Yunnan Tours & Trips
4.5 stars on(7,703 reviews)- Choose from 21 Yunnan tours
- 7 verified reviews from TourRadar travelers
- 24/7 customer support
Table of contents
The best Yunnan tour packages
Compiled by
MelissaYunnan travel expert at TourRadar
Essence of Southwest China
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“Tour was excellent. Better than expected. Great itinerary - a lot packed into a short time.”
SallyJaneStephenLaura, traveled in October
Yunnan's diverse landscapes stretch from Kunming's eternal spring to Shangri-La's snow-capped peaks. The Three Pagodas rise in Dali, Lijiang's ancient lanes beckon, and Tiger Leaping Gorge awaits trekkers. Kunming Longteng Hotel provides comfort while Bai and Naxi communities share their traditions.
Duration 13 days Destinations Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, Yangshuo, Hong Kong Age Range 1 to 99 year olds Operator Truly China Travel From
- US$3,965
Yunnan's landscapes reveal themselves over 9 days, from Kunming's Green Lake Park to Shangri-La's gilded prayer wheels. Xizhou showcases Bai culture, while Tiger Leaping Gorge's 16km canyon and Lijiang's UNESCO heritage await. Includes 3-star accommodations and 8 breakfasts.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La Age Range 11 to 79 year olds Operator Truly China Travel From
- US$2,169
The route winds through Yunnan's highlights from Dali's Three Pagodas to Lijiang's ancient waterways. Green Lake Park in Kunming beckons visitors, while Yuanyang's terraced landscapes offer stunning views. Xizhou's thousand-year-old architecture stands as a testament to time, complemented by traditional workshops and visits to minority villages.
Duration 13 days Destinations Chengdu, Lijiang, Dali, Kunming, Jianshui, Yuanyang, Sapa, Hanoi Age Range up to 90 year olds Operator G Adventures From $2,299
20% Off- US$1,839You save $459
Gems of China: Shangri-La, Yunnan, Snow Mt. Meili & Yubeng Village (Private Custom)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers
Pristine wilderness unfolds from Shangri-La to Yubeng Village. The Mingyong Glacier presents stunning vistas, while ancient Feilai Monastery and Balagezong Scenic Area's emerald waters captivate visitors. Authentic guesthouses provide local cultural experiences for around $2,400.
Duration 7 days Destinations Shangri-La Age Range 1 to 85 year olds Operator Odynovo From
20% Off- US$2,392
What people love about Yunnan Tours
- Gems of China: Shangri-La, Yunnan, Snow Mt. Meili & Yubeng Village (Private Custom)
We have just finished a private Indian Tour with Odynova. I suggested my rough itinery and they did the rest, organizing sightseeing, hotels and travel between cities. We had an excellent driver and local guides in the cities we visited making it a stress free adventure. Don Li my main contact with the company always answered my queries promptly and honestly. I would highly recommend this company. Rebecca R
- Wild Yunnan 8D: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La
Since we were traveling in an unpopular travel time, we had our own private tour guide. Our guide, Nancy, was also our driver for Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La. The whole itinerary was very good scheduled and not to packed, so we had time to stroll around the cities by ourselves as well. We were very happy overall and will definitely recommend this tour
- China Exploration: From Ancient Capitals to Shangri-La (Private Custom)
Wonderful tour. Well organized and very informative. I have been on guided tours with another company and this was the best by far. The excursions/ daily itinerary were informative and interesting. The guides were all local guides and knowledgeable about the culture of their cities and spoke English well.
Best tour companies for Yunnan tours
Both companies get good feedback for their China tours, but they each have their own strengths. Odynova's travelers, like Rebecca R, often mention how well they organize everything - from the daily schedule to having really solid drivers and local guides who know their areas inside out. TravelChinaGuide.com seems to excel particularly with the logistics - they've got the airport pickup and transfers running like clockwork, and their itineraries give you enough time to properly take in each place without feeling rushed. What makes them stand out though are their guides, who our travelers say regularly go beyond what's expected. They'll help with little things that make a big difference, like finding specific local foods you want to try or recommending the best spots for photos. Looking at the feedback we get, TravelChinaGuide.com tends to be the top pick for people who want to explore China's historical sites and busy cities without worrying about the details. They handle all the complicated bits like transport and timing, which lets you focus on actually enjoying the experience rather than stressing about logistics.
Yunnan tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
15 tours in YunnanExplore a wide diversity of group tours through Yunnan. We have 15 adventures that vary from 4 days to 14 days. With the greatest number of departures in November, this is also the most popular time of the year.
Small Group
11 tours in YunnanSmall-group tours out of Kunming blend deep cultural experiences with solid hiking challenges. Popular routes weave through Dali, Lijiang and into the Tibetan highlands, where travelers join Bai families for tea ceremonies and watch Naxi artisans craft traditional paper. The hiking centerpiece comes at Tiger Leaping Gorge, with its sweeping 3,900-meter canyon walls, where groups tackle the famous 24 bends together during 4-6 hour daily walks. Our travelers tell us how the intimate group size opens doors, especially in remote Tibetan settlements near Shangri-La, where they share moments over yak butter tea in family homes. Some itineraries extend southwest, starting with early panda visits in Chengdu before following ancient tea trading paths through Yunnan's varied terrain. You'll spend time picking tea at Guangmangshan plantation, stay in traditional Dai villages and explore both the lush valleys of Xishuangbanna and snow-capped Tibetan borderlands. Tours run 8 to 14 days, giving the longer routes plenty of time to take in the dramatic shifts in landscape, culture and also climate at a measured pace.
Private / Personalized
6 tours in YunnanOur private tours excel at cultural connections by blending Tea Horse Road heritage with real local experiences. You'll work alongside Naxi artisans making traditional paper, join tea harvests at historical estates and share yak butter tea in Tibetan homes. The altitude planning works well - starting in Kunming's gentle valleys before moving up to Shangri-La's mountain terrain. What's great is how our guides read the group and adjust the pace so everyone stays comfortable. The 12-14 day journeys are particularly popular, connecting Dali's Bai villages through Lijiang's Naxi areas and into Tibetan regions. The mix just works - you might be hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge one day and watching monks give alms in Luang Prabang the next. Our guides know all the sweet spots - like exactly when to catch the soft morning light over Yuanyang's rice terraces or the perfect time to see monk debates at local temples. They really add those special touches that turn a good trip into something memorable.
Top Yunnan travel itineraries to fit your plans
Our week-long routes blend culture with natural landscapes in really thoughtful ways. The Kunming to Dali journey lets you experience the Stone Forest before joining Bai families for traditional three-course tea ceremonies in their homes. Another excellent choice takes you hiking through Tiger Leaping Gorge with a night at Tea's Guesthouse - our groups love watching the sunrise over the mountains before heading to Shangri-La. The guides are great at adjusting the walking pace to match everyone's comfort level. You'll also get hands-on with activities like creating your own tie-dye crafts in Zhoucheng's workshops and visiting Tibetan families near Songzanlin Monastery, which our customers often tell us are their favorite parts of the trip.
See all tours
Ten-day explorations give you more time to discover Yunnan's contrasts, beginning in Kunming then moving to Dongchuan's remarkable red earth terraces. Our photography enthusiasts particularly value those early morning drives to Damakan, where first light creates something special across the crimson landscape. The journey continues through Jianshui, where you'll find a 700-year-old Confucian temple and also the Zhu Family Garden. We've balanced cultural visits with outdoor experiences - there's time to explore Shibaozhai's red sandstone formations and learn traditional bacon-making techniques in Bai villages. The final days in Shangri-La include visits to both Songzanlin Monastery and the wild beauty of Pudacuo National Park.
Two-week journeys follow the historic Tea Horse Road from Chengdu all the way to Luang Prabang. After morning visits with the giants pandas in Chengdu, you'll head into Yunnan's mountains. These tours really shine in their exploration of tea culture - you'll pick leaves at Guangmangshan plantation, learn processing methods and take part in traditional ceremonies. The cultural elements run deep too, with homestays in Dai villages and visits to the Jinuo people, one of China's smallest ethnic groups. The final days in Laos are consistently praised by our travelers, especially the dawn alms-giving with monks in Luang Prabang and hands-on farming experiences at local community projects.
Demographics
The Essence of Southwest China tour really works well if you're traveling solo. It kicks off with a welcome meet-up in Kunming before diving into Yunnan's cultural core. You get a good balance - join the group to wander through Dali's old markets and streets, then take evenings at your own pace to find local spots to eat and relax. The Tiger Leaping Gorge trek tends to bring people together naturally as they tackle those famous 24 bends together. Our guides are great at creating a friendly group feeling while helping individual travelers get comfortable with local experiences, like trying traditional Bai snacks in Xizhou or joining the morning crowd at Kunming's Green Lake Park.
Couples tend to connect well with our cultural immersion tours through Yunnan. The Tailor-Made routes let you move at your own rhythm, which pairs really appreciate. It's those quiet moments that make the trip special - sharing tea with Naxi families in their courtyards, watching the sun set over Erhai Lake and finding peaceful spots in Lijiang's old quarters. The private transfers between stops give couples quality time to take in the changing views, from Cangshan's snowy peaks to Yuanyang's stepped rice fields. Our guides have a good sense of when to add cultural context and when to step back and let couples explore on their own.
Young travelers usually go for our active routes that mix cultural experiences with physical challenges. You'll do proper hiking through Tiger Leaping Gorge - about 4-6 hours daily - plus options to cycle around Dali's lake and climb up to viewpoints above ancient towns. The pace keeps you moving but leaves room to explore night markets, try cooking classes and hang out in Lijiang's cafe scene. These tours work because they blend the must-see spots with local life - you might spend your morning picking tea with local farmers and end up trading stories with other travelers in a Tibetan guesthouse near Shangri-La.
Solo Travelers16 tours- Seniors (50+)12 tours
Best time to visit Yunnan
- Spring 2025
Spring in Yunnan runs from March through May with mild temperatures and clear skies that work perfectly for both cultural and outdoor activities. Our travelers love how the springtime routes blend visits to Dali and Lijiang's ancient quarters with hikes through Tiger Leaping Gorge, where wild spring flowers dot the trails in patches of color. You can join actual tea harvests and learn crafts directly from Naxi artisans on several routes that trace the old Tea Horse Road. The tours from Kunming make good use of its year-round mild climate - you'll explore the Stone Forest and local markets before heading up to cooler mountain areas.
- March 2025 15 tours
- April 2025 popular 16 tours
- May 2025 16 tours
- Summer 2025
Summer fills Yunnan's valleys with rich green landscapes and warm days, making it ideal for active tours mixing hiking with local culture. The early starts really pay off - you'll trek Tiger Leaping Gorge in the cool morning hours and catch the sun coming up over Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Our summer paths through Shangri-La include extra time at high mountain lakes and meadows where temperatures stay pleasant all day. The local village stops are a highlight for many travelers; you'll try your hand at traditional papermaking, learn to craft tofu and spend time with Naxi families who share their daily life and customs.
- June 2025 popular 16 tours
- July 2025 15 tours
- August 2025 15 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall brings perfect conditions from September through November with crisp mountain views and comfortable temperatures across Yunnan. Our most popular autumn routes start in Kunming's mild valley climate and gradually work up to Shangri-La's Tibetan highlands, with well-timed stops to help you adjust to the altitude changes. You can combine Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking with cultural visits to Baisha Ancient Town, Dukezong and other spots along the way. The clear fall light creates amazing photo opportunities - there's morning mist floating above terraced fields, monks in deep red robes at Songzanlin Monastery and rich autumn colors throughout Pudacuo National Park.
- September 2025 15 tours
- October 2025 16 tours
- November 2025 popular 17 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter touring in Yunnan flows naturally from the mild valleys into the mountains, with routes thoughtfully adapted for the cooler season. Starting from Kunming, these multi-day journeys blend cultural encounters with outdoor exploration in a comfortable rhythm. Our guests connect deeply with traditions, from paper-making workshops in Naxi villages to hikes along Tiger Leaping Gorge's "24 bends" path that take 4-6 hours with welcoming stops at local guesthouses. The cultural circuit winds through Dali's Bai communities, Lijiang's preserved quarters and into the Tibetan regions near Shangri-La, where you'll join authentic tea ceremonies, meet skilled artisans and share home-cooked meals with families. The guides know exactly how to adjust the schedule based on conditions - whether that's timing monastery visits with morning prayers or capturing Yuanyang's frost-covered terraces in perfect light. Early morning photography tours to Dongchuan, where sunlight meets the red earth terraces, have become especially sought after by our photography-focused travelers.
- December 2025 popular 17 tours
- January 2026 16 tours
Contact our Yunnan travel experts
Kristina
Expert in Yunnan at TourRadar
Kristina is one of our seasoned Yunnan Travel Experts. Reach out to us to get all your questions about Yunnan tours answered!
- Choose from 21+ Yunnan tours
- 7 verified reviews by TourRadar customers
- 24/7 customer support
Call us
+1 844 311 8331What our customers ask about Yunnan Tours & Trips
What's it like traveling independently in Yunnan vs taking guided tours?
You can definitely explore Yunnan on your own these days especially with the high-speed rail network connecting major spots like Kunming Dali and Lijiang. It's pretty straightforward if you're comfortable figuring out Chinese transport and don't mind some adventure. That said getting to places like Tiger Leaping Gorge or remote minority villages can be tricky - you'll need to work with local bus schedules or arrange private transport. If you want to save money and like flexibility independent travel works well but guided tours just make everything easier especially when you're trying to pack in multiple cities or get to those hard-to-reach spots. The guides really help navigate cultural differences too. There's this great private tour called "Gems of Shangri-La Yunnan Snow Mt. Meili & Yubeng Village" that's perfect if you want to explore the more remote areas.
What makes Shangri-La special compared to other Yunnan destinations?
Shangri-La's really unique - it's up higher than Lijiang or Dali and has this amazing Tibetan culture you won't find elsewhere in Yunnan. The Songzanlin Monastery is incredible it's actually modeled after Tibet's Potala Palace and gives you real insight into Buddhist spirituality. Nature lovers should definitely check out Pudacuo National Park with its gorgeous alpine meadows and peaceful lakes. You'll notice right away how different the architecture and food are here - it's like getting a taste of Tibet without leaving Yunnan. The "China Exploration: From Ancient Capitals to Shangri-La" tour really showcases the spiritual side and stunning landscapes of this area.
What kind of local cultural experiences can visitors try out?
You'll find some really authentic hands-on cultural experiences throughout Yunnan. Over in Dali you can learn traditional tie-dyeing from Bai artisans in Zhoucheng Village while Xizhou Town lets you experience the fascinating "Three-Course Tea Ceremony" with local Bai families. Head to Yuhu Village in Lijiang and you can spend time with Naxi families learning their unique writing system and trying out traditional crafts like making tofu and Naxi paper. The "China Exploration: From Ancient Capitals to Shangri-La" tour includes some great cultural activities like these.
What about those lesser-known routes through Yunnan - why do some travelers prefer them?
While lots of people stick to the classic Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La route there are some really interesting alternatives if you're up for adventure. The ancient Tea Horse Road is fascinating - it follows the historic trading route between Yunnan and Tibet. You can trek sections like Chashitang which still has traces of the old route and lets you experience different minority cultures along the way. The "From China to Laos: Exploring the Ancient Tea Horse Road" tour covers some of this. Another cool option is heading to Yuanyang where you'll find these incredible mountain rice terraces that photographers absolutely love.
How do you get around Yunnan - what transport options work best?
The high-speed trains are definitely the way to go between the major cities like Kunming Dali and Lijiang - they're fast comfortable and reliable. When you're heading to spots like Tiger Leaping Gorge though you'll need to either take public buses (they run less often) or arrange private transport. Within cities you can easily use local buses or DiDi (it's like Chinese Uber). If you're planning to visit more remote attractions you'll probably want to either hire a private car or join a tour that includes transportation - the "4-Day Old Town of Lijiang & Mt. Yulong Tour" handles all that for you.