A trip to Yunnan isn’t necessarily the first place you’d include in a China tour itinerary. However, with a deeper understanding of this beautiful China destination, you may want to rethink that.
Yunnan province, located in China’s south-west, interweaves naturally beautiful landscapes, ancient history, and religious and ethnic cultures in ways other parts of China don’t. Unique and picturesque, a trip to Yunnan is worth considering if an enriching China tour is what you want.
Planning a trip to Yunnan
Earning itself the nickname, “South of the Clouds”, Yunnan offers rich diversity in its landscapes too. Characterized by altitude extremes – more than 6000 meters at its highest – the natural vistas are extreme and changeable. A clear day will reveal expansive views across snow-capped peaks, seemingly endless grasslands, steep gorges, and lush forests.
Locals speak many different languages and dialects. This makes travel with a local guide, who lives in a particular China destination, the ideal solution for western travelers who want to plan a trip to Yunnan.
Looking for more tips to plan your Yunnan tour? Read on.
Climate and the best time to plan a trip to Yunnan
Across Yunnan province, the climate is as changeable as the landscape. With its distinctive dry and rainy seasons, it pays to know the best time to plan a trip to Yunnan. The wet season runs from May to October (mainly in June to August), while the dry season extends from November to April.
Although Yunnan is characterized by a subtropical monsoon climate, a surprising fact is many destinations, including Lijiang and Dali experience snow during winter months. The rain is also known for bringing cooler weather, so if a Yunnan tour is on your travel itinerary, come prepared.
Yunnan’s hottest month is July. Average temperatures range between 19 – 22°C (66.2 to 71.6 ℉). Love the cold? Then schedule your trip to Yunnan during the coldest month, January. With its lows of 6 – 8°C (42.8 to 46.4℉).
Our local guides tell us the ideal time to take in all the best Yunnan has to offer is March to June and September to November. If the Yuanyang Terraced Fields are on your bucket list, aim for a November arrival, but keep in mind most parts of Yunnan experience mild weather fluctuations year round.
As with anywhere in China, avoid traveling in Yunnan during national holidays. China’s domestic tourism market is booming and you’ll find it hard making your way around during the Spring Festival holiday ( late January to early February), May Day holiday (May 1–3), and the China National Day holiday (October 1–7).
Best highlights to visit in Yunnan
Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang are a must-see for travelers planning a first trip to Yunnan. Considered the classic destinations, look for tours incorporating highlights from these places. And our