After living here for so long, I once thought Yunnan wasn’t that special, or rather, it didn’t have the kind of filter that out-of-province friends seemed to have about it. In fact, I even got tired of it at one point and considered moving out. When it came time for the college entrance exams, I filled my choices with out-of-province options, though in the end, I didn’t go. But as we all know, people often don’t cherish what they have until it’s gone.
After graduating and working outside Yunnan for a while, I slowly realized how much I missed it. Even those friends who had gone to out-of-province universities began to express regret after settling in other places. They told me they didn’t realize how rare and precious Yunnan’s blue skies and white clouds were until they left. It’s a truth that fits perfectly with Qian Zhongshu’s famous line from Fortress Besieged: “In life, it’s like a fortress—those outside want to get in, and those inside want to get out.”
When you think of Yunnan, what comes to mind?
Wild mushrooms? Crossing-the-bridge noodles? Flowers from Dounan? Dali? Xishuangbanna? Lijiang Old Town?
As someone who’s lived in Yunnan for years, I’ve had the chance to explore nearly every corner of the province. Honestly, Yunnan is a fantastic destination, but not every place here is worth your time or money. Many people end up disappointed after a trip, complaining about being scammed. So today, let’s get down to it—no exaggeration, no bias—I’ll tell you which places in Yunnan are truly worth visiting and what you should try while you’re here. Consider this your guide to saving 5000 RMB and 10 days of unnecessary hassle.
First Stop: Xishuangbanna – Exotic Paradise
If you’re planning a trip to Yunnan and have enough time, I suggest you skip Kunming and start your journey in Xishuangbanna. Why? Because Xishuangbanna is like an exotic vacation paradise that gives you a sense of Southeast Asia, from its architecture and plants to the food and local culture. The stunning landscapes and lively festivals make it one of the best destinations in Yunnan.
Recommended Attractions:
- Gaozhuang Night Market: You must rent a Dai ethnic costume here and take some photos as an “escaped princess.”
- Wild Elephant Valley: Walk with Asian elephants, feed them, and enjoy the “Rainforest Elephant Feast” (elephant-style fruit banquet!).
- Dai Ethnic Village: Immerse yourself in traditional Dai culture—try your hand at making Dai pottery, experience the water-splashing festival, and more.
- Songkran Festival (April): The actual Songkran Festival (compared to the random ones held throughout the year) is full of wild water fights, parades, and street celebrations. Imagine being soaked from head to toe by friendly locals and even the police—everyone gets involved, even the dogs!
Must-Try Foods:
- Spicy and sour chicken feet
- Laos-style iced coffee in plastic bags
- Lemongrass grilled fish
- Coconut ice cream
Pro Tips:
- Avoid the midday heat and rent an electric scooter for just 50 RMB per day.
- During holidays, hotel prices will skyrocket, so book early and bargain hard, especially if you want to do a photo shoot with Dai costumes and makeup.
Next Stop: Puer – The Home of Tea
After enjoying the tropical vibes in Xishuangbanna, it’s time to head to Puer, just a short ride away. Puer is famous for its tea, so if you’re a tea lover, you’re in the right place.
Recommended Attractions:
- Puer Tea Expo Garden: Learn about the history and culture of Puer tea.
- Tea Horse Road (Ancient Town): Explore the history of the tea trade that once connected China with Tibet and Southeast Asia.
- West Gate (Ximenzi): A great spot for watching the sunrise and enjoying the clouds.
Must-Try Foods:
- Puer tea (try it in a local tea shop for a free taste)
- Spicy chicken feet (a regional specialty)
- Soybean noodle soup (try Yang Ji’s for the best!)
Pro Tips:
- If you want to buy tea, go for the well-known tea companies like Pushan Tea, Lancang Ancient Tea, and Jinfu Tea. They guarantee quality.
Yuxi – The Town of Yunnan’s Best Smokes
If you’ve heard of the famous “Yunnan tobacco,” it’s probably from Yuxi. Known for its scenic lakes and tea culture, Yuxi is a town that combines beauty with the historical significance of tobacco cultivation.
Recommended Attractions:
- Fuxian Lake: Known as the “Gem of Yunnan,” it’s perfect for a relaxing lakeside walk or a boat ride.
- Ailao Mountain: Explore the beauty of the mountains and the ancient culture of the locals.
Must-Try Foods:
- Smoked fish
- Yuxi-style spicy noodles
Dali – Wind, Snow, Flowers, and Moon
Dali is one of Yunnan’s most romantic places. With its majestic Cangshan Mountain and tranquil Erhai Lake, it’s no wonder it’s called “The Land of Wind and Snow.”
Recommended Attractions:
- Cangshan Mountain: A great spot for hiking or taking a cable car for stunning views of Erhai Lake.
- Erhai Lake: You can bike around the lake or take a boat tour to enjoy the natural beauty.
- Old Town of Dali: The ancient streets and architecture will take you back in time.
Must-Try Foods:
- Dali raw fish
- Grilled cheese
- Chicken rice noodles
- Dali stone-grilled vegetables
Lijiang – The City of Eternal Romance
Lijiang Old Town is another iconic destination in Yunnan. With its winding streets, ancient architecture, and beautiful scenery, it’s a favorite among tourists.
Recommended Attractions:
- Lijiang Old Town: Get lost in the charming old streets.
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: A must-see for hikers and nature lovers.
- Blue Moon Valley: A peaceful and picturesque spot perfect for photography.
Must-Try Foods:
- Wild mushroom hotpot
- Hand-torn chicken
- Fresh yak meat hotpot
- Tibetan yogurt
Shangri-La – The Heart of Tibetan Culture
Shangri-La offers a rare glimpse into Tibetan culture. From the moment you arrive, you can feel the sacredness in the air. The combination of Tibetan culture and breathtaking natural beauty makes it a place like no other.
Recommended Attractions:
- Pudacuo National Park: This is a must-see for nature lovers.
- Songzanlin Monastery: A stunning Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the world’s deepest gorges, known for its breathtaking views.
Must-Try Foods:
- Yak meat
- Tsampa (roasted barley flour)
- Butter tea
Pro Tips:
- Respect local traditions and customs, especially in terms of language and behavior. Be sure to be culturally sensitive when interacting with local people.
Conclusion
Yunnan is a place of beauty, diversity, and rich culture. Each corner has something unique to offer, from the tropical charms of Xishuangbanna to the high-altitude serenity of Shangri-La. It’s all about knowing where to go and what to avoid. So, when planning your Yunnan trip, remember to explore the hidden gems and savor the authentic flavors of the region.
References:
- “A Guide to the Hidden Gems of Yunnan,” Travel & Culture Journal, 2024.
- “Yunnan’s Culinary Delights: A Food Lover’s Journey,” Yunnan Tourism Guide, 2023.
