Hefei

More Map & Picture

Hefei Overview

Chinese Name: English IPA: Location: Population (city): Language: Zip code: Tel code: Time zone:

Hefei, the capital of Anhui Province, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, modern developments, and proximity to several famous Chinese landmarks. If you’re planning to explore Yunnan, a province in southwestern China known for its diverse cultures and spectacular landscapes, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you plan your trip.

Best Time to Visit Yunnan

  • Spring (March to May): The best time to visit, as the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom.

  • Summer (June to August): Yunnan experiences cooler temperatures in the summer, making it ideal for visiting higher-altitude areas like Shangri-La or Lijiang.

  • Autumn (September to November): A beautiful time to visit, with clear skies and mild temperatures.

  • Winter (December to February): Ideal for those looking to escape the cold of Hefei, especially for tropical destinations like Xishuangbanna.

Hefei to Yunnan Transportation

By Air

The quickest way to travel from Hefei to Yunnan is by flight. Here are some options:

  • Hefei to Kunming: Direct flights are available and take about 3-4 hours. Kunming is a great starting point for exploring the province.

  • Hefei to Dali: There are no direct flights to Dali from Hefei. You’ll need to fly via Kunming, which takes about 5 hours.

  • Hefei to Lijiang: Like Dali, Lijiang requires a connecting flight in Kunming. The total travel time is approximately 5-6 hours.

  • Hefei to Shangri-La: There are no direct flights to Shangri-La, so you’ll need to transfer via Kunming, taking around 5-6 hours total.

By High-Speed Train

You can also travel by high-speed train from Hefei to various cities in Yunnan:

  • Hefei to Kunming: The high-speed train journey takes approximately 11-12 hours, passing through scenic landscapes along the way.

  • Hefei to Dali: High-speed trains require a transfer in Kunming, and the journey can take about 14-16 hours.

  • Hefei to Lijiang: Similar to Dali, you’ll need to change trains at Kunming, and the journey will take around 16-18 hours.

  • Hefei to Shangri-La: There is no direct high-speed train to Shangri-La, so you would need to travel to Kunming first and then proceed by flight or road.

By Normal Train

For a more leisurely travel experience, you can take a normal train:

  • Hefei to Kunming: The journey takes around 21-22 hours.

  • Hefei to Dali/Lijiang: These routes also require transfers at Kunming and take around 24-28 hours.

By Road

  • Long-Distance Buses: If you prefer traveling by bus, long-distance buses from Hefei to cities like Kunming and Lijiang can take 24-30 hours depending on the destination.

  • Self-Drive: Driving from Hefei to Yunnan by road is a long journey, taking approximately 28-35 hours. Consider stopping at notable locations along the way.

Top Yunnan Destinations & Suggested Tours from Hefei

Kunming

  • Stone Forest: A UNESCO World Heritage site with fascinating limestone formations.

  • Dianchi Lake: A scenic lake, perfect for a boat ride or a relaxing walk along the shores.

  • Green Lake: A popular park for walking, especially beautiful in winter when migratory birds arrive.

Dali

  • Erhai Lake: Known for its crystal-clear water and surrounding mountains.

  • Cangshan Mountain: Ideal for hiking, offering panoramic views of Dali and its surroundings.

  • Dali Ancient Town: A charming old town full of traditional architecture and local culture.

Lijiang

  • Old Town of Lijiang: A UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in Naxi culture and ancient architecture.

  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: A magnificent mountain range, great for trekking and exploring.

  • Tiger Leaping Gorge: A breathtakingly deep gorge, famous for its dramatic landscapes.

Shangri-La

  • Songzanlin Monastery: A Tibetan Buddhist monastery known for its stunning architecture.

  • Pudacuo National Park: A pristine park with diverse wildlife and beautiful natural scenery.

  • Napa Lake: A picturesque plateau lake surrounded by grasslands, perfect for photography.

Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces

  • Why Visit: The terraces are especially stunning at sunrise and sunset when the water reflects the sky.

Xishuangbanna

  • Wild Elephant Valley: Visit the tropical rainforest to see Asian elephants and other wildlife.

  • Jinghong: A tropical city with a laid-back atmosphere, ideal for exploring local markets and enjoying local food.

  • Tropical Botanical Garden: A vast collection of tropical plants and trees.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

  • Why Visit: One of the deepest gorges in the world, perfect for trekking and enjoying spectacular natural scenery.

Suggested Itineraries from Hefei

Hefei to Kunming Tour (4 Days)

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kunming and visit Stone Forest and Green Lake.

  • Day 2: Explore Dianchi Lake and Western Hills.

  • Day 3: Visit Yunnan Nationalities Village and Golden Temple.

  • Day 4: Travel to Dali or Lijiang.

Hefei to Dali & Lijiang Tour (6 Days)

  • Day 1: Arrive in Dali and explore Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain.

  • Day 2: Visit Dali Ancient Town.

  • Day 3: Travel to Lijiang and visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

  • Day 4: Explore Tiger Leaping Gorge.

  • Day 5-6: Travel to Shangri-La, visit Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.

  • Day 6: Return to Hefei.

Hefei to Shangri-La & Yuanyang (7 Days)

  • Day 1: Arrive in Shangri-La, visit Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.

  • Day 2: Visit Napa Lake for photography and relaxation.

  • Day 3-4: Travel to Yuanyang and enjoy the Hani Rice Terraces at sunrise and sunset.

  • Day 5-6: Explore Tiger Leaping Gorge and other scenic spots in the area.

  • Day 7: Return to Hefei.

Sample Tour Packages from Hefei

Hefei to Kunming Tour (4 Days)

  • Includes: Visits to Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, Green Lake, and Kunming Old Town.

Hefei to Dali & Lijiang Tour (6 Days)

  • Includes: Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Shangri-La.

Hefei to Shangri-La & Yuanyang (7 Days)

  • Includes: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Yuanyang Rice Terraces, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Travel Tips for Your Yunnan Trip

Accommodation

  • Diverse Options: Yunnan has a range of accommodation, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Kunming, Lijiang, and Shangri-La offer both international and local-style hotels.

Cuisine

  • Yunnan Specialties: Don’t miss dishes like crossing-the-bridge noodles, wild mushroom hotpot, and moss cake.

Cultural Etiquette

  • Respect Local Cultures: Yunnan is home to various ethnic groups such as the Naxi, Tibetan, and Yi. Respect local customs when visiting their villages and sacred sites.

Altitude

  • High Altitudes: Yunnan’s higher-altitude areas like Shangri-La, Lijiang, and Tiger Leaping Gorge can cause altitude sickness. Take time to acclimatize, drink plenty of water, and avoid overexerting yourself.

Traveling from Hefei to Yunnan offers an exciting contrast of landscapes, from the lush rice terraces of Yuanyang to the majestic snow-capped peaks of Shangri-La. Whether you’re interested in culture, nature, or adventure, Yunnan’s diverse offerings will make for a memorable journey. Plan ahead to ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip filled with natural beauty and cultural experiences!