Travel in Yunnan
Yunnan is one of China's most diverse provinces — from tropical rainforests in Xishuangbanna to snow-capped mountains near Tibet. Kunming makes an excellent base for exploring it all.
Day Trips from Kunming
Stone Forest, Western Hills, Dianchi Lake, and more. What you can see in a day without leaving Kunming.
Coming SoonDali: The Backpacker Classic
3 hours from Kunming by train. Ancient town, Erhai Lake, Bai minority culture, and a thriving cafe scene.
Coming SoonLijiang & Tiger Leaping Gorge
UNESCO old town, Naxi culture, and one of the world's most spectacular hikes through Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Coming SoonXishuangbanna: Tropical Yunnan
Dai minority culture, rainforests, elephants, and a direct border crossing to Laos. Feels like Southeast Asia.
Coming SoonGetting Around Yunnan
Yunnan's high-speed rail network connects most major cities. Kunming to Dali is 2.5 hours, to Lijiang is 3.5 hours, and to Xishuangbanna is 4 hours. The Kunming-Vientiane Railway extends all the way to Laos.
For detailed transportation information, see our Kunming transport guide.