Luxury Yunnan and South West China Holidays
Overview
Yunnan’s capital Kunming is an excellent place to kick off a tour of the region. Fly into Kunming Changshui International Airport and spend time in this tranquil, friendly city. It boasts five-star hotels, Buddhist temples and the picturesque Green Lake Park – an urban oasis famous for its interlinked islands. The city sits on the shores of Dian Lake. On the west coast of Dian Lake are soaring hills where you can visit the incredible Dragon Gate. North of Kunming, the region around Lijiang provides numerous adventure activities and out-of-this-world scenery. Ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car or gaze up at its snow-capped peaks from the beautiful Blue Moon Valley. Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, on the Jinsha River, where you can take a pulse-pounding trek along one of the deepest canyons in the world. Lijiang itself boasts a picturesque old town dating back hundreds of years. Perhaps the most iconic feature of Yunnan’s landscape is its nature. Head to Yuanyang where rice terraces roll out across the hills in rippling lines for as far as you can see. Xishuangbanna, in Western Yunnan, is another area of natural beauty. Here you can go jungle trekking in tropical rainforests.
When To Visit
Yunnan has a temperate climate, particularly in central cities such as Kunming. Here, mild weather can be expected year-round with temperatures in the mid-twenties Celsius between May and August. In Lijiang, the summer months see rain showers with spring and autumn better times to visit if you’re keen to see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in its full glory. In the south, the weather is warm year-round with temperatures pushing into thirties degrees Celsius in summer.
Food & Drink
Yunnan and South West Chinese cuisines feature influences from multiple culinary traditions. Book a luxury holiday here, and you’ll not only sample local specialities, but also dine on dishes from around the world. Restaurants in four and five-star hotels cater to all kinds of tastes and often serve up Western favourites alongside dishes from other Asian countries. For an authentic experience, try Yunnan regional favourites such as “across-the-bridge noodles”, qiguoji (slow cooked chicken), or and pu-er tea (a variety of fermented tea).
Passport & Visas
British nationals usually require a visa to enter China – to find out more, check the entry requirements at GOV.UK. While travelling, it’s a good idea to carry identification with you and keep photocopies of important documents.
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