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.

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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

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Top Yunnan Province Tours

$300 Per Day

12 Days Shangri-la Featured Ethnic Culture Tour

Day 01 Arrive in Kunming
Arrive in Kunming. Be met at the airport then transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 02 Kunming

Sightseeing: West Hill and Dragon Gate / Grand View Pavilion

Day 01 Arrive in Kunming
Arrive in Kunming. Be met at the airport then transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 02 Kunming

Sightseeing: West Hill and Dragon Gate / Grand View Pavilion

Depart from your hotel in the morning to visit the West Hill and Dragon Gate, which is totally cut on a natural precipice, with an elevation of 2,500 meters, 8 kilometers west of Kunming city. The Dragon Gate is the highest temple on the West Hill. It is famous for its spectacular view. Climbing up the winding old stone stairs leading to the natural cliff-top platform, passing through an archway on which is inscribed "Longmen" (Dragon s Gate), many inscriptions and stiles are found here and there. You will have a birds-eye-view of Kunming city and the Dianchi Lake.
After having lunch at a nice local restaurant, we will visit the Grand View Tower, which located 7 kilometers west of Kunming, at the lakeshore of Dianchi Lake. The Grand View Pavilion was built in 1682, by a Buddhist monk named Qianyin. But it had been in disarray, destroyed and restored several times because of the dynastic changes and the civil wars. Decorated with flying eaves and splendid paintings, the present-day pavilion is a square, three-storied pavilion established in 1883. It is famous for the longest antithetical couplet in China, this couplet of 180 characters is one of the most valued cultural treasures in Yunnan Province. It provides a spectacular view across sparkling Dtanchi Lake to the distant Western Hills.

Day 03 Kunming Dali

Sightseeing: Three Pagodas / Butterfly Spring / Xizhou Village / Ancient Dali town

Depart from your hotel after breakfast. Take the morning flight to Dali. Then visit the Three Pagodas. The Three Pagodas consist of one big pagoda and two small ones. They arise on the Mt. Cangshan slope overlooking the Erhai Lake, known as Chongsheng San Ta in Chinese, meaning the Three Pagodas of Saintly Worship. These outstanding landmarks of the region were once part of the greatest temple complex on the Dali plain. Pagodas are among the most ubiquitous structures throughout the Buddhist world. They are representation of the ancient architectural and cultural arts of the Bai Ethnic Group.
Then visit the Butterfly Spring, which situated at the foot of Yunlong Peak of the Cangshan Mountain, 27 km south of the Dali Old Town. Butterfly Spring is surrounded by ancient camphor trees. In spring when the trees put forth fragrant flowers, thousands of different types of butterflies flutter among the branches and over the spring water forming a dazzling "Kingdom of Butterflies". The phenomenon dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D).
After having lunch, visit the Xizhou Village. Xizhou Village locates 18 kilometers north of Dali, faces Erhai on the east.It grew and flourished in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) along with the fortunes of Dali renowned tea merchants that traded to Tibet. It is not only a historically famous city but also a typical commercial center of Bai Ethnic Nationality. It is now a "must" for the travelers. You can enjoy lovely ethical clothes, fairylike programs, decorative architectures, gifted garden parties and wonderful handicrafts there.
Finally, visit Ancient Dali town, which Located at the foot of the Cangshan Mountain and the west side of the Erhai Lake. Ancient Dali town was set up in 1382 A.D during the Ming Dynasty as the capital of the Dali kingdom. At present, only the south and north gate towers remain standing. There are well-preserved traditional houses of the Bai Ethnic Group people. Walking in the city, you will enjoy many historical relics, ancient buildings and rich minority customs, such as the "Foreigners Street", the ancient Yuxi School, tea houses, antique shops, Chinese and Western restaurants.

Day 04 Dali-Lijiang via van

Sightseeing: Lijiang ancient town / Black Dragon Pool

Be met at your hotel and transferred to Lijiang. Arrive in Lijiang, visit Lijiang ancient town. With a history of more than 800 years, covering an area of 3.8 square kilometers, Lijiang ancient town, also named Dayan (Big Ink Slab) Town, is a well-preserved old city. As a result of the combination of the multinational brilliant culture and the progress of Naxi ethnic minority, the buildings in the town incorporate the best parts of the architectural traits of Han, Bai, and Tibet into a unique Naxi style. In 1997, this old town was put on the list of the world cultural heritages.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Black Dragon Pool. The pool is listed in the Collections of Famous Pools of China because of its beauty.

Day 05 Lijiang

Sightseeing: Yak Meadow / Yufeng Temple / Baisha Frescos

Today will be your full day tour in Lijiang. Depart from your hotel after breakfast. Visit Yak Plateau (Maoniuping). With an area of 16.6 square kilometers, the Yak Plateau is located at the middle of Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. The beautiful natural scenery there is an important part of the mountain. Looking around the snow mountain, you would feel your soul is distilled with those white clouds high above the blue sky. You will not only see many yaks on the plateau, but also horses and donkeys.
Then visit Yufeng Temple, which was built in the Qing Dynasty and famous for camellias in the temple.
After that, visit Baisha Frescoes. There are some invaluable frescoes stored and preserved and displayed in some venerable temples located in Lijiang old Town. Among of that, the Baisha Frescoes are the best. Most of the frescoes were created from early Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D) to the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911A.D) when those beautiful temples were built. These fresco paintings are very special and reflect the different religious cultures and artistic forms of Buddhism, Lamaism, Taoism and the Naxi Dongba religion. They are the artistic representations of economic development, mutual acculturation of multinational culture, and the growth of religions.

Day 06 Lijiang - Shangrila via van

Sightseeing: Tiger Leaping Gorge / Stone Drum / First Bend of the Yangtze River

After an early breakfast, we set off for Tiger Leaping Gorge. With a drop of 3,000 meters, Tiger Leaping Gorge is believed to be one of the world´s deepest canyons. The torrential Jinsha River, roaring and crashing over grotesque shaped rocks, produces a thrilling and stirring sight here. According to local legend, the gorge acquired its name because, at its narrowest point (90 feet), a tiger once leaped over the swirling waters.
We will then head to The First Bend of the Yangtze River. About 70 kilometers (44miles) from Lijiang city, on the north side of the highway leading from Dali to Lijiang, locates the ancient town named Stone Drum Town. It is here, the Yangtze River to make a sudden V-shaped bend and flow to the northeast. This extraordinary turn, nearly180-degrees, creates beautiful and marvelous views that startle the imagination. This bend is called the First Bend of the Yangtze River. It has been of strategic importance since ancient times. Many famous historical events happened here.
Today we take bus to Shangrila. Upon your arrival in Shangrila, our tour guide will help you to check in the hotel.

Day 07 Shangrila

Sightseeing: Bita Sea, Napa Sea, Songzanlin Lamasery and Tibetan family

We will spend the day touring around the city, including visits to Bita Sea, Napa Sea, Songzanlin Lamasery and Tibetan family.

-Bita Sea is situated about 32 kilometers (about 19.9 miles) away from Shangri-La County (Shangrila) and covers an area of 166 hectares. It is an intact natural attraction with various species of flora and fauna and picturesque landscapes.

-Napa Sea, also called Yila Prairie, is a lake in rain season, while grassland in other season. In the autumn, thousands of sheep, horses and yaks scatters on the grasslands. It just likes a necklace broken on the lawn. It is the habitat of about 150 black neck cranes. The total number of black neck cranes is around 1000 in the whole world.

-Songzanlin Lamasery or "Little Potala" as it is affectionately known, is a spiritual hub for people to discover the mystery and traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Located at the foot of Mt. Foping, faces a vast grassland that used to be smothered by a lake, the Songzanlin Monastery is the largest and the most important Lamasery of Tibetan Buddhism in Yunnan province, as well as one of the 13 large lamaseries in the joint area of Tibet, Sichuan and Yunnan.

In the afternoon, you will visit Tibetan families, to see the daily life of Tibetan, and to taste Tibetan Tea with snacks. Then you will be transferred back to your hotel and feel free at leisure for the rest of the day.

Day 08 Shangrila Kunming

Sightseeing: Stone Forest

Depart from your after your breakfast. Take morning flight back to Kunming. Then take full day tour to Stone Forest. The Stone Forest is in Lunan Yi Nationality Autonomous County, which is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Kunming. It covers an area of 400 square kilometers (96,000 acres). It has long been one of the most famous scenic spots in China, at least since the Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644 A.D. The Stone Forest is divided into several scenic areas with names like Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone forest, Outer Stone Forest, Underground Stone Forest, Stone Forest Lake, and Da Dieshui Fall. The Stone Forest was formed by karst two million to thirty million years ago. It contains peaks, pillars, stalagmites, depressions, underground rivers, and caves. The fantastic stone pinnacles rising abruptly from the ground resemble a huge, dense forest.

Day 09 Kunming Gulin

Sightseeing: Guilin- Elephant Trunk Hill / Reed Flute Cave

Free at leisure until to be transferred to the airport for your flight to Gulin. Upon Arriving at Guilin, be met and transferred to your hotel with private vehicle and tour guide. After checking in the hotel, have private city tours to the Reed Flute Cave, which known as "the Palace of Natural Arts" where you can see beautiful stalactites & stalagmites,learn how they are formed. Then visit Elephant Trunk Hill. The hill located at the conjunction of the Li River & the Peach Blossom River, the whole hill looks very much like a giant elephant with a long trunk, it is the symbol of Guilin city.

Day 10 Gulin

Sightseeing: Li River Cruise

Depart from your hotel in the morning and be transferred to the Zhujiang Pier (about 1 hour drive) for a 4.5 hours wonderful Li River Cruise. You will enjoy the picturesque mountains, peaceful green fields, farms and villages with water buffaloes, cows wondering around on both sides of the river bank. You will have lunch aboard. Disembark at the one-thousand-year-old town Yangshuo in the afternoon.

Free at leisure to explore the old town after check in the hotel in Yangshuo.

Day 11 Yangshuo

Sightseeing: Ancient Banyan tree Park / Moon Hill

In the morning, we start early this morning (or biking via country road) through the countryside with rice paddies to visit the Ancient Banyan tree Park and the Moon Hill, you may also climb 890 steps up to the moon hill to see the beautiful scenery.

Day 12 Depart Gulin for next city

Be transferred back to Guilin or to the airport straightly in the afternoon.

$2000 Per Day

guiding a U.S couple 6days

Here is your itinerary according to your latest travel information:
1/11 arriving Dali at 07:02, pick up from Dali train station, transfer to hotel in Dali old town, visit Xizhou village morning market, see cormorant fishing performance, view Three Pagoda, overnight in Dali
2/11 travel to Shaxi, visit Shiboshan Temple and Shaxi old town, stay in Shaxi
3/11 travel to Lijiang, visit Lijiang old town and local market, stay in Lijiang old town
or
3/11 visit Jade Dragon snow mountain, see Impression Lijiang show, stay in Lijiang old town
4/11 travel to Tiger Leaping Gorge for hiking, stay in Tea Horse GH
5/11 Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking to Tina's GH, travel to Shangrila, stay in Shangrila
6/11 visit SongZhanLin Tibetan monastery, Naba Lake and Tibetan village, transfer to Deqin airport for flight 22:00 to Kunming

$157 Per Day

Lijiang highlights tour

Day 1 Take direct flight to Lijiang, or transfer from Kunming to Lijiang. Day 2 Tour around the Old Town, including the Sifang Square, Lion Hill and Zhongyi fruit and vegetable market; Black Dragon Pool; Luch in beautiful leisure Shuhe Old Town, then drive 1/2 hrs to Lashi Lake for horse riding around Naxi villages and boating on the peaceful lake. Dinner in a Naxi family. For culture lovers, you may check out the Naxi Antient Music Concert at 8pm.. Mr. Xuanke, the conductor of the band, who stayed 29 years in prison as a high scholar in last century, has amazing stories sharing with you. Day 3 Drive 40 kms to the Jade Dragon Snow Mt., watch the show Impression Lijiang, which is something you can not miss coming to this area ( 70 munites long). Then take cable car to the Glacier Park ( altitude at 4500 meters), or Yak Meadow ( 3800 meters high), or Spruce Meadow ( 3300 meters high); Blue Moon Valley, where the water is naturally blue and green; Yufeng Lama Temple and Baisha Fresco on the way back. In Lijiang, 10 percent of population is Tibetan. Tibetan Buddhism came to Lijiang and Naxi people in 700 A.D.. Day 4 Drive 2.5 hrs to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Due to your health and energy level, we can either go to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is the most beautiful part, or just the normal tour spots for 2 hrs walking along the river. Drive back to Lijiang. Day 5 Take a morning flight to your next destination.

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