![\"travel](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/traveltoyunnan.jpg\" "\\"Travel")
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This article is a travel guide to Yunnan Province, in the South West of China. It was written by Harley Greenberg, who works with a local travel agency (WindhorseTour) in China. <\/p>\n
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Yunnan Province is famous for its diverse scenery and for being home of a third of all China\u2019s ethnic minorities. It has lots to offer any traveler!<\/p>\n
A trip to Yunnan province realistically takes at least one week. However, if you want to cover all the highlights I encourage you to spend twelve days or longer.<\/strong><\/p>\n A trip to Yunnan is a breathtaking view of some of the most spectacular and overwhelming scenery within China. You can watch the sun rise and set on the magnificent Yuan Yang rice terraces; escape the crowds and enjoy the days exploring the less visited Lugu Lake, or get lost among the canals and cobbled lanes of Lijiang ancient town or Dali Cang Mountain. <\/p>\n Yunnan\u2019s climate is diverse as its terrain, for many places such as Dali there is an ideal temperature – an eternal spring – that attracts tourists all year-round. The northwestern region around Shangri-la is situated on the Tibetan plateau and can be very cold during winter. <\/p>\n I find the best time and also peak season for traveling Yunnan is from April to October, when the vegetation is a lush green and flowers are in bloom.<\/p>\n Yunnan can be easily accessed by air, bus and trains from most cities across China. Kunming, the capital, is served by all Chinese airlines and has daily flights to most cities. <\/p>\n Other popular attractions such as Lijiang, Dali and Shangri-la also have airports with connecting flights offered from Kunming and other major cities in China. Another option is to take the train – or the bus – that goes from Kunming to Lijiang (via Dali).<\/p>\n Here some possible itinerary to visit Yunnan Province:<\/strong><\/p>\n The Stone Forest (or Shilin, in Mandarin) is a beautiful park composed by limestone formations. <\/p>\n You can get there by private car, taxi or taking the bus that leaves from Kunming every hour (the trip takes about ninety minutes). The Stone Forest is quite popular, especially among Chinese tourists. This means that most days by nine am it will be jam packed, this is one reason why clients that visit the forest tend to don’t recommend it. However when asked if they are glad they went the answer is “yes”. So there you have it.<\/p>\n A hint on how best to enjoy the Stone Forest is to travel there with an agency that brings you early on or head to Lunan – the near by town – the night before so you can wake up early and visit it before the buses from Kunming start to arrive (normally around nine am). For more info you can read this story<\/a> published here on the site longtime ago. <\/p>\n Dali is one of those few places in China with an infectious ambiance, an environment that seem to attract many Chinese backpackers. Don\u2019t be surprised when you find some of them sitting around strumming their guitars and telling tales of their travels.<\/p>\n With over 2,000 years of history, Dali shares a glorious past of being the former capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, a powerful entity separate from China. It lies on the western edge of Erhai Lake at an altitude of 1,900 m (6,234 ft.), with a backdrop of the imposing 4,000 m (13,123 ft.) tall Jade Green Mountain (Cang Shan in Chinese). You can climb it using the stairs but be careful to do not lose yourself.<\/p>\n Flights are probably the most popular transportation to get to Dali. You can also choose an overnight sleeper train from Kunming or take a bus, always from Kunming, that will take around four hours. <\/p>\n Within the heart of Dali still lives the ancient city that retains a historical atmosphere that is hard to come by in other parts of China.<\/p>\n A short distance northwest from the old town stand the Three Pagodas (you can walk till there). Like 3 guardians this landmark is a definite \u201ccan\u2019t miss\u201d attraction in the city. The tallest of the three has 16 tiers, reaching 72 m. (234 ft.), and was originally constructed in the 9th century.<\/p>\n The countryside around Dali can also be dazzling, with small fascinating temples, and the occasional village showcasing exquisite traditional local architecture.<\/p>\n A good start is to visit the Zhonghe Temple. You can climb the paths that snake their way up and see the marvelous views of Erhai Lake.<\/p>\n Other way to explore Erhai Lake is by either renting a bike or zipping across the water on the many ferries that crisscross the lake. Roads now encircled the lake so it is possible to do a loop of the lake by mountain bike. There are some small villages dotted along the way for you to buy food and water.<\/p>\n 24 km. (15 mi.) north of Dali, the old town of Xizhou is a must-see to extend your cultural trip in Dali. Much of the original Bai architecture is well preserved. Here you will witness the local courtyards with children play, chickens squawk, dogs fight, and all the rhythms of family life play out.<\/p>\n When the night falls, find a bar at the Foreigner\u2019s Street, sit back with foaming cappuccinos and banana pancakes, there is another singer telling his stories in Dali. <\/p>\n Click here to read SDC’s hotel recommendation in Dali<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n In the foothills of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau<\/a> lies Lijiang, a splendid little town that is home to the Naxi people. Filled with a maze of cobbled stone streets, rickety old wooden buildings and gushing canals makes it one of the most visited sites in northern Yunnan. Here you will find the stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that presents a splendid backdrop viewable from across Lijiang. <\/p>\n Beyond Jade Dragon Snow Mountain lies one of the most popular backpackers destination in Yunnan, Tiger Leaping Gorge. Most travelers will spend two days hiking within Tiger Leaping Gorge. <\/p>\n Lijiang can be easily accessible by air, bus and trains from Kunming and other big cities<\/a> in China.<\/p>\n A visit here requires at least two days to take a glimpse of the highlights this town has to offer. However, I would suggest you arrange a local guide either local or along with a private tour. This will help your to better understand the rich culture of the region and history of the nearby Baisha and Shuhe Villages.<\/p>\n Here the most popular attractions in Lijiang:<\/p>\n Jade Dragon Snow Mountain<\/strong>: A visit to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is a must-do in Lijiang. 34 km. (21 mi.) north of Lijiang, this mighty mountain rises raggedly above the ancient town. The mountain\u2019s summit soars to 5,596 m. (18,354 ft.), encrusted with snow and set against a sharp, blue sky.<\/p>\n Located at 4,506 m (14,784 ft.), Cloud Fir Meadow is the highest point you can ascend to at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The walkways provided to help protect the environment lead you to some awesome glacier views.<\/p>\n Be warned that the elevation here can make some people feel uncomfortable. Mind your health and tell your guide immediately if you start feeling queasy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Tiger Leaping Gorge<\/strong>: For further exploration in Lijiang, head over to Tiger Leaping Gorge. A hike here is a \u201ccan\u2019t miss\u201d experience of Northern Yunnan.<\/p>\n The gorge is considered one of the deepest in the world. With Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the back, the Jinsha River flowing through the gorge and later swelling into the Yangtze River it offers a dramatic and thrilling journey to travelers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n The nightlife in the ancient town is lively!<\/strong> Chinese people believe this is one town filled with romance. Also, there are many bars and western cafes in the old town. With a cold beer in your hand and exotic music in the air, it offers you a great place to experience the Lijiang nightlife and perhaps find your true love.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Click here to read SDC’s hotel recommendation in Lijiang<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n Traveling along the northern route of Yunnan, Shangri-la is the last stop for most travelers<\/a>. It is home to several remote temples, rugged scenery and is the start of the Tibetan world.<\/p>\n Originally called Zhongdian, this place has attracted travelers since it was declared the location described on the novel The Lost Horizon written by the British writer James Hilton<\/a>. <\/p>\n While we cannot confirm or deny James Hilton intention, the real Shangri-la exists today. The real scenery you will witness here is awe-inspiring, and the people are some of the warmest heartiest in the world.<\/p>\n If you cannot make a Tibet tour<\/a>, Shangri-la is a pretty popular runner up to get a taste of Tibetan cultures. However, I would still suggest a trip into western Sichuan if you are craving Tibetan<\/a> culture and cannot travel into the Tibet Autonomous Regional.<\/p>\n Within Shangri-la there are Tibetan towns, named Gyeltang or Gyalthang, where you can experience the daily life of Tibetan people.<\/p>\n About an hour\u2019s walk north of the town is the Ganden Sumtseling Gompa. One of the main reasons people to come here is to see the little Potala Palace. This monastery was built based on the layout of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, and is home to countless Tibetan Buddhist treasures.<\/p>\n The view of town from the top of Ganden Sumtseling is gorgeous. A sunset from here is particularly picturesque among the tinkling bells and fluttering prayer flags.<\/p>\n Shangri-la is a wonderful place to get off the beaten track. <\/p>\n I encourage you to spend some time trekking or horse riding to explore the surrounding areas. There are many less visited monasteries and villages.<\/p>\n There is a severe lack of reliable public transportation in these remote areas, so be prepared to hire a local driver for a couple of days or consider organizing a private tour with a local guide who will share with you the intricate details of her culture.<\/p>\n When visiting in Shangri-la, I suggest you spend a day at Pudacuo National Park, which is composed by two beautiful lakes, Bita Hai and Shudu Lake.<\/p>\n Fed by small streams from the snow mountains encircled, Bita Hai Lake resembles a trumpet shell. The picturesque scenery of the pure green water with snow mountains and trees reflecting in it will offer you a great photography chance. The Shudu lake is home to lush plants and various wild animals. <\/p>\n Shangri-la is also popular for being the \u201cbackdoor\u201d access to Yunnan Province from Sichuan (the main and easier route being the train Chengdu-Kunming). Be aware that for enter (or exit) Yunnan from Shangri-la you\u2019ll have to travel by bus through the Tibetan Plateau, which isn\u2019t always opened to foreigners and it may take up to two days.<\/p>\n SDC’s cheap hostel recommendation in Shangri-la: Shangri-La Lamtin Youth Hostel<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n SDC’s hotel recommendation in Gyalthang (it’s not that cheap but it’s were I slept and it’s awesome, check the pics of the bedrooms!): Shangri-la Gyalthang Dzong Hotel<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"yunnan](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/yunnanmap.jpg\")
A touristic map of Yunnan Province.<\/em><\/font><\/p>\nItineraries<\/h2>\n
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![\"stone](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/stoneforest-yunnan.jpg\" "\\"stone")
Shilin, The Stone Forest near Kunming.<\/em><\/font><\/p>\nThe Stone Forest<\/h2>\n
![\"Dali](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/Dali-yunnan.jpg\" "\\"Dali")
The North Gate at Dali Ancient Town.<\/em><\/font><\/p>\nDali Ancient City<\/h2>\n
![\"dali](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/dali-threepagodas.jpg\")
The Three Pagodas, Dali.<\/em><\/font><\/p>\n![\"Lijiang](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/lijiang-yunnan.jpg\" "\\"Lijiang")
Lijiang Ancient Town.<\/em><\/font><\/p>\nLijiang Ancient Town<\/h2>\n
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![\"mount](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/mountmeli-shangri-la-yunnan.jpg\")
Mount Meli, Shangri-la.<\/em><\/font><\/p>\nShangri-la<\/h2>\n
![\"shanghi-la](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/shanghi-la-monastery.jpg\")
The \u201cLittle Potala Palace,\u201d a Tibetan monastery in Shangri-la, Yunnan, Tibetan Plateau.<\/em><\/font><\/p>\n![\"Shangri-la\"](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/shanghi-la-yunnan.jpg\")
Shangri-la’s Pudacuo National Park.<\/em><\/font><\/p>\n
![\"lugu](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/lugulakeyunnan.jpg\" "\\"lugu")
Lugu Lake.<\/em><\/font><\/p>\n![\"mosuo](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/mosuolugulake.jpg\")
Mosuo women.<\/em><\/font><\/p>\n![\"yuan](\"https:\/\/www.saporedicina.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/09\/yuanyang.jpg\")
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