Yunnan

Yunnan has some of the most magical and diverse scenery in all of China. There are endless trekking opportunities in the south’s tropical rainforests, and in the north, snow-capped Tibetan peaks hide dozens of tiny villages and temples rarely visited by tourists. Even, Kunming, the provincial capital, has a flavour that seems more than half a world away from Beijing. Kunming, ‘Spring City, ’ has earned a reputation for being one of the more cosmopolitan and relaxed cities in the southwest. Yunnan is the sight of important archaeological discoveries, including sophisticated Bronze Age cultures around Dian Chi (Lake Dian) and the oldest human remains yet found in China. It’s hard to comprehend all that Yunnan has to offer until you get here.

Our Top Picks for Yunnan

1 Yuanyang and rice terraces
Watch the sun rise and set on the magnificent Yuányáng rice terraces
2 Lugu Hu
Escape the crowds and while away the days exploring low-key Lugu Hu
3 Xishuangbanna
Soak up the Southeast Asian atmosphere in tropical Xishuangbanna
4 Lijiang’s and old town
Get lost among the canals and cobbled lanes of Lijang’s old town
5 Tiger Leaping Gorge
Trek Tiger Leaping Gorge, a breathtaking hike amid dramatic cliffs and waterfalls