Destinations

Yunnan

Yunnan packs snow peaks, tropical rainforest, rice terraces and two dozen ethnic cultures into China’s southwest corner. From Lijiang’s old town to the Yuanyang terraces and the tea mountains of Xishuangbanna, it is the classic offbeat circuit.

Yunnan

Places to visit

Lijiang Old Town丽江古城

Neighborhood · 1–2 days

Practical info

Duration: 1–2 days
Hours: Open at all hours; shops roughly 9:00–22:30The maintenance-fee checkpoints operate in daytime; early morning is the only time the lanes feel like a town rather than a festival.
Tickets: Old town maintenance fee¥50checked at main entrances and some sights
Booking: No booking neededNo booking needed for the town itself.
Verified: July 13, 2026

Stone Forest石林

Nature · Half a day

Practical info

Duration: Half a day
Hours: 7:30–18:00 dailyMidday tour-group density is high; the outer Naigu stone forest section is far quieter at all hours.
Tickets: Adult¥130Student / Senior¥65valid IDElectric shuttle¥25optional
Booking: No booking neededTickets at the gate or via WeChat mini-program.
Verified: July 13, 2026

Tiger Leaping Gorge虎跳峡

Nature · 2 days (high trail trek)

Practical info

Duration: 2 days (high trail trek)
Hours: Trail open all day; ticket checkpoint roughly 7:30–16:30Avoid the July–August rainy season, when landslides can close sections of the high trail. Spring and autumn are prime.
Tickets: Adult¥45Student¥22valid ID
Booking: No booking neededPay at the Qiaotou checkpoint; no advance booking needed.
Verified: July 13, 2026

Yuanyang Rice Terraces元阳梯田

Nature · 1–2 days

Practical info

Duration: 1–2 days
Hours: Viewing platforms open around the clock; ticket checks roughly 7:00–19:00The flooded-terrace mirror season (roughly December–March) is the photographic prime time; terraces are green in summer and golden before the autumn harvest.
Tickets: Multi-terrace pass (Duoyishu, Bada, Laohuzui)¥100Children under 1.2mFreefree
Booking: No booking neededBuy the pass at the scenic-area checkpoints on arrival.
Verified: July 13, 2026