Top 50 Best Things to Do in Yunnan
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Top 50 Best Things to Do in Yunnan

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Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
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  • Yulong Snow Mountaintop_1
    󰺂9.0
    500
    Yulong.Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoGood Luck to Those Who See the Golden Sunrise at Yulong Snow Mountain | Oct 2025-Mar 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Take a cable car for panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains
    Cableway to 14780 ft glacier park
    󱨠Saved by 3801 users󱨠8330 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    _TI***ga_TI***ga

    This is the only cheapest way to purchase the cable rope on the day we planned from Malaysia. The process of payment, collection of oxygen tank and entrance are pretty simple. We used the QR issued by trip. Com and passport to enter the park.

  • Stone Forest Scenic Areatop_2
    󰺂8.8
    2333.34
    Shilin>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoStunning Late Fall and Early Winter Views at Stone Forest Scenic Area | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󱨜See the bizarre karst peaks
    󰀆Ashima rock: unique & captivating
    󱨠Saved by 1634 users󱨠8098 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    快乐的老小子快乐的老小子

    The stone forest scenic spot is worth visiting. It is a world natural heritage, a world geological park, and a national 5A-level tourist attraction, known for its unique karst landscape and rich national culture. Its highlights are as follows: - Unique karst landform: Stone Forest Scenic Area is a famous karst landform wonder agglomeration, with the world's oldest karst landform evolution history, the widest distribution area, complete types, unique morphology of the Palaeozoic karst landform community. Here, stone peaks, stone pillars, stone scorpions and other forms, as well as dissolved hills, depressions, funnels, etc., almost all the karst forms in the world are concentrated here, forming a panoramic map of karst geological landforms, known as "the first wonder in the world". - Rich natural landscape: The large stone forest consists of dense blue and gray stone peaks, which are upright, with typical attractions such as "Lotus Peak" and "Jianfeng Pool". The "Shilin Shengjing" is even more famous. The small stone forest is beautiful and beautiful, and the stone statue of Ashima becomes the iconic landscape of the stone forest. The mountain is the highest altitude of the scenic spot, with multiple columnar stone forests. The height can see the difference between the forest sea pine Tao and the pillars. There are many tall mushroom-shaped and tower-shaped stone peaks in the Wannian Ganoderma region, which is spectacular. - Rich national culture: The Yi Sani culture represented by "Ashima" is a major feature of the stone forest. The long poem "Ashima" is the first national intangible cultural heritage, and the film "Ashima" is well known at home and abroad. There are Dai song and dance performances in the scenic area every day. Tourists can also participate in the traditional torch festival of the Yi nationality, experience the enthusiastic and unrestrained ethnic customs, and feel the charm of the "Oriental Carnival". - Diversified tour experience: In addition to enjoying the natural landscape and experiencing the national culture, there are also some special activities in the scenic area. For example, you can participate in the stone forest treasure hunt game, collect treasure maps in the visitor center, find small gifts according to clues; you can also camp in the Changhu scenic spot, lie on the grass at night to see the stars, and feel the unique outdoor fun.

  • Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Gardentop_3
    󰺂8.7
    667.23
    Mengla.Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden.Chinese Academy of Scienc>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoXishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden: Barleria cristata blooms out of season | Nov 2025-Mar 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    󱓊Electric vehicles connect the east and west areas
    󰋄Firefly tours & night views
    󱨠Saved by 478 users󱨠11624 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    M25***07M25***07

    Super worth visiting attractions, the East and West District are very fun, especially the tropical rain forest in the East District, you must not miss it. Wang Lian, Xinsheng Botanical Garden, and Qihuayi Orchard in the West District are also very good attractions. From Jinghong, you can do the Didi station bus. If you are not in a hurry, you can go to the town of Mulun next to it. If you complete the shopping area, it may take at least a whole day, so you still have to make a choice.

  • Manting Imperial Garden
    4
    󰺂8.7
    1325
    Jinghong.Manting Park/Ethnic Cultural Park>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoLimited-Time Pink Festival Opens in Manting Imperial Garden for Early Winter | Nov 2025-Dec 2025
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    Enjoy ethnic song and dance performances in the evening
    󱓊See beautiful peacocks up close
    󱨠Saved by 349 users󱨠10401 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    beauty of lovebeauty of love

    Manting Royal Garden is a quiet and elegant classical garden, with flowers and trees scattered and the path is winding, as if slowly spreading a painting in an ancient poem. During the stroll, pavilions and pavilions are reflected in the pool, and occasionally the sound of crisp spring water can be heard, which is calming. The most beautiful sights in the garden are several attractions, from which you can overlook the red wall roof of the palace, and the deep green in the garden. What touched me most was that a breeze blew, the shadows swayed, and the sun beat on the slate. At that moment, it seemed that you could hear the gentle sound of the ancients walking. Such an environment makes people willing to slow down and feel the moment.

  • Dianchi Lake
    5
    󰺂8.5
    Kunming>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoAt dusk, the light and shadows on Dianchi Lake are as poetic as a painting, with the afterglow dyeing the distant mountains and water the same color as the sky.
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 100 - Best Things to Do
    Highlights:
    󰀆Surrounded by mountains & Daguan Tower
    󰋄Majestic plateau freshwater lake
    󱨠Saved by 1192 users󱨠4583 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    beauty of lovebeauty of love

    The vast and quiet Dianchi Lake was shocked by the open waters at first sight. The lake was silvery in the sun, and a few red-billed lizards were dotted in the distance. Everything seemed peaceful and harmonious. I went in the evening, the sunset spilled on the lake, dyed the water and the sky a warm color, the soft light and wind made people unconsciously relax. There are trails and viewing platforms by the lake. When walking, you can see locals fishing and running by the lake. The atmosphere of life is very strong. The meadows reflect the water, the reflection sways gently, one step at a time. Dianchi Lake is not only a geographical business card in Kunming, but also an exit where the city's rhythm slows down. For me, this is not only a lake, but also a place where the heart calms down.

  • Dongfengyun Scenic Area
    6
    󰺂8.5
    666.67
    Mile>100 km from downtown
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Spring Outings
    Highlights:
    Scenic platform & trail
    Enjoy a choir of thousands and terracotta art
    󱨠Saved by 526 users󱨠9021 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Faizal BFaizal B

    Good for photo op esp the Kaleidoscope Museum where the bricked amphora-like shaped buildings are. Go around 1pm- - 2pm less crowd as they dispersed for lunch or other activities provided by their tour group.

  • Wild Elephant Valley
    7
    󰺂8.4
    483.74
    Jinghong>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDirect Shuttle Bus to Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Valley Now Available
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    Observe traces of wild elephants on the 4,000m trail
    920m elevated walkway overlooks rainforest
    󱨠Saved by 291 users󱨠6193 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    MuszsMuszs

    Worth a day trip, if you take your time and enjoy each exhibit it can be a full day trip. The butterflies were amazing as were the elephants. Maybe skip the cable car it looks like it needs maintenance. We entered via the Southgate did the North loop stopped for lunch and a show at the rainforest theater then did the south loop finishing at the cable car. The aerial walk way is not for younger children as requires lots of stairs and walking.

  • Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge
    8
    󰺂8.4
    375
    Yulong.Tiger Leaping Gorge>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoChallenge the extreme slopes of Tiger Leaping Gorge and marvel at the canyon and snow-capped mountains
    Highlights:
    World-class hiking & iconic rock
    󰋄World-class hiking: mountains & rapids
    󱨠Saved by 1290 users󱨠3269 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    PongdetPongdet

    Very nice services, very professional driver on the mountain road, very impressive scenery, only 3 tourists in the bus without cancellation, very delicious lunch like home cook and fresh from the kitchen, 2 thumbs up!!!

  • Cangshan Mountain
    9
    󰺂8.4
    1083.34
    Dali.Cangshan Scenic Area>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoCangshan Mountain cable car and hiking guides are popular
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Spring Outings
    Highlights:
    10 temples & 20 natural attractions
    󰋄Unique geological landscapes displayed
    󱨠Saved by 830 users󱨠3973 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    The place is beautiful.. before going to the cable car rides, there are stairs to climb. Next to it are souvenir shops.

  • Yunnan Nationalities Village
    10
    󰺂8.3
    792.33
    Kunming.Dianchi Lake Scenic Area/ Sunac World>100 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoWarm Winter Seagull Watching at Yunnan Ethnic Village: Where Black-Headed Gulls Dance with Ethnic Culture | Dec 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoAchieved a 3-year streak on the annual lists
    Highlights:
    12 villages & 26 cultures
    󰀆Experience lively folk shows & festivals
    󱨠Saved by 867 users󱨠6221 positive reviews
    4.3/5
    SpeedysSpeedys

    All good spectacular scenery, awesome experience highly recommended 👌

Best things to do in Yunnan (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Yunnan? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Yunnan offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Yunnan

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Yunnan experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Yulong Snow Mountain

• Yulong.Yulong Snow Mountain Scenic Area | >100 km from downtown

• : Take a cable car for panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains,Cableway to 14780 ft glacier park

Stone Forest Scenic Area

• Shilin | >100 km from downtown

• : See the bizarre karst peaks,Ashima rock: unique & captivating

Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden

• Mengla.Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden.Chinese Academy of Scienc | >100 km from downtown

• : Electric vehicles connect the east and west areas,Firefly tours & night views

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Yunnan

If you want to explore attractions just outside Yunnan, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Yunnan, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Yunnan special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Yunnan

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Yunnan

Ready to explore the best of Yunnan? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Yunnan?
These are all Best Things to Do in Yunnan:Yulong Snow Mountain, Stone Forest Scenic Area, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, Manting Imperial Garden, Dianchi Lake
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Yunnan?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Yunnan include:Yulong Snow Mountain:4.5, Stone Forest Scenic Area:4.7, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden:4.7, Manting Imperial Garden:4.5, Dianchi Lake:4.7
At what locations in Yunnan can Best Things to Do in Yunnan be found?
The Best Things to Do in Yunnan are mainly located in:Yulong Snow Mountain:Yulong, Stone Forest Scenic Area:Shilin, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden:Mengla, Manting Imperial Garden:Jinghong, Dianchi Lake:Kunming
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