Yunnan is one of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit in China. It’s in the southwest part of the country and has a mix of mountains, forests, lakes, and old towns. One of the best things about Yunnan is its amazing nature. You can go hiking in places like Tiger Leaping Gorge, which has very deep valleys and high cliffs. There are also beautiful rice fields in Yuanyang that look like mirrors, especially during sunrise. If you go to Shangri-La, you’ll see snow-covered mountains and wide grasslands that feel like you’re in Tibet.

Travelling from Singapore to Yunnan is pretty straightforward by plane. You have the option to fly directly or with a stopover. Some airlines offer direct flights from Singapore (Changi Airport) to Kunming, which is the capital city of Yunnan. The flight takes around 4 to 5 hours. Airlines like China Eastern, Scoot, or Kunming Airlines sometimes have direct flights, though availability may change depending on the season.

However, if there are no direct flights, you can take a flight with a stop in cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or Chengdu, and then transfer to a flight to Kunming or another Yunnan city.

Fly from Singapore to Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan. After arriving, you can explore the area around your hotel. A nice place for a gentle walk is Green Lake Park, where you can see locals dancing or playing music. It’s also a good time to enjoy your first Yunnan-style meal and get some rest after the flight.

Take a half-day trip to the Stone Forest (Shilin), a famous UNESCO site with tall limestone rocks that look like a stone jungle. The location is only about 1.5 hours from Kunming. After the tour, return to Kunming, and if you have time, visit the Yunnan Ethnic Village to learn more about the cultures in the region. Stay another night in Kunming.

Take a high-speed train to Dali, which takes around two hours. Dali is a beautiful old town with mountain views and a relaxed vibe. You can spend the day walking around the ancient town, exploring its narrow streets, and enjoying some street food. In the evening, you can relax in a café or enjoy the night market. Stay overnight in Dali.

Explore the area around Erhai Lake. You can rent a bike, take a tuk-tuk, or hire a driver to circle the lake. Stop at small villages like Xizhou to see traditional Bai-style houses and taste local snacks. You can also visit the Three Pagodas, a well-known landmark in Dali. Return to Dali Old Town in the evening for dinner and rest.

Travel from Dali to Lijiang by train or car, which takes about two hours. Once you arrive, explore Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with canals, stone bridges, and beautiful old houses. This town is home to the Naxi people, and you’ll hear traditional music and see their culture in everyday life. Spend the night in Lijiang.

Take a day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. You can ride a cable car up the mountain for stunning views and visit Blue Moon Valley at the base, where the water is bright turquoise. On the way back, stop by Baisha Village to see ancient wall paintings and learn about local Naxi traditions. Return to Lijiang for the night.

Travel to Shangri-La, a Tibetan-style town high in the mountains. The drive takes around 4–5 hours and is filled with scenic views of rivers and mountains. When you arrive, visit the old town and see the Songzanlin Monastery, which looks like a smaller version of the Potala Palace in Tibet. Spend the night in Shangri-La.

Spend the day learning about Tibetan culture. Visit a local Tibetan family, try yak butter tea, or even ride a yak in the grasslands. You can also visit the large golden prayer wheel in the town and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the highlands. After a full day, rest again in Shangri-La.

Take a short domestic flight from Shangri-La back to Kunming. Once in Kunming, enjoy some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. A good place to visit is Nanping Walking Street, where you can find shops, snacks, and souvenirs. It’s your last night in Yunnan, so enjoy a good dinner and relax.

Head to Kunming airport and fly back to Singapore. Your 10-day adventure in Yunnan ends here, full of beautiful landscapes, rich cultures, and unforgettable memories.

Getting around Yunnan is quite convenient, especially between major cities and tourist areas. Here are a few options for you:

Crossing-the-Bridge rice noodles are Yunnan’s most famous dish! It’s a big bowl of hot broth served with thin rice noodles and raw toppings, like meat, egg, and vegetables, that you add yourself. The soup is rich and comforting, perfect for any time of day. You will get a big bowl of boiling hot broth, and on the side, you’re given small plates of raw or lightly cooked ingredients that you will add later on.

The broth is made from slow-cooked chicken or pork bones and has a smooth, rich taste with a thin layer of oil on top; this keeps the soup hot longer. The serving style is so fun and hands-on that you will become the chef for a minute! The dish is comforting, perfect for cooler days or when you want something filling but not too heavy.

You’ll find this dish in almost every city in Yunnan, especially in Kunming, where it originated. There are even restaurants that specialise only in this one dish, some will offer versions with seafood, mushrooms, or even deluxe options with more ingredients.

Staying in Kunming is a great idea because it's the gateway city to Yunnan — almost all flights and trains connect through here, so it makes travel super easy. The city is known as the "Spring City" because of its mild weather all year round, which makes it comfortable to explore anytime. Here are our top pick hotels for you!

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