By Air

Yunnan had undergone a speedy development of its civil aviation. Kunming is the hub of both domestic and international services of Air China, China’s national airline. Currently, more than 100 domestic and international air routes have been opened leading to different provinces and municipalities of China as well as Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Rangoon, Vientiane, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Tokyo and Seoul. Yunnan has three international airports, namely Kunming Airport, Lijiang airport and Xishuangbanna airport.

Travel to Yunnan by Air

Taking a flight to Yunnan is the most convenient way. Currently Yunnan Province has 15 airports in its major tourist cities, such as Kunming(international airport), Lijiang(international airport), Dali, Shangri-La, and Xishuangbanna(international airport), making these cities easily reached from the main cities in China and aboard. Kunming Airport and Lijiang Airport are the most frequently used for your arrival and departure. 

1. Kunming Changshui International Airport (昆明长水国际机场)

Kunming Changshui International Airport is the largest airport in Yunnan, serving both domestic and international flights. It offers direct flights to and from major cities in Yunnan, China, and Southeast Asia. There are more than 19 flights flying from Beijing to Kunming, more than 21 flights flying from Shanghai to Kunming, more than 22 flights flying from Guangzhou to Kunming, and more than 20 flights flying from Chengdu to Kunming. Please refer to below info on the details. 

Currently, about 48 international air routes leading to 37 cities have been opened leading to Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Rangoon, Vientiane, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, Tokyo, Seoul, etc. 

Airport Transfer: There are several airport lines connecting Kunming airport and the city center. It is easy for tourists to travel between the airport and the downtown city area. See more about Kunming Travel Guide.

2. Lijiang Sanyi International Airport(丽江三义国际机场)

Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, is an airport serving Lijiang, Yunnan province, China. Built in 1995, the civil airport is 25km (16mi) to the south of the city proper. At present, it is the second largest airport in Yunnan. In 2011, it was upgraded to an international airport. There are 4 flights from Beijing to Lijiang, 4 flights(1 without stop and 3 with stop) from Shanghai to Lijiang, 5 flights(2 without stop and 3 with stop) from Guangzhou to Lijiang, 8 flights(6 without stop and 2 with stop) from Chengdu to Lijiang. See more about Lijiang Travel Guide.

International Flights to and fro Lijiang:

Airlines To and Fro Lijiang
China Eastern Airlines Hong Kong, Taipei(available every Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), Bangkok
Tiger Airways Singapore
Mandarin Airlines Taipei
Asiana Airlines/Korea Airlines Seoul

Airport Transfer: There is only one airport bus linking Lijiang Downtown and the airport. Besides, bus No.27 and taxi are also available.

3. Dali Huangcaoba Airport (大理荒草坝机场)

About 13 kilometers (8 miles) away from the city center, Dali (Huangcaoba) Airport, is located on the southeast bank of Erhai Lake. This is the first high altitude airport in China with a complex geographic situation. At present, flights using this airport connect the city with many destinations such as Beijing, Shanghai, Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Tianjin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guiyang and Guangzhou. 

Airport Transfer: There are airport bus to and fro Cangshan Hotel. Beside, taking a taxi around Dali is also convenient. See more about Dali Travel Guide.

4. Diqing Shangri-La Airport (迪庆香格里拉机场)

Shangri-La Airport covers an area of 225 hectares at the plateau region with beautiful natural scenery. The altitude is 3280.83 meters. There are flights connecting Kunming, Chongqing, Lhasa, Guangzhou, Xishuangbanna, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guiyang, etc. See more about Shangri-La Travel Guide.

Airport Transfer: Due to no shuttle buses serving in the Diqing airport, tourists needs to take a taxi to travel between the airport and Shangrila. Usually, it costs about CNY 30 per person for 20-minutes ride from the airport to Shangri-La City.

5. Xishuangbanna Gasa International Airport (西双版纳嘎洒国际机场)

Xishuangbanna Airport (Xishuangbanna Jinghong Airport), is the second international airport in Yunnan. It  it was officially operated on April 7, 1990. There are 24 domestic routes in operation, among which 3 are international / regional routes. See more about Xishuangbanna Travel Guide.

Now, it has flights connecting Xishuangbanna with 3 international lines including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Luang Prabang. 

Airlines From Xishuangbanna to 
Ruili Airlines/FlexFlight Chieng Mai(available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
Ruili Airlines/FlexFlight Chiang Rai(available every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
Lao Airlines Luang Prabang(available every Thursday, Sunday)

Airport Transfer: Take the local bus or local taxi to the downtown of Jinghong city.

Transportation in Yunnan:

Yunnan Travel by Air

Rail Transport in Yunnan

Roads in Yunnan