Kunming
One of the topmost publicly accessible points of Xi Shan, this large pavilion inside the Dragon Gate scenic area offers breathtaking views of Dian Chi…
Must-see attractions in Yunnan
Lijiang
The Dongba Cultural Institute is part of a renovated complex on the hillside north of the old town. Here you can see Naxi cultural artefacts and scrolls…
Yunnan
The best-known courtyard home in town was once owned by local salt magnate Wu Weiyang, who was summarily executed by communist forces in 1949. You can…
Yunnan
This pleasant island has gardens, parks, a 17.5m-tall marble statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenresig; aka Guanyin) and a hotel. Boats to the island cost ¥50…
Yunnan
This series of attractive pools and cascades is said to have been the favourite bathing spot of an Erhai dragon king's seven daughters. The path up is…
Dali
The museum houses a small collection of archaeological pieces relating to Bai history, including some fine figurines. English descriptions are lacking,…
Yunnan
This temple on the side of Zhonghe Mountain is small and pretty but of little note otherwise. There is a small restaurant on-site with basic dishes, plus…
Yunnan
Ruili’s jade market is the centre of town in all senses. Burmese jade sellers run some of the shops here and for a moment you may even forget you are…
Yunnan
A few kilometres to the east of Ruili on the road to Wanding is the Golden Pagoda, a small structure that dates back 200 years. Bus 5 comes here from…
Yunnan
The 15th-century Lesser Putuo Temple is set on an extremely photogenic rocky outcrop on the east side of Erhai Lake, not far from Wase.
Yunnan
Kublai Khan used this place as a base back in the late 13th century. On a clear day, views from the cable car and pond are stunning.
Kunming
The shoreline of Dian Chi, located to the south of Kunming, is dotted with settlements, farms and fishing enterprises, and tourist resorts. The lake is…
Yunnan
This quiet Tibetan monastery in Yongning village is worth a visit if time hangs heavy, although only a few lamas are in residence at any time. If you're…
Xishuangbanna Region
Just above the centre of town is a Dai monastery with a steep path beside it leading up to the Black Pagoda – you’ll notice it when entering Damenglong…
Shangri-la
This huge prayer wheel just beside Guishan Temple stands at 21m high and contains 100,000 small prayer wheels. At least six people are needed to make it…
Yunnan
A pilgrimage site for the local Bai people, who traditionally worship the female goddess Guanyin, this temple dates back to the Ming dynasty although it…
Lijiang
Ancient pool still used by the locals to wash veggies from the nearby market and clothes from surrounding homes. The White Horse Dragon Pool Temple next…
Lijiang
At the peak of the park atop Lion Hill – views of Lijiang from here are unbeatable. Take a moment as well to admire the 1st-floor reproductions of Dongba…
Kunming
Originally built more than 400 years ago, this mosque was ripped down in 1997 in order to build a larger version, which is now one of the five largest in…
Kunming
This Tang pagoda can't be climbed, but it is a good spot for people-watching, with all manner of tea-drinking and mahjong games going on in the adjacent…
Lijiang
This pleasant little temple at the heart of the old town is among the best-preserved in Lijiang. Look for signs off of Chongren Alley near the Wanzi…
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Scenic spot where a tiger is said to have leaped across the river, thus giving the gorge its name.
Shangri-la
Some 7km northwest of Shangri-la you’ll find the seasonal Napa Sea, surrounded by a large grassy meadow that pushes right up to the mountains. Between…
