Travel in Yunnan and Explore China on our Tours
Colorful China Travel and Tours helps you put together custom made tours in Yunnan and China according to your ideas and our expertise. We offer short day trips to Dali or Lijiang, multi-day hikes and our unique tours across Yunnan towards Shangri-La, Xishuangbanna or Yuan Yang's rice terraces. Colorful China also organizes tours beyond China in Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Vietnam as well.
A highlight are our Cross-Border tours. These journeys offer interesting programs and an ever-changing scenery along the way. Take the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience several south-east Asian cultures during one trip.
Our most requested tour will lead travelers in the footsteps of General Stillwell along the old Burma road. This network of smaller roads was once vital to supply allied forces in the then occupied China.
Having had many names, such as the Stillwell Road, the Ledo Road or the Burma Road, it is known today as “The old Burma Road”. Offering an interesting view on contemporary Chinese history, a trip on the Old Burma Road will also allow travelers to gain insight into different ethnic minorities and their cultural roots.
How we travel in Yunnan
Yunnan’s road network is outstanding and allows for comfortable travel between most points of interest. Sometimes, when we leave the well beaten track to reach for some of Yunnan’s well-hidden gems, the ride might get a little bit rougher. Our well trained drivers know all routes and will adjust their driving accordingly to allow for a safe journey.
Yunnan features several national airports and a good train service, enabling travelers to easily link up their trip in Yunnan with other destinations in China and across Asia.
Quick Facts about Yunnan
Yunnan is one of China’s southern provinces. To the north, Yunnan borders with Tibet and Sichuan. To the east it borders with the provinces of Guizhou and Guangxi. The southern border is shared with Vietnam and Laos, while Yunnan’s eastern border is delimited by Burma/Myanmar. There is no border crossing to Thailand, but Kunming’s Changshui International Airport offers daily flights to and from various locations in Thailand.
Yunnan is roughly 15000sqm (388610km²) big. This equals just about 4% of China’s landmass. In comparison, Yunnan is a little bit bigger than Germany, or roughly half the size of Texas. Kunming, Yunnan's captial, is home to more than 5 million people. Kunming is mainly a traveler’s gateway to Yunnan and the province's infrastructure hub, but also should not be disregarded as interesting location itself.
„...every trip starts with a first step in the right direction..."
(Confucius 551-479 B.C.)
Mountains, Water and Gorges in Yunnan
Yunnan’s topography can easily be called mountainous. Kawagebo Peak, Yunnan's highest mountain, reaches 22,110ft (6740m) high. It is one of Buddhism's most sacred mountains and has never been summited. Kawagebo Peak is part of the Meili Range which can also be called Meili Xueshan.
Yunnan is also home to Asia’s three big rivers. The Yangtze river, Mekong river and Salween river all flow through Yunnan. Nature reserves along each of the rivers' shores preserve a unique ecosystem consisting of rare birds, plants, monkeys and other mammals while allowing visitors to explore the history and diversity of these regions.
Where water and mountains mix, deep gorges and cannyons are created. Yunnan’s “Tiger Leaping Gorge” offers a three day hike along it’s never too challenging “high route”. At the bottom of the gorge, the Yangtze river is forced through a merely 30ft (10m) wide natural gate, before creating a series of rapids.
Yunnan’s weather is quite predictable and welcoming towards travellers. Categorized as monsoon climate, rainfall in Yunnan is very common during the summer months, but will almost stop in winter. Throughout the year, the temperature can be described as modest for most parts of the province. Yunnan lies on the topic of cancer, yet extends south even further. Its high altitude helps to regulate the temperature and creates a balanced climate in the central parts of the province.
As a rule of thumb it is safe to say that by travelling north or west from Kunming, one will gain altitude, while temperatures will slowly drop. When travelling south and east, temperatures will begin to rise, as altitude decreases.
Destinations in Yunnan
The Chinese province of Yunnan is high on the list of the most beautiful and diverse places on this planet. Yunnan allows visitors to explore the foothills of the Himalayas around Shangri-La, deep gorges close to Lijiang and lush sub-tropical forests in Xishuangbanna.
With Colorful China's Yunnan tours, you won't miss out on secret tips and amazing sights. Discover the sleepy village of Shaxi or hidden monasteries in Deqin County. Travel to remote places in Yunnan, while we take care of everything else. Our English, French and German speaking tour guides will make sure that a trip in Yunnan will always be rewarding. Colorful China's team of experienced travel professionals provides you with honest and up to date travel information. Have us tie together the Yunnan tour package, custom made for you and your interests.
The main Attractions
Yunnan’s best known attractions include the cities of Dali and Lijiang with their beautifully restored old towns, as well as the Stone Forrest close to Kunming. Lesser known, yet very enjoyable, are Kunming’s Western Hills which offer a magnificent view over the southern part of the city.
Colorful-China also offers tours to smaller destinations such as the small village of Shaxi, which captures visitors with its authentic and rustic charm. Shaxi also offers great hikes and is home to Shibaoshan and its Baoxiang Temple where visitors will learn more about the history of Buddhism and how it took hold in China.
Start exploring now
Our Yunnan Travel Blog allows you to start your Yunnan tour right now. We not only blog about the latest travel information, but also give you honest reviews.
Fascinating cross-border overland tours from Yunnan to Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam
Link up one of our Yunnan Tours with a trip through south-east Asia. Travel to Myanmar, Laos or Vietnam and experience even more different cultures than ever before.
Our overland south-east Asia tours are targeted towards experienced travellers. They offer even more information and an in-depth look at Chinese culture(s). Contact us!
