Traveling to China: 5 must-see places in Yunnan

Known as “Paradise on Earth”, Yunnan boasts stunning landscapes and a rich cultural heritage. In this article, we will introduce five must-see attractions, including Dianchi Pond, Stone Forest, Lijiang Ancient City, Lugu Lake and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, each of which offers unique natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Yunnan, known as a "paradise on earth," boasts a wealth of natural landscapes and a profound cultural heritage. As an important part of China’s tourism industry, Yunnan attracts countless international visitors with its unique charm. Here are five must-visit attractions in Yunnan when traveling to China.

Recommended Itinerary:

Yunnan Panorama Tour; 

Dali and lijiang Ancient Town Tour;
Plz contact us for private customized itinerary


1. Dianchi Lake: Pearl of the Plateau, Beautiful Lakes and Mountains

Dianchi Lake, located in Kunming, Yunnan Province, is the largest plateau freshwater lake in China. The beautiful scenery of lakes and mountains here is a great choice for vacation and leisure. Visitors can take a boat tour to enjoy the tranquility and breadth of the lake, while tasting local food and experiencing the rich Yi folk culture. Whether it is the sunrise in the morning or the sunset in the evening, Dianchi Lake can leave you with unforgettable memories.

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2. Stone Forest Scenic Area: the world's first wonder, natural heritage

Stone Forest Scenic Area is located in Shilin Yi Autonomous County of Kunming City, which is an AAAAA level scenic spot and a world natural heritage site with a great reputation in the world's geological field. The rocks here are of different shapes and forms, as if they are the work of nature, and are known as the “world's first wonders”. Visitors can enjoy the strange limestone landforms here and feel the magic of nature. There is also a rich display of Yi culture in the scenic area, so that tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery and at the same time have an in-depth understanding of the local culture.

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3. Lijiang Ancient Town: Historical Relics, Romantic Feelings

Lijiang Ancient Town is a shining pearl in Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, with rich historical relics and unique Naxi Culture. The wooden buildings and green tiles in the ancient town, with a charming view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Walking in the alleys of the ancient town, you can feel the strong romantic feelings and historical heritage. Lijiang sifang street, Mu Mansion and other attractions are not to be missed. In addition, the special snacks and Handicrafts here are also favorite souvenirs for tourists.

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4. Lugu Lake: The Mystery of the Daughter Country

Lugu Lake is a beautiful alpine lake located at the junction of Lijiang City in Yunnan Province and Yanyuan County in Sichuan Province. It is a great place to relax with its lakes and mountains and charming scenery. Lugu Lake is famous for its unique Mosuo matrilineal culture and the custom of “walking marriage”, which is known as the “Daughter Country”. Visitors can take a boat tour, hiking, feel the lake and mountains at the same time, in-depth understanding of the unique local folk culture. The beauty and cultural charm of Lugu Lake will surely make you memorable.

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5. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: the southernmost snow mountain in the northern hemisphere

Located in Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one of the southernmost snow mountains in the Northern Hemisphere. It has towering peaks, snow-capped mountains and magnificent scenery. Visitors can take a cable car straight to the top of the snowy mountain and enjoy the stunning natural scenery. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain not only has beautiful natural landscapes, but also has a rich display of Tibetan culture, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery while gaining insight into the local culture.

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Yunnan has countless beautiful scenery, and each attraction has its unique charm. Whether it is natural scenery or humanistic landscape, Yunnan can bring you unforgettable traveling experience. When traveling to China, Yunnan is a stop you can't miss.

 

 


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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
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