views especially during sunrise and sunset when you can see a colorful sky in the waters.

In the cold winter, some parts of Yunnan are still as warm as spring. More and more people choose to travel to Yunnan in winter because there is no severe cold, and with no withering grass and flowers. During this time, you can enjoy the lovely sunshine whatever around lakes, on the mountain or at the old town. Crowds of domestic tourists are much less and it is a good time to appreciate these beautiful places at your own pace. Another important reason for Yunnan winter tour is that it’s the cheapest time to travel Yunnan. But try to avoid Chinese Spring Festival when many Chinese tourists will go out to enjoy their holiday which will cause the cost rising.

1. Negotiable Prices for Transportation

Winter is the low season of Yunnan travel, so there are fewer tourists to Yunnan. Compared to the peak season, it’s much easier to book the air tickets or train tickets. Easier booking might also mean lower pric. For the foreign tourists, no matter you take the private tour or group tours, the cost of transportation will be lower than the other season. Air tickets often have a good discount, if you want to rent a car and driver to visit Yunnan, the fare for car-rental is also less than peak season.

2. Negotiable Prices for Hotel

It is just a popular consuming psychology that most travelers would concern about the price of the tour, no matter they are rich or poor. The same money may buy different services in different seasons. Most hotels will offer their lowest possible prices which is at least 10% to 15% off of that in their high season. Especially at the popular destinations of Shangrila, Lijiang and Dali, the accommodation price is much lower than the peak season.

3. Top Destinations to Visit Yunnan in Winter

In Yunnan, the weather in winter is good enough with bright sunshine, azure sky and less rainfall. Flowers are in full bloom, and you may feel like it is in spring not in winter. Travelling around Lijiang, Dali and Kunming of the central Yunnan would be a great experience. Kunming is known as the “Spring City”. Every winter, black-headed gulls from Siberia fly to Kunming and settle in Green Lake and Dianchi Lake. Dali enjoys abundant sunshine which is most welcome during the winter months thanks to its high altitude. In winter, Lijiang enjoys more sunshine than other seasons. Choosing a favorable local guesthouse and having a warm sun bath on a sling chair is a perfect way to spend your holiday in Lijiang. Besides, the west and south of Yunnan are also a good destination to experience the border culture and ethnic culture of Yunnan. For more information, please read Top Destinations to Visit Yunnan in Winter.

Keep Reading:
Why travel to Yunnan in Winter?
Highlights of Yunnan Winter Tour
How to Plan Winter Tour in Yunnan
Top Winter Tours in Yunnan

Since the weather in most areas of Yunnan is mild in winter, thousands of various birds migrate to Yunnan, Mainly from Sibiria during the winter. In the season of winter when migratory birds flock into Yunnan, many (wetland) parks are highlighted by such birds such as the wintering grounds for the red-beaked seagulls in Kunming and black-necked cranes in Nianhu(Qujing) and Huize(Zhaotong). The Gaoligong mountains, near the tropical edge of the Himalayas, are one of the most biologically diverse regions in the world. More than 500 bird species have been recorded in the area and these mountains which is an ideal destination for winter birding. Besides, Xishuangbanna is also a good destination for birding. Here we introduce you the top places to enjoy Yunnan wild birds in winter.

1. Kunming – Red-beaked Seagulls

Since 1980s, tens of thousands of red-beaked seagulls migrate to Kunming from cold Siberia to spend winter, and seagulls have become an important part of local life in Kunming. It has been an important destination for watching seagulls in winter in the southwest of China. There are a dozens of places in the city to see them but the best ones include the Green Lake Park, Daguan Park, Dianchi Dam and Haigeng Park. Diandhi Lake Dam, on the eastern shore of the Dianchi Lake, the dam is one of the popular sites in Kunming’s Dianchi Lake Holiday Resort 8 km from downtown. During the winter days, herds of locals and tourists will gather here to feed seagulls and admire scenery of the West Hill.

Suggested Kunming Winter Birding Tours

6 Days Northeast Yunnan Winter Birding Tour to Dianchi Lake, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao
8 Days Yunnan Winter Birding Tour to Dongchuan Red Land, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao Nature Reserve
9 Days Yunnan-Guizhou Winter Birding Tour with Dianchi Lake, Caohai Lake, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao Nature Reserve
22 days Yunnan Birds Watching Tour

2. Nianhu Lake – Black-necked Cranes

Located 260 km from Kunming, Nianhu Lake stands at Huize County of northeast Yunnan. It was approved as a nature reserve for the black-necked cranes in 1994, and from November to March these cute angels migrate to spend winter here. Early in the morning you can watch the sunrise of Nianhu and a flock of birds flying when the sun comes from the lake and paved with red and dyed golden, black-necked cranes fly up to the sky. In the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset of the lake and the return of the black-necked cranes, in the loneliness of intoxicating beauty, you can get a kind of longing of wide and boundless.

Suggested Nianhu Winter Birding Tours

6 Days Northeast Yunnan Winter Birding Tour to Dianchi Lake, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao
8 Days Yunnan Winter Birding Tour to Dongchuan Red Land, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao Nature Reserve
9 Days Yunnan-Guizhou Winter Birding Tour with Dianchi Lake, Caohai Lake, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao Nature Reserve

3. Dashanbao Nature Reserve – Black-necked Cranes

Dashanbao Nature Reserve is one of the most popular destination for Yunnan Birding Tours. Covering a total area of 19,200 hectares, the Reserve is a plateau marshland. There are more than 1,300 black-necked cranes wintering in Dashanbao Reserve which has become the largest winter habitat of black-necked cranes and is regarded as one of the “Hometowns of Black-necked Cranes in China”. The reserve  has been designated as a Ramsar site since 2004.

Suggested Dashanbao Winter Birding Tours

6 Days Northeast Yunnan Winter Birding Tour to Dianchi Lake, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao
8 Days Yunnan Winter Birding Tour to Dongchuan Red Land, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao Nature Reserve
9 Days Yunnan-Guizhou Winter Birding Tour with Dianchi Lake, Caohai Lake, Nianhu Lake and Dashanbao Nature Reserve

4. Heqing Caohai Wetland – Merganser & Black-necked cranes

Heqing Caohai Wetland is on the way from Dali to Lijiang, or near the Xinhua Village which is known for its traditional silver handicraft industry. With a protected area of 400 hectares, the reserve is 40 km south from Lijiang. Migratory birds here include the black-necked cranes, common crane, egrets, mallards, and Rubber Duck etc. With the emergence of new species, as of the end of December 2016, a total of 175 species of birds were recorded in the Caohai Wetland in Heqing.

Suggested Caohai Wetland Winter Birding Tour

11 Days Northwest Yunnnan Bird Watching Tour

5. Napahai Lake – Black-necked Cranes

With a total area of 31.25 square kilometers and an elevation of 3266 meters, the state-designated wetlands area Napahai Nature Reserve is located in Shangri-la city, Yunnan province. Established in 1984, it is a wetland ecosystem protection zone to plateau seasonal lakes and marsh meadows. The natural reserve is flat, surrounded by mountains. When October steps in, flocks of black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, white cranes, sheldrakes regularly come here looking for food and for fun. 

Suggested Napahai Lake Winter Birding Tours

11 Days Northwest Yunnnan Bird Watching Tour
22 days Yunnan Birds Watching Tour

6. Lashihai Lake – Chinese Merganser & Black-necked Cranes

Lashihai Lake is in the basin in Hengduan Mountain Range, 10 kilometers away from the Old Town of Lijiang. Lashihai International Wetland Park was approved as a plateau wetland nature reserve in Yunnan Province in June, 1998. Since then, the nature reserve has been rehabilitated, protected and improved, which turns to be a paradise of thousands of birds consisted of 57 species, a place where biodiversity has been effectively conserved. In every winter, thousands of water fowls migrate afar from the north, among which there are some of national protected birds, such as Black Storks, Black Neck Cranes, Chinese Mergansers, etc.

Suggested Lashihai Lake Winter Birding Tours

1 Day Lashihai Lake Boat Cruise and Horse Riding Tour along the Ancient Tea Horse Road
11 Days Northwest Yunnnan Bird Watching Tour
14 Days West Yunnan Birding Tour with Gaoli Gongshan Mountain and Lijiang Lashihai Lake
22 days Yunnan Birds Watching Tour

7. Lugu Lake – Red-beaked gulls

Luguhu Lake is located between Yunnan’s Ninglang County and Sichuan’s Yanyuan County, with a total area of 77,700-odd mu, the space within the precincts of Yunnan being 41,400 mu. Most of the birds in Lugu Lake come from Siberia, such as red-beaked gulls, wild ducks, geese and aix galericulata. The birds’ coming bring much joy to people in cold season. You can see anywhere that the seagulls play with people who are seating on the boats. There are so many birds inhabiting in Liwubi Island and She Island in Lugu Lake.

Suggested Luguhu Lake Winter Birding Tour

11 Days Northwest Yunnnan Bird Watching Tour

8. Golden Triangle of China Birding Zone – Tengchong, Baoshan, Dehong & Ruili

The Gaoligongshan National Nature Reserve enjoys the diverse plants and animals. Baihualing Scenic Spot is the first bird watching camp developed in Gaoligongshan Mountain. Because of well-protected natural environment, the number of birds species recorded accounts for 43.3% of the total recorded bird species in Yunnan Province, among which 5 species belong to the national first-class protection species and 33 species of national second-class protection species. It is known as “the Golden Triangle of China bird watching Zone” and “the five-star holy land”in bird photographers’ hearts.

Suggested Golden Triangle Winter Birding Tours

1 Day Yingjiang Hornbill Valley Birding Tour
2 Days Yingjiang County Birding Tour
8 Days Yunnan Gaoli Gongshan Mountain Birding Tour
10 Days West Yunnan Birding Tour with Gaoli Gongshan Mountain, Tongbiguan Nature Reserve and Ruili Tropical Forest
13 Days Yunnan GaoliGongshan Mountain Birding Tour
14 Days West Yunnan Birding Tour with Gaoli Gongshan Mountain and Lijiang Lashihai Lake
15 Days Southwest Yunnan Birding Tour
22 days Yunnan Birds Watching Tour

9. Xishuangbanna – A Fauna Kingdom

Xishuangbanna is reputed as a fauna kingdom, which is true to name. It is the best place in Yunnan to plan a Birding Tour. According to statistics of scientific research, there are more than 450 kinds of birds living in the forest of Xishuangbanna. Jungle is the best home of these lovely cherubs, they are smart, naughty, cute and shy, so, it won’t be easy to see them even you have already heard they twittering around you.

Suggested Xishuangbanna Winter Birding Tours

6 Days XishuangBanna and Puer Tropical Forest Birding Tour

10. Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain

Every winter, flocks of Red-beaked Seagulls flying from Siberia to Erhai Lake which is an important destination for locals and tourists watching seagulls. Little Putuo Island is the smallest island in Erhai Lake. If you visit in winter, you will see a vast number of seagulls. Cangshan Mountain lies in the West of Dali,  a great place for bird watching as well as for a great variety of plant species. It is home to 128 species of bird, amongst others Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Kalij Pheasant, Common Buzzard, Common Kestrel, Large Hawk Cuckoo, Black Woodpecker, Great Tit, Red-billed Blue Magpie, Red-breasted Parakeet and Grey-headed Parrotbill.

Suggested Erhai Lake & Cangshan Mountain Winter Birding Tours

11 Days Northwest Yunnnan Bird Watching Tour
13 Days Yunnan GaoliGongshan Mountain Birding Tour
14 Days West Yunnan Birding Tour with Gaoli Gongshan Mountain and Lijiang Lashihai Lake

Please read more about Yunnan Birding Tours.

In Tibetan language, Shangrila means the sun and moon in the heart. With an average elevation of about 3459 meters, it is regarded as the pearl on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Bordering Tibet, it has the highest mountains and the coldest winter temperatures. If you would like to visit Haba Snow Mountain, Meili Snow Mountain and other snow mountain, winter is a good time to visit. Mingyong Glacier winds its way high and low, Kawagebo Peak glitters with the dawn light, primeval forested acres wears a plain silver outfit, the prairies turn silver white. Shangrila is a Fairy Tale of Winter.

1. Top Attractions of Shangrila Winter Tour

Meili Snow Mountain

The best time to visit Meili Snow Mountain is from October to next May. The best season is after the end of October, when you can view the main peak because of the nice weather, clean air and the high transparency there. However, in other seasons, it mainly depends on your luck to see the main peak. You are more likely to have a chance to see the snow-covered mountain in the early morning when when the sun rises.

Haba Snow Mountain

Haba Snow Mountain is the ideal destination for amateur mountaineers. A common tourist can reach the summit successfully at the elevation of nearly 5,400 meters if well equipped and prepared adequately. Best time to climb Haba Snow Mountain is between mid of March till end of June and mid of September till mid of December. Affected by the monsoons, fresh gales blow in January and February. From November to December, the light wind makes tourists more easily to climb up to the summit.

Napahai Lake

With a total area of 31.25 square kilometers and an elevation of 3266 meters, the state-designated wetlands area Napahai Nature Reserve is located in Shangri-la city. The natural reserve is flat, surrounded by mountains. When October steps in, flocks of black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, white cranes, sheldrakes regularly come here looking for food and for fun. The prairie is golden with snowcapped peaks of the distance reflected in the lake. The black-necked crane, yellow duck, bar-headed goose and other large birds circling above the surface of the lake and frolicking in the grass.

Pudacuo National Park

Being one of the most bio-diverse regions in China’s Yunnan Province, Pudacuo National Park is the first national park in Chinese mainland which was announced on June 25, 2007. Pudacuo National Park is suitable for traveling all the year around. Different season has different scenery. In winter, the land will turns into a tranquil white paradise. In the beginning of winter snow, the mountains dressed in plain clothes, birds flying back and forth will be fully reflected in the lake. The number of black-necked cranes in the park has now reached nearly 50.

Songzanlin Monastery

Built in 1679, the monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan province and one of the famous monasteries in the Kang region, which belongs to the Yellow Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism of the Gelukpa order of the Dalai Lama. It is reputed as the Little Potala Palace due to its complex of Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Located in the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it is also the most important monastery in southwest China.

2. Things to Do in Shangrila Winter Tour

Enjoying Snow Mountains

Winter is the best season to see the Snow Mountains in Shangri-la in Yunnan province. Snow Mountain Climbing is about the hiking and climbing tours to the famous mountains in Yunnan especially the Three Parallel Rivers Area. The ideal season to visit Meili Snow Mountain is winter and spring period between October to Next May. After the end of October, the weather is great and the visibility is high. Visitors can view the Kawagebo Peak at this period. Usually the snow mountain can be seem when the sun just rises. However, the weather of Meili Snow Mountain changed at every moment so that visitors may be lucky enough to view Kawagebo Peak.

Besides, other stunning snow mountains are also worth visiting such as Baima Snow Mountain.

Suggested Tours:

2 Days Kawa Karpo Meili Snow Mountain Tour from Shangri-La
4 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
5 Days Shangrila Discovery with Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage
5 Days Haba Snow Mountain Circumambulation Hiking Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Adventure (Finishing in North Slope)
7 Days Shangrila Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng Village Trekking Tour
13 Days Three Parallel Rivers Circle Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge and Yubeng Village Hiking Tour

Exploring Tibetan Culture

The main minority ethnic group in Shangri-La is Tibetan. There you will have an opportunity to experience Tibetan life and learn about their lifestyle, religion and cuisine. One of the famous attractions is Songzanlin Monastery, which is reputed as the Little Potala Palace due to its complex of Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Built in 1679, the monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan province and one of the famous monasteries in the Kang region. Dukezong Ancient Town, one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan residence groups in China, not only plays an important role in the Old Tea-Horse Road, but also serves as a corridor connecting Chinese and Tibetan language, people, religion and cultures.

Suggested Tours:

1 Day Shangri-La Lamaist Monasteries Tour
1 Day Napahai Lake Cycling Tour with Tibetan Village and Songzanlin Monastery
4 Days Shangri-La City Tour
5 Days Shangrila Discovery with Meili Snow Mountain Pilgrimage
7 Days Shangrila Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng Village Trekking Tour

Seeing Winter Scenery

If you visit Shangri-la in winter, you can see an amazing different one. Don’t forget to see its ancient and tranquil winter scene. Winter (Nov to the next Apr) in Shangri-la however differs from one place to another along with natural change. Primeval forested acres wears a plain silver outfit, the prairies turn silver white, very easily leading one into a relaxation on the planet defined in the Winter’s Fairy Tale. If it snows, you can enjoy the snow scenery. Much more relaxing is a tour in the winter months. In winter, the sun is lower and the sky is clear, which casts beautiful light and illuminates the architecture and snow mountains perfectly. In general, the visibility is more brilliant compared to summer, as there is little rainfall and fog.

Birdwatching around Lakes

Napahai Nature Reserve is a wetland ecosystem protection zone to plateau seasonal lakes and marsh meadows. When October steps in, flocks of black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, white cranes, sheldrakes regularly come here looking for food and for fun. Pudacuo National Park is another birdwatching places in Shangrila. In the beginning of winter snow, the mountains dressed in plain clothes, birds flying back and forth will be fully reflected in the lake.

Suggested Tours:

11 Days Northwest Yunnnan Bird Watching Tour
22 days Yunnan Birds Watching Tour

3. How to Prepare for Shangrila Winter Tour

Summer is normally the peak season for touring Shangrila, and most people think that it cannot be done in winter due to it being freezing cold and covered with snow. While it may well be a little cold in winter, with nighttime temperatures reaching as low as minus 10 degrees. While with the bright sun shining in the clear skies, it is quite warm in the daytime. For your lifetime Shangrila winter tour, here we give you some advice on how to prepare for Shangrila winter tour.

Make the Tour Theme Sure

Shangri-la tour involves many theme tours, such as Hiking Tour/Trekking Tour, Monastery Tour, Cycling Tour, Meili Snow Mountain Tour, Ethnic Minority Tour, Bird watching tour, Panorama Tour, etc. Tour packages including Shangri-la range from one day to 46 days. So make your tour theme sure first.

Make Travel Duration Sure

The travel duration decides where you can go to visit and what kind of theme tour you can choose. If you only spend one day visiting Shangri-la, you are recommended to visit the most famous Lamaist monasteries or cycle around the Napahai Lake and visit some Tibetan Villages to discover the Tibetan culture. If you want to visit more main attractions in Shangri-la, 2-3 days may be enough. For a 4-7 days tour in Shangri-la, You can add some adventure to your journey and more fully experience the beauty of Shangri-la such as snow mountain climbing and Yubeng village trekking.

Choose the Right Way to Enter Shangrila

The special location makes its transportation different from other areas in China. At present, tourists can fly to Shangrila directly or travel to Shangrila by road. The flights flying to Shangrila are limited and no rail line leads to this area yet. However, the Lijiang-Shangri-la rail route is under construction and is expected to operate in six years. Buses are the most common transport means in and around this area.

Find a Trusty Local Travel Agency

Once you have decided on where to go in Shangrila, then it is time to find a trustworthy and reliable tour operator to plan and arrange your tour to the region. Tour operators must be registered in order to legally operate in Yunnan, and Yunnan Exploration has over ten years of experience as a tour operator for foreign tourists to Shangrila and Yunnan. Normally, the travel consultants will ask for your needs and requirements, then helps you to agree an itinerary which will be the basis of your tour to Shangrila.

4. What to Pack for Shangrila Winter Tour

Necessary Documents

When traveling to Shangrila or Yunnan, you will need more than just your passport. It requires travelers to apply for an entry visa ahead of time. We can afford the invitation letter for you to help you apply the visa to China. Make sure you have one passport and pay attention to its expiration date. The expiration date is especially important, as visitors to mainland China require a passport that is valid for at least six months prior to the date of entry into the country.

Enough Clothes

It’s a little bit cold in the winter of Shangrila. So prepare enough winter clothes to keep warm. Because of the relatively high altitude, the temperature difference is large between day and night, it is suggested to  bring the thick coat and windproof jacket. Down and feather garments or fur coats, fur boots, thermal underwear, gloves, hats and so on are of great help for a Shangrila winter tour.

Skin Care Products

Pay attention to sun protection. Due to the strong solar radiation in the daytime, sun cream, sun hat, sunglasses and other sunscreen products will be needed. The sunlight in winter is rather skin-damaging in Shangrila. Prevent over-exposure to intensive sunshine and snow blindness.

Medicines for Emergency

Bring some medicines for emergency, like cold medication and medicines for preventing altitude sickness. If you have other disease, take your medicine with you.

5. Dos and Dont’s for Traveling in Shangrila

•  Know some basic information about Shangri-la, Yunnan and China, which can help you understand the local culture well.

•  Learn some tips about prevent altitude sickness.

•  Do not move too fast due to the high elevation.

•  Eat more vegetable and fruit, as well as drink more water may help you acclimatize to high altitude in Shangri-la.

•  Many of the shops are operated by locals. It is recommended that you walk around the old town first to ensure that you are paying a reasonable price.

•  In Shangri-La, you have to be very careful when buying Tibetan ornaments and jewelries as some are inferior in quality. You don’t have to be too careful if you just want to buy some for fun. However, always remember to bargain.

•  Always walk clockwise when in temples and monasteries, and pass mani stones and other religious artifacts on the left.

•  Do not touch statues and artifacts in the temples and monasteries as this is considered sacrilegious, and do not take photos inside the temples without permission.

•  Do not step on the threshold of a tent or house as it is considered to be bad luck for all inside.

•  Do not touch the head of the Tibetan people, and remember not to point the soles of the feet at another person or an altar.

•  Never discuss sensitive topics.

Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces, located in southern Yunnan, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and cultural richness. Here are the top things you must do while visiting Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces during your Yunnan tour:

1. Sunrise and Sunset Views

• Experience: Witness stunning vistas of the rice terraces at sunrise and sunset.
• Activities: Capture the changing hues of the terraces as they reflect the sunlight, creating a picturesque landscape.

2. Duoyishu Village (多依树村)

• Experience: Explore one of the most scenic villages in Yuanyang.
• Activities: Wander through traditional Hani ethnic houses, interact with locals, and enjoy panoramic views of the terraced fields.

3. Bada Scenic Area (坝达景区)

• Experience: Marvel at the vast expanse of terraced fields.
• Activities: Hike along the terraces, visit local villages, and capture panoramic views of the landscape dotted with Hani ethnic settlements.

4. Laohuzui Rice Terraces (老虎嘴梯田)

• Experience: Explore terraces shaped like a tiger’s mouth.
• Activities: Photograph the unique terraced formations, hike along scenic trails, and enjoy views of the terraces cascading down the mountainside.

5. Hike through the Terraces

• Experience: Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the terraces.
• Activities: Trek through the terraced fields, interact with local farmers, and learn about traditional Hani agricultural practices and irrigation systems.

6. Visit Shengcun Market (胜村集市)

• Experience: Discover the vibrant local market scene.
• Activities: Sample local Hani cuisine, shop for handicrafts and souvenirs, and experience the lively atmosphere of the weekly market.

7. Cultural Experiences

• Experience: Learn about Hani ethnic culture and traditions.
• Activities: Visit Hani villages, participate in cultural performances and festivals, and gain insights into the unique lifestyle and customs of the Hani people.

8. Photography Opportunities

• Experience: Capture the beauty of the terraced landscapes.
• Activities: Photograph the intricate patterns of the terraces, capture moments of daily life in Hani villages, and explore the interplay of light and shadow across the fields.

9. Enjoy Local Cuisine

• Experience: Taste authentic Hani dishes.
• Activities: Sample specialties like bamboo rice, Hani sour soup, and grilled fish, and savor the flavors of locally grown organic produce.

Summary

Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique experiences that make it a must-visit destination during your Yunnan tour. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photography buff, or a cultural explorer, Yuanyang’s terraced landscapes and vibrant ethnic culture promise unforgettable memories and stunning vistas.

When visiting Lijiang during your Yunnan tour, here are the top things you must do to make the most of your experience:

1. Explore Lijiang Old Town: Wander through the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Old Town, famous for its cobblestone streets, traditional Naxi architecture, and waterways. Don’t miss the bustling Square Street (Sifangjie) and Mu’s Mansion (Mufu).
2. Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Marvel at the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Xueshan), with its dramatic peaks and glaciers. Take a cable car to enjoy stunning views and explore attractions like the Spruce Meadow (Yunshanping) and Blue Moon Valley (Lan Yuegu).
3. Experience Naxi Culture: Learn about the Naxi ethnic minority at the Dongba Culture Museum and Dongba Valley. Attend a traditional Dongba music and dance performance to immerse yourself in local culture.
4. Walk along the Black Dragon Pool: Visit the picturesque Black Dragon Pool Park (Heilongtan), with its iconic Moon-Embracing Pavilion and reflections of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the water. It’s an ideal spot for photography.
5. Hike Tiger Leaping Gorge: Embark on a trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia), one of the deepest gorges in the world, offering breathtaking views of the Jinsha River and surrounding mountains.
6. Enjoy Local Cuisine: Sample Lijiang’s culinary delights, including Naxi dishes like Yunnan-style hot pot, Baba flatbread, and local snacks such as yak meat jerky and Lijiang Baba.
7. Visit Shuhe Ancient Town: Explore the quieter Shuhe Ancient Town, another UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its preserved Naxi culture, ancient buildings, and charming watercourses.
8. Attend a Naxi Orchestra Performance: Experience the ancient Naxi Orchestra, a unique musical tradition featuring traditional Chinese instruments like the pipa, erhu, and guqin, performed by local musicians.
9. Shop for Souvenirs: Browse local markets and shops for Naxi handicrafts, Yunnan tea, ethnic jewelry, and traditional artworks. Baisha Village is known for its traditional Naxi embroidery.
10. Relax at Lugu Lake: Take a day trip to Lugu Lake (Luguhu), a pristine highland lake surrounded by mountains and inhabited by the Mosuo ethnic minority. Enjoy boating, cycling, or simply relaxing by the lakeside.

These activities will provide you with a rich and memorable experience of Lijiang’s cultural heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant local life during your Yunnan tour.

Top things you must do when you travel in Kunming. Located in southwest China, Yunnan is known as the south of the cloud. As the political, economic and cultural center of Yunnan, Kunming has become one of the famous scenic spots in Yunnan. Kunming is considered to be a city in spring with pleasant weather and is suitable for sightseeing all the year round. Mild climate, excellent natural scenery, numerous historical relics and rich and colorful national culture provide you with excellent reasons to visit. What are you doing in Kunming? Selecting the ten things that Kunming is most suitable to do from the things that Kunming is most suitable to do may help you find an ideal answer.

Top 1 Enjoying the masterpiece of nature in Stone Forest

Stone Forest is reputed as “the first wonder in the world”. it is located 88 kilometers southwest of Kunming. it is located in Shilin yi autonomous county of Yunnan province. it is a typical karst landform. from a distance, the branches, blocks and clumps of huge gray-black stone peaks stand high in the sky, pointing directly to the sky, just like a vast and grey hessian forest, hence the name “Stone Forest “.

Stone Forest is a very famous scenic spot in Kunming. It is a scenic spot that must be visited when traveling in Kunming.

Top 2 Climbing the Western Hills and Overlooking Kunming and Dianchi Lake

In the western suburbs of Kunming is Western Hills. They are also called ‘Sleeping Buddha Hills’. For looked at from a distance, they have the appearance of a giant sleeping Buddha. They have also been given another name – ‘Sleeping Beauty Hills’ for the hills when viewed together look like a beautiful young lady laying beside Dianchi Lake with her face upward and her hair trailling into water. You can see the outline of her face, chest, and legs clearly.

Top 3 Watching Palette of Land in Dongchuan Red Land

Dongchuan Red Land, centered on Huashitou Village in Dongchuan District, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) northeast of Kunming, has the most typical and special red soil on the Yunnan highlands. At an altitude of 1,800-2,000 meters (5,900-6,500 feet), the red soil is rich in iron and aluminum, giving it an amazing crimson color. The soils are interspersed with colored fields and crops, forming all kinds of patterns. Viewed from afar, the beautiful layered patterns, framed by blue sky and white clouds, look like a watercolor. Many photographers are strongly attracted by Dongchuan Red Land and come here to capture the beautiful scenery on film.

Top 4 Learning more about Yunnan’s ethnic minorities

Yunnan ethnic village is a good place to learn about Yunnan ethnic minorities.the Yunnan Ethnic Village displays the diverse local ethnic culture. Villages of different styles are well arranged and show visitors their unique char m. Displaying a variety of buildings, lifestyles, and religious beliefs in the region, the village is a microcosm of Yunnan’s colorful and diverse ethnic culture

Top 5 Learning more about Yunnan’s history and culture

 The Yunnan Provincial Museum is the largest museum in Yunnan, with many cultural relics in the museum..As a comprehensive museum , it has rich collections of more than 200,000 pieces. For tourists, the museum can help you to know Yunnan’s history and the rich ethnic culture better; for history lovers, its rich collections give you the opportunity to better understand Yunnan and the ancient Dian Kingdom’s (278 – 115BC) historical features as well as wonderful bronze culture.

Top 6 Watching the charming Dianchi Lake and feed the seagulls.

The Dianchi Lake Scenic Area is located in the southwest part of Kunming City. Dianchi Lake is, beyond question, the center of the resort. There are numerous attractions along the lake captivating tourists.Due to the influence of climate, the winter in Kunming is warmer than that in the north, so a large number of red-billed gulls come to Kunming for winter. The beautiful red-billed gulls become a beautiful scenery beside Dianchi Lake.

Top 7  Experiencing the Buddhist culture in Yunnan

Unlike all other Buddhist temples, which are built on an ascendant, you enter Yuantong Temple from above and descend along a gently sloping garden path. The view before you starting your peaceful walk beneath the gigantic cypress trees that line the garden path to the temple with its extensive array of flowers and foliage is deeply restful and impressive. A memorial archway with four Chinese characters -Yuantong Shengjing (Yuantong Wonderland)-is standing on the halfway; you can see the entire temple from here.

Top 8 Tasting the local specialties of Yunnan

There are many famous specialties in Kunming, the most famous of which is the cross-bridge rice noodles.Crossing-the-bridge noodles has over 100-year history and it was listed as an intangible cultural heritage of Kunming city in 2008 to promote Yunnan fo od culture.Crossing-the-bridge noodles are generally served first with a bowl of boiling hot soup. The attendants will then be on the other side of the bowl and put the ingredients into the bowl, generally in order from raw to cooked: meat first, then quail eggs, and then vegetables. Finally, they perform the noodle “crossing” with chopsticks and the dish is ready to be consumed. The amount of oil, chili, vinegar, and soy sauce one puts in the bowl varies according to personal taste.

Top 9 Appreciating the magic underground caves

Jiuxiang is a very famous karst cave scenic spot in Kunming.When you come here, you can see all kinds of stones. Jiuxiang Caves includes 5 tourist attractions, Diehong Bridge, Dasha Dam, Sanjiao Cave , Alu Long and Mingyue Lake. Jiuxiang Scenic Area in Kunming, also called the Museum of Karst Caves, is a cluster of hundreds of karst caves, forming the largest such complex in China. It is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the Stone Forest. Jiuxiang Scenic Area and Stone Forest are both karst landscapes. There is a saying that “in Kunming, people can appreciate the stone forest above the ground and karst caves underground”

Top 10 Go shopping in Kunming

Kunming, as the capital of Yunnan, is economically developed and has many recreational places in the city. Nanping Street is a famous shopping center in Kunming.  In the history of Kunming, Nanping Street is the old block and the historical commercial street. In old Kunming, Nanping Street was a collection of finance, commerce and entertainment center, maintaining the attraction of downtown district. The Nanping Business Street is the result of encouraging the development of commerce, culture and entertainment.

There are many other famous and interesting scenic spots in Kunming waiting for you to discover. You can search or consult relevant staff on the website.

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