Guide to Yunnan Province Attractions

Yunnan Province Attractions

Bicycle Rental

Renting a bicycle is a good option for those who plan on using their feet to get around. Many hostels in Kunming offer bicycle rentals at (usually) 2 RMB per hour or 15 RMB for a day. The deposit for an old bike is generally 200 RMB; 400 RMB for a newer one. Cycling as a means of transportation is gaining in popularity, since point to point distances in Kunming are often not far at all. Travel by bicycle is thus convenient, cheap, and, as we all know, does not pollute the environment. Remember to lock bikes when parking them!

Car Rental

It is possible for confident tourists with a healthier budget to rent a car in Kunming. Rental prices range from 120 - 300 RMB per day for a four-seat vehicle. It is wise to rent a car with a driver who can also serve as tour guide. This tip can save a great deal of money on the deposit, which is approximately 500 - 1000 RMB for a car with a driver, but increases to over 5000 RMB for a vehicle without one! Foreigners must also have a Chinese driver’s license to legally drive in China. Apparently international drivers’s licenses are not acceptable.

Taxis

Taxis are quite plentiful in Kunming - over 6000 taxis roam the city streets. Taking a taxi is rather affordable for the Western traveler, especially because distances are manageable within the city. Kunming boasts one of the cheapest airport taxi rides in China for this reason. Therefore, taxis are often the most convenient way to get around Kunming. However, they are not exactly the most comfortable ride - the cars are usually over 10 years old with worn out seats. Still, taxis are much faster and cleaner than public city buses.

The fare for a regular-size taxi begins at 8 RMB for the first three kilometers and increases by 1.8 RMB for each additional kilometer. Fares also increase while sitting in traffic, so taking taxis during rush hour may cost a bit more if there is excessive traffic. After 10 pm when public city buses stop running, fares increases by 20 percent.

The flag-fall of a mini taxi is 7 RMB for the first three kilometers and increases by 1.6 RMB for every kilometer thereafter. Fares also go up after 10 pm as with the regular size cabs.

Note: Most taxis in Kunming are now charging a 1 RMB "fuel surcharge" that is proudly displayed on the passenger-side dash of every taxi. This extra charge is probably legitimate, but one can often avoid the extra fee by paying with exact change on short distances (although paying the extra 1 RMB might be worth it to those who prefer to avoid confrontations). Also, inside each taxi is a distinctive animal image that identifies taxi ownership. Keep the image in mind in case you leave something behind (or get in the habit of always asking for a receipt as the receipt will include the taxi’s ID).

Public City Buses

There are over 50 bus lines that zigzag throughout almost every section in Kunming. It usually costs a mere 1 RMB to take a public bus and the last buses run until about 10 pm. Passengers should get on a bus from the front door and exit at the back. Correct change is usually required and it is often wise to stand close to the door if the passenger wishes to exit because stops are often quite brief and buses in Kunming are usually very crowded. Therefore city buses are not ideal after big shopping sessions - a taxi is probably the wiser choice.

For a list of the public bus lines and schedule, obtain the Kunming City Map at any news agent for 3.50 RMB. Bus routes are detailed in Chinese, and to confuse things further, the paper bus maps, maps at stations, and the reality of where buses go are often different. Regardless, the public bus system is a convenient and cheap way to get around Kunming. Besides, riding the bus is an experience in itself and often provides a good way to meet locals and get a better taste of everyday life in China.

Three public buses run on the route between the airport and Nanyao Railway Station including No. 52, 67 and 78.

Long-distance Buses

Yunnan has rapidly developed its highway transportation system in recent times. It is now easy, cheap, and relatively quick (often faster than trains) to get to places in Yunnan and neighboring provinces, as well as to countries that are close-by. Long-distance buses also regularly run between Kunming and distant major cities like Beijing and Shanghai. There are many bus stations in Kunming but tourists are recommended to stick with 2 main stations for safety, convenience, and comfort reasons.

South Bus Station

Address: Across the street from the Railway Square Bus Station
located at 60 Beijing Lu
北京路60号, 南端南窑火车站旁
Tel: +86 (0)871 3510 739

This station is probably more useful for tourists. The South Bus Station services most of the regional destinations, offering customers the option of either the regular bus or a faster, more luxurious one. The regular bus runs a bit slower and may be less comfortable than the luxurious option.

How to get there: This station is located on Beijing Xi Lu facing the Kunming Railway Station. Either take a taxi or city bus No. 52, 67, and 78 for 1 RMB.

Find it on the map

Railway Square Bus Station

Address: 60 Beijing Lu, next to Nanyao Railway Station
北京路60号, 南端南窑火车站旁
Phone: +86 (0)871 3544 574, 3543 325

This bus station is less organized than the South Bus Station and many buses that depart from here are privately managed. Thus the fixed schedule in the ticket office is not entirely accurate as many buses leave when full. Buses are cheaper than the nearby South Bus Station at the cost of comfort and speed. This bus station caters mainly to the domestic tourists and locals who are more familiar with the standard conditions. Foreign travelers are recommended to brave the option if they want to save the money and are comfortable with traveling on standard Asian buses.

How to get there: This station is located next to the South Railway station at the end of Beijing Xi Lu. Taxi or city bus No. 52, 67, and 78 will bring you to this station.

Find it on the map

Note: When going to either of the above stations, taxis will usually drop you off near or in front of the South Bus Station and locals on the street will probably harass you to bring you to one of the stations (usually the South Bus Station) to get a commission. Travelers taking the public bus to these stations will probably experience the same thing.

Other useful bus stations:

Dongju Passenger Transport Bus Station
Address: 65 Dongjiao Lu
东郊路65号
Phone: +86 (0)871 3340 594, 3310 928

Gaokuai Passenger Transport Bus Station (Yunnan Tourist Passenger Transport Bus Station) operates bus lines to Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Yuxi, etc.
Address: 663 Minhang Lu
民航路663号

There is also a luxury bus service, YNTAC that operates out of Kunming. They provide Volvo buses equipped with aircon and a TV with DVD/VCD. Cities served and prices as of July 2003: Dali (103 RMB), Lijiang (151 RMB), Gejiu (60 RMB), Kaiyuan (50 RMB), Chuxiong (30 RMB), Yuxi (21 RMB), Qujing (35 RMB), and Xuanwei (50 RMB). Prices may have been adjusted slightly higher in recent years. Tickets at the Railway Square Bus Station are considerably cheaper but obviously at the cost of some comfort to the customer.

Railway Stations

Yunnan is a vast province. Train travel therefore requires much more time than air travel, and is also often even slower than long distance buses. However, train travel is the more comfortable option for over-land travelers that are interested in a glimpse of the beautiful scenery that Yunnan Province is famous for. Kunming has two main railway stations.

Nanyao Railway Station 南窑火车站

Address: 25 Beijing Lu
北京路25号，南端南窑汽车站旁。
Phone : +86 (0)871 3145 495, 9630 566 666, 3511 534

Ticket Booking Office
Address: 19 Kunshi Lu
昆师路19号

This station is more useful to travelers because most outbound trains depart from here. Trains to Dali, Yuxi etc., operate daily. Train tickets can be booked in most hotels in Kunming or you can book tickets 7 days prior to your departure at the Ticket Booking Office open from 8 am to 5:30 pm.

Location: Kunming Railway Station is located about four kilometers from the center of the city at the southern end of Beijing Xi Lu.

Find it on the map

How to get there: Travelers can most easily reach the train station by taxi and also have the option of three public buses: 52, 67 and 78 for 1 RMB.

North Railway Station

Address: Kunming Shi Bei Zhan
昆明市北站
Phone: +86 (0)871 3542 321, 5153 506 (8 am - noon, 2 pm - 5 pm)

This station is useful to those who want to travel to Vietnam. A train departs here to Hanoi every Friday and Sunday. Visas for Vietnam are now available at the Vietnamese Consulate. Be sure to obtain your Visa in advance.

Location: The North Railway Stations is located about three kilometers north of the city center on Beijing Xi Lu.

Find it on the map

How to get there: Taxi is the easiest option of transportation to and from this station. Several public buses (No. 25, 64, and 78) are also available for 1 RMB.

Link: More about the railway system in China.

Yunnan Province Articles

Mountains Rivers Show

Since the premiere of “mountains and rivers show”on may 1 ,2002, the show has widely acclaimed by chinese and foreign tourist.

...

Since the premiere of “mountains and rivers show”on may 1 ,2002, the show has widely acclaimed by chinese and foreign tourist.

Mountains and Rivers show is known as chinese broadway, there is a saying in lijiang, visiting jade dragon snow mountainn during the day, and watching the show in the night, it's one of the joys for visitors. in the show You can see more than 10 different minorites from lijiang.

The show is consists of 3 episode * water * mountain * love *

In water episode, You can see Dai people who live in the up reaches of mekong river area, experience Dai people's water splashing festival and the Dai girls' dancing will let you walk into shangrila-like Dai village.

In mountain episode, you will see festivals from different minorites that live in the mountain, such as naxi's stick festival, Yi people’s Torch festival, lisu people’s herding pig tune and Tititan’s weaving pulu. (pulu is Tibetan's wool fabric)

"Love and death is the human eternal topic" , In love episod, you will see the unique love and marrige culture of minortities, such as the Matriarchal marriage customs of mosuo people, the doule suiside of Naxi and the story of the third kingdom of jade dragon snow mountain.

Performing time : 19:30--21:00

Ticket price (200RMB/ 180RMB/160RMB for three different type of seats)

lijiang xiangshan

This is the highest place of lijiang .where you can see thee bird view of lijiang old town and new town.but it needs three hours to do thetour.and you should bring some drinks ang bread for the trip.

China Banks

Consider using Chinese banks in China, as International credit cards often get blocked, due to "suspicious transactions"....

Consider using Chinese banks in China, as International credit cards often get blocked, due to "suspicious transactions". Travelers sometimes ignore the fact that China is huge country and so when you appear in several provinces from your home bank they start to suspect is it really "you', then your card gets blocked and what to do?? Solution is to carry sufficient amounts of cash or just start a bank a/c with China's big four:

Bank of China http://www.boc.cn/

China Construction Bank http://www.ccb.com/cn/home/index.html

Industrial and Commercial Bank of China http://www.icbc.com.cn/icbc/sy/default.htm

Agricultural Bank of China http://www.abchina.com/en/default.htm

Top Yunnan Province Tours

$1200 Per Day

9 Days Standard Tour of Kunming ——Dali ——Lijiang and Shangri-La

Day1

Day1

Meet you outside the baggage claim area at Kunming Airport and transfer you to the hotel. The rest of the day is on your own to explore the city.
Kunming hotel
★★★★

Day2
Full day tour to visit the Qiongzhu Temple and the Stone Forest the Stone Forest scenic area is composed of seven scenic spots, including the Big Stone Forest, the Small Stone Forest, Naigu Stone Forest, Da Die Shui, Long Lake, Moon Lake, Zhiyun Cave and Qifeng Cave. The Stone Forest is really a typical model of China's Karst,
Kunming hotel
★★★★

Day3
Take an early morning flight to Dali. Visit the Erhai Lake Park, the Three Pagoda Temple and the Dali Old Town, the Three Pagoda Temple is made up of three ancient independent pagodas standing in a symmetrical triangle.
Dali Old Town -The history of Dali Old Town can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty when Dali was the capital of Nan Zhao Kingdom.
Land Scape hotel
★★★★

Day4
It takes about three hours' driving to Lijiang and transfer to the hotel. On the way to Lijiang, visit the Bai Traditional House in Xizhou and Zhoucheng, famous for tie dyeing. Visit the Square Street of the Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Old Town was originally built in the later period of 13th Century. It has an elevation of 2400 meters (about 1.5 miles) and covers an area of 939 acres. The population of the old town is over 25,000, most of which are Naxi people. What is interesting is that Lijiang Old Town is the only Chinese historical and cultural town built without city wall.
Lijiang Grand hotel
★★★
Day5
Visit the Baisha Village and a local Naxi family, the Baisha Murals, the Rock Joseph's Former Residence in Yuhu Village. Afternoon is free for you to enjoy the small bridges, swift streams, cobbled streets and grey tiled roofs of the Residential Houses in the Lijiang Old Town. Enjoy the Naxi Ancient Music and Dance Performance at Dongba Palace in the evening
Lijiang Grand hotel
★★★
Day6
Drive to Shangri-La and transfer to the hotel. On the way to Shangri-La, visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the First Bend of the Yangtze River and the Stone Drum Town. the Tiger Leaping Gorge lies in the upper reaches of the Golden Sand River. Its total length is 18 kilometers (11.2 miles), with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the east and the Haba Snow Mountain in the west. The vertical height of the gorge is 3,790 meters (12,434 feet), thus it is the deepest gorge of the world. Since the narrowest part is only 30 meters (98.4 feet) wide, the tiger could just leap from a reef to the other side of the river. So it gained the name Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Shangri-La Paradise Hotel
★★★★★

Day7
Visit the Songzanlin Temple, the biggest Tibetan Buddhist Temple in Yunnan, the Bitahai Lake, Shudu Lake and a Tibetan family. Songzanlin Temple - As the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province,

The Bitahai Lake is in the shape of trumpet shell, encircled by mountains. Covering an area of 148 acres, the lake is 40-meter (131 feet) deep and has an altitude of 3504 meters (11,496 feet). The plants around the lake are various, including spruces, pinares, oaks, white birches and azaleas.
Shudu Lake - As one of the biggest lakes of Shangri-la County, the plants around the lake are lush and the wild animals are various, such as the musk deer, golden cats, samburs, Tibetan eared pheasants, bears and panthers.
Shangri-La Paradise Hotel
★★★★★
Day8
Take flight to Kunming. Visit the Golden Temple, the Daguan Park and the Flowers and Birds Market. Check in at the hotel
Golden Temple - was built in the Ming Dynasty. The Mingfeng Hill was also named Xiangdu Hill. Since then, the scenic area around the temple has become a well-known Taoist attraction of Yunnan.
Daguan Park - The Daguan Park in Kunming is located on the bank of the Dianchi Lake and faces the Western Hills which are on the other side of the lake. It is said that the original site of the Daguan Park was a small temple built by a monk for giving Buddhist lessons. Several years later, the governor of Yunnan Province Wang Jiwen was attracted by the beautiful scenery here and decided to construct a park by adding halls, pavilions, rockeries and porches. The most notable attraction in the park is the Daguan Pavilion.
kunming hotel
★★★★
Day9
Your pleasant China tour ends as we transfer you to the airport and help you board the flight back home
End of the tour

$0 Per Day

Trek one week from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangrila

Day 1 Public bus from Lijiang to Qiaotou for 2.5 hrs, start trekking along Tiger Leaping Gorge, 6 hrs to halfway Guesthouse.

Day 2 2 hrs trekking to Middle Gorge, 3.5 hrs to walnut garden, night in Woody Inn.

Day 3 Drive 0.5 hr to Xincun, then trek 6 hrs to haba village, ( take lunch box from walnut Garden). Night in Haba Snow Mountain Inn.

Day 4 Drive 1 hr to Baishuitai, around 2 hrs there, then drive 2.5 hrs toshangrila, night in Lefu Hotel, Songstam Hotel or Maji House.

Day 1 Public bus from Lijiang to Qiaotou for 2.5 hrs, start trekking along Tiger Leaping Gorge, 6 hrs to halfway Guesthouse.

Day 2 2 hrs trekking to Middle Gorge, 3.5 hrs to walnut garden, night in Woody Inn.

Day 3 Drive 0.5 hr to Xincun, then trek 6 hrs to haba village, ( take lunch box from walnut Garden). Night in Haba Snow Mountain Inn.

Day 4 Drive 1 hr to Baishuitai, around 2 hrs there, then drive 2.5 hrs toshangrila, night in Lefu Hotel, Songstam Hotel or Maji House.

Day 5 Take local bus to Songzanlinsi Lama Temple, trek from there for about 3 hrs to Napa Lake, 2 hrs trekking around the lake and village there. Then quote a mini van back to Galtang, Shangrila.

Day 6 Trek 3 hrs from Galtang Hotel to Rhingha Temple area, 2 hrs trekking along the river and villages there, then Tianshengqiao Hotspring later. Hitch hike or quote a mini van back to Maji House outside of the town or Lefu Hotel in Galtang.

Day 7 Quote a mini van to Tianbao Snow Mt., climb the mountain and down (altitude at 4500 meters), 5 hrs, mini van to xiaozhongdian, Overnight in a Tibetan family there or in a hotel near Yangtangqu, beautiful area.

Day 8 Take public bus back to Lijiang and have a few relaxing days here, or fly to your next destination from Shangrila Airport.

$650 Per Day

Seven Days Exotic South of Yunnan

Day 1 Arrive in Kunming - Free time
Today's Activities:
Arrive in Kunming, the Spring City of China. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the featured hotel to check in. If time is available, you can visit Kunming's landscape - Green Lake Park, the vibrant Flowers and Birds Market, and Kunming's symbol building - Golden Horse & Green Phoenix Archway. Overnight at the hotel in Kunming.
Highlights
Green Lake Park, Phoenix Archway ,Flowers and Birds Market
Day 2 Kunming - Mile via Stone Forest (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today's Activities
In the early morning we take you to visit the World Geopark - Yunnan Stone Forest, which is one of most remarkable natural phenomena of China. You will wonder at the innumerable bizarre-shaped ancient limestone cliffs and peaks, which is created by wind and water erosion some 270 million years ago.
After lunch you will travel southwards to the famous hot spring spa resort Mile, which is known as "the Kingdom of Hot Spring", "the Kingdom of Tobacco" and "Eden of Plateau Grape". This evening, you will have plenty of time to luxuriate in hot spring bath at open-air mountain spa resort.
Highlights:
Yunnan Stone Forest Minority performance in Stone Forest Mile hotspring resort
Day 3 Mile - Jianshui (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today's Activities
After a leisurely breakfast inside the resort, you will visit the Mile Vineyards to taste the latest wine.Then drive to Jianshui. After lunch you will begin your sightseeing of Jianshui by visiting the very famous Zhu Family Garden, which is built in the end of Qing Dynasty. In this grand complex of civilian houses, you could enjoy the style of local residential buildings. The next attraction is Jianshui Confucian Temple. It is the biggest and best-preserved Confucius relic in China after the temple in Qufu, Shandong province. The evening is free for you to stroll leisurely in the old town.
Highlights:
Layout of Zhu Family Garden Delicate carving in Zhu Family Garden Jianshui Confucian Temple
Day 4 Jianshui - Yuanyang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today's Activities:
In early morning a thrilling excursion to the western outskirt of Jianshui town to explore Tuanshan Village. Built more than 600 years ago, Tuanshan Village is famed for its Han style residential complexes. When you strool in the village, it feels like travelling to another China. Small, cobbled lanes and old women with bound feet blend will leave you with impressions of timelessness, art and architecture. On the way back, visit Double-Dragon Bridge. Having appreciated the 400-year-old bridge known for elegant pavilion style and 17 bridge openings, you can't help marveling at the great architectural aesthetics of Chinese people in ancient times. After lunch, drive to Yuanyang New Town. On half way you can see Red River Valley. It will charm your eyes and the moisture in the air makes you fresh from head to toe. Upon arrive in Yuanyang, go to see terrace fields. The great terraces in sunset are so marvelous!
Highlights:
Courtyard of an old house in Tuanshan Double Dragon Bridge Local people in Tuanshan Village
Day 5 Yuanyang (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today's Activities
From November to April, the second year, you will keep being dazzled by the glowing water-logged Yuanyang Rice Terraces, which is immersed with water for rice transplanting. The 3 most-famous rice terraces zones you’re to visit are Duoyishu, Bada and Tiger Mouth Pass. Duoyishu is the best spot for sunrise view while the latter two are perfect for sunset spectacle.

At dawn you will get to Duoyishu Village to have a grand view of the rice terrace in sunrise. Then cross a bustling morning market of local ethnic minority at Shengcun Village to reach the Bada Mountain, where you can appreciate the breathtaking steep terraces on the commanding point. Later go to Qingkou Hani Ethnic Village. You’ll meet with the lovely mushroom houses Hani people build, colorful ethnic garment of Hani women and their favorite food. It’s an eye-opening experience. In the afternoon, drive to Tiger Mouth Pass. Under the rays of sunset, everything turns to gold, while the panorama of the terraces below is unsurpassable.
Highlights:
Sunrise in Qingkou Hani Village Yuanyang terraces in mist Morning market at Shengcun Village
Day 6 Yuanyang - Kunming (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Today's Activities
After enjoying a breezy good time for breakfast in the hotel, transfer back to Kunming. There are charming landscape alongside on the way back to Kunming. You may pass Kunming Ethnic Village and Dianchi Lake by. Just keep in good mood and feast on all these beautiful sceneries.
Highlights:
Kunming Ethnic Village Dianchi Lake Puer tea
Day 7 Depart Kunming (Breakfast)
Today's Activities After breakfast, transfer to airport for your departure flight. Say goodbye to spring city and fly to your next destination.

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