Airlines in Yunnan

Currently Yunnan Province has 15 airports in its major tourist cities, making these cities easily reached from the main cities in China and aboard. When tourists travel in Yunnan, the most convenient way getting in should be by air. Generally, most of tourists will take flight to Kunming and take plane or other means of transportation from Kunming the other cities of Yunnan. There are more than 40 airlines providing the air service in Yunnan. This page introduces you the Airlines in Yunnan.

Chinese Airlines

1.China Eastern Airlines

China Eastern Airlines is China’s second-largest carrier by passenger numbers. It is a major Chinese airline operating international, domestic and regional routes. In Yunnan, except for Wenshan airport, it provides air service at all the rest 12 airports. 

Add: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in Changning District, Shanghai Tel: 95530

2. China Southern Airlines

Established on 1 July 1988, the airline became one of China’s “Big Three” airlines (alongside Air China and China Eastern Airlines), the world’s sixth-largest airline measured by passengers carried and Asia’s largest airline in fleet size. In Yunnan, it provides service at the airports of Kunming, Lijiang, Dali, Shangrila, Xishuangbanna, Wenshan and Dehong.

Add: Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China Tel: 95539

3. Lucky Air

The airline was established in July 2004 as a start-up airline known as Shilin Airlines. It started with flights between Dali and Kunming and Xishuangbanna and Kunming, and expanded soon to other areas of China and added international routes as well. Its base is Kunming Changshui International Airport. In Yunnan, it provides service at  the airports of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Xishuangbanna, Dehong, Tengchong, Baoshan, Puer and Luguhu(Lugu Lake).

Add: Xiangpeng Hangkong Dasha in Kunming, Yunnan, China Tel: 95326

4.Kunming Airlines

Kunming Airlines (昆明航空公司) is an airline based in Kunming, Yunnan, China and established in 2005. Kunming Airlines, based in Kunming Changshui International Airport, operates flights within Yunnan province as well as routes connecting Kunming and other cities. Now it provides service at  the airports of Kunming, Lijiang, Xishuangbanna, Dehong, Baoshan, Lincang and Puer.

Add: Kunming Changshui International Airport, Yunnan, China Tel:  +86 871 96598

5. Sichuan Airlines

It is also the largest airline in western China, operating mainly scheduled domestic and international flights out of Chengdu Shuangliu Airport, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport and Kunming Changshui International Airport. In Kunming, it provides service at  the airports of Kunming, Lijiang, Xishuangbanna, Dehong, Puer, and Zhaotong.

Add: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, Sichuan Province Tel:  +86 28 8888 8888

6. Chongqing Airlines

Chongqing Airlines is an airline based in Chongqing, China. It operates both domestic passenger services within mainland China and international passenger services to Thailand and Vietnam respectively. In Yunnan, it provides service at  the airports of Kunming, Lijiang, Xishuangbanna, Tengchong, and Puer.

Add: Chongqing City, China Tel: 95539

7.Ruili Airlines

Ruili Airlines Co., Ltd. is a Chinese full service carrier based at Kunming Changshui International Airport. It provides both domestic and international services to destinations in China and in Southeast Asia (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sihanoukville). Its first service, between Kunming and Mangshi, was launched on 18 May 2014. In Yunnan, it provides service at  the airports of  Kunming, Lijiang, Xishuangbanna and Puer.

Add: Kunming Changshui International Airport, Yunnan, China Tel: +86 400-005-9999

Besides afore-mentioned airlines, there are many others serving in the destinations of Yunnan province, including Air China, Beijing Capital Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, Chengdu Airlines, Western Airlines, China Express Airlines, Loong Airlines, etc.

Foreign Airlines

Yunnan has three international airports, namely Kunming Airport, Lijiang Airport and Xishuangbanna airport. They provide international flights for domestic and foreign tourists. This part will introduce you the foreign airlines which offers air service in Yunnan.

Kunming Airport:

Airlines From Kunming to 
China Eastern Airlines Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Osaka, Singapore, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phuket, Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiane, Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, Rangoon, Naypyidaw, Mandalay, Calcutta, Dhaka, Colombo, Male, Kathmandu, Dubai, Paris, Vancouver, Sydney, San Francisco
China Southern Airlines Islamabad
Air China Yangon
Lucky Air Taichung, Bangkok, Phuket, Koh Samui, Krabi, Nha Trang, Sabah, Sihanouk, Jeju
Shandong Airlines Delhi, Bangkok, new Delhi
Sichuan Airlines Taipei
Hong Kong Express Airways/KA Dragon Airlines/Cathay Pacific Airways Hong Kong
UNI Airways Kaohsiung
Singapore Silk Air/Singapore Airlines Singapore
Thai Airways International Bangkok, Chiang Mai
Airasia Airline Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok
Tonle Sap Airlines Siem Reap
Lao Airlines Vientiane, Luang Prabang
Korean Air Seoul
Eastar Jet Cheju
Vietjetair Nha Trang
SriLankan Airlines Colombo

Lijiang Airport:

Airlines From Lijiang to 
China Eastern Airlines Hong Kong, Taipei(available every Wednesday, Friday, Sunday), Bangkok
Tiger Airways Singapore
Mandarin Airlines Taipei
Asiana Airlines/Korea Airlines Seoul

Xishuangbanna Airport:

Airlines From Xishuangbanna to 
Ruili Airlines/FlexFlight Chieng Mai(available every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday)
Ruili Airlines/FlexFlight Chiang Rai(available every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday)
Lao Airlines Luang Prabang(available every Thursday, Sunday)

Transportation in Yunnan:

Yunnan Travel by Air

Rail Transport in Yunnan

Roads in Yunnan

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Common Q&A for traveling to Yunnan

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  • icon
    10. Are there any day trip or excursions from Yunnan I shuold consider?
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    Yunnan offers a variety of options for a one-day tour. You can explore the ancient towns of Lijiang and Dali, which are steeped in history and culture. The Stone Forest and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provide stunning natural scenery. For those interested in local culture, there’s the Pu’er tea culture or coffee tours. The Nujiang Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Each destination has its unique charm, making your one-day trip in Yunnan unforgettable.

  • icon
    9. What are the best options for accommodation in Yunnan?
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    Yunnan offers diverse accommodation options across its vast region. In Kunming, downtown areas feature convenient transportation and luxury hotels, while lakeside resorts near Dianchi Lake provide family-friendly stays with scenic views.
    In Dali, seaside B&Bs along Erhai Lake are top choices, with designer hotels in Shuanglang and Caicun offering rooms with star-gazing bathtubs. The ancient town preserves Bai-style guesthouses with traditional courtyard architecture.
    Lijiang’s Shuhe Ancient Town showcases Naxi-style courtyard inns, while Dayan Ancient Town suits nightlife lovers. Luxury resorts at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s base provide floor heating and oxygen supply.
    In Shangri-La, Tibetan-style boutique hotels within Dukezong Ancient Town offer family rooms and oxygen equipment, just steps from the Prayer Wheel.
    Xishuangbanna’s rainforest treehouse hotels blend Dai architectural elements with modern design, featuring private pool villas immersed in tropical flora. Before booking your Yunnan tour, let us know your preferred hotel class (3 star, 4 star, or 5 star) and we can provide a list of hotels for your reference.

  • icon
    8. How do I get to Kunming Yunnan from other parts of China and overseas?
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    Kunming as the capital city of Yunnan Province is well connected to other parts of China by air and train, with regular flights and high-speed trains available from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Singapore, Thailand, the U.S. and other countries. If you have specific travel ideas or transportation preferences, our travel experts are happy to help you arrange the best transportation option for your needs.

  • icon
    7. What is the best time of year to visit Yunnan?
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    Peak Seasons: March-May (spring blooms) & September-November (stunning autumn colors), pleasant climate (15-25°C), ideal for outdoor activities, and vibrant festivals (Water-Splashing Festival, Torch Festival).
    Winter (Dec-Feb): Escape cold in Xishuangbanna (25°C+), witness mirror-like Yuanyang Terraces, enjoy snowscapes at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with off-season discounts.
    Summer (June-Aug): Some rainfall, but Kunming, Dali, and Lugu Lake remain comfortably cool.
    Recommendations: Spring/autumn for photography, festivals for cultural experiences, winter for budget travel.

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    6. What are the must-see attractions in Yunnan?
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    The must-see attractions in Yunnan can be categorized into three types: Natural Landscape, which includes Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Stone Forest, Xishuangbanna Tropical Rainforest, and Pudacuo National Park; Historical and Cultural, covering Lijiang Ancient Town, Dali Ancient Town, and Chongsheng Temple Pagodas; and Special Experience, featuring Lugu Lake and Tengchong Volcano and Hot Sea.

  • icon
    5. How long should I spend in Yunnan?
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    The amount of thime you should spend in Yunnan depends on your travel plans and interests. A typical intinerary includes 8 to 12 days to visit the major attractions in Yunnan, but it is possible to spend more time if you want to explore the city and its surrounding areas in more depth.

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    4. Can I Make Changes My Reservation After Booking?
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    Explanation of Itinerary Adjustments:
    Adjustments Before the Tour Begins:
    Prior to the start of the tour, customers can request itinerary adjustments at any time. However, as adjustments may involve rebooking transportation, accommodations, tour guide services, and attraction tickets, customers will be responsible for any associated costs. We will do our best to assist with the adjustments, but we cannot guarantee that all requests will be fully accommodated.

    Adjustments After the Tour Has Begun:
    Once the tour has commenced, any adjustments to the itinerary will need to be negotiated based on the specific circumstances. Since some services may have already been provided and cannot be refunded, customers will still be responsible for any additional costs incurred due to the adjustments, including but not limited to transportation, accommodation, tour guide, and ticket fees. We recommend carefully confirming the itinerary before the tour begins to avoid unnecessary adjustments and costs.
    We are committed to providing you with a satisfying travel experience. If you have any requests for adjustments, please communicate with us promptly, and we will do our best to assist in resolving the issue.

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    3. What Is your Cancellation Policy?
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    Our booking policy is designed to offer you flexibility and peace of mind. Here are the details regarding cancellation:
    Unpaid Bookings: You can cancel your booking at any time before payment without incurring any fees.
    Paid Bookings:
    Cancellation more than 3 months before departure: After deducting a small administrative fee, we will refund the full amount of your payment.
    Cancellation within 3 months of departure: We will refund any amounts that have not yet been incurred.
    We understand that travel plans can change for various reasons, and our policy aims to provide you with the greatest flexibility and protection. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to serve you.

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    2. What Payment Methods Do you Accept?
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    Customers can choose from a variety of payment methods to ensure a convenient and secure payment process:
    Bank Transfer: We support transfers in USD, EUR, or CNY to meet the needs of customers from different countries and regions.
    Online Payment: We offer multiple convenient online payment options, including PayPal, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and Credit Card payments (supporting major credit cards from most countries).
    No matter which payment method you choose, we will ensure the security and convenience of your transaction. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, and we will provide you with detailed payment guidance.

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    1. How Do I Book A Trip with Your Agency?
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    Customers can easily browse through the attractions and tour itineraries that interest them on our website. If you are interested in a particular tour, please feel free to contact us via the following methods:
    Email: contact@yunnanexploration.com
    WhatsApp: +86-18088242690
    Our professional sales team will provide you with personalized recommendations for attractions and tour itineraries. Once you are satisfied with the tour arrangement, our team will book the entire itinerary for you, including transportation, accommodation, and all relevant services such as attraction tickets, ensuring a worry-free travel experience. We look forward to serving you!

  • icon
    Yunnan Tours FAQs – Plan Your Yunnan Tours Worry Free
    icon
    1. How long should I spend in Yunnan?

    The amount of time you should spend in Yunnan depends on your travel plans and interests. A typical itinerary includes 8 to 12 days to visit the major attractions in Yunnan, but it is possible to spend more time if you want to explore the city and its surrounding areas in more depth.

    1. What are the must-see attractions in Yunnan?

    The must-see attractions in Yunnan can be categorized into three types: Natural Landscape, which includes Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Stone Forest, Xishuangbanna Tropical Rain forest, and Pudacuo National Park; Historical and Cultural, covering Lijiang Ancient Town, Dali Ancient Town, and Chongsheng Temple Pagodas; and Special Experience, featuring Lugu Lake and Tengchong Volcano and Hot Sea.

    1. What is Stone Forest?

    A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is known for its unique karst topography. The limestone here has been shaped into a variety of unique peaks, pillars, and shoots over hundreds of millions of years by the erosion and weathering of water and wind, forming a natural labyrinth of stone.

    1. What is the best time of year to visit Yunnan?

    Peak Seasons: March-May (spring blooms) & September-November (stunning autumn colors), pleasant climate (15-25°C), ideal for outdoor activities, and vibrant festivals (Water-Splashing Festival, Torch Festival).

    Winter (Dec-Feb): Escape cold in Xishuangbanna (25°C+), witness mirror-like Yuanyang Terraces, enjoy snowscapes at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with off-season discounts.

    Summer (June-Aug): Some rainfall, but Kunming, Dali, and Lugu Lake remain comfortably cool.

    Recommendations: Spring/autumn for photography, festivals for cultural experiences, winter for budget travel.

    1. How do I get to Kunming Yunnan from other parts of China and overseas?

    Kunming as the capital city of Yunnan Province is well connected to other parts of China by air and train, with regular flights and high-speed trains available from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Singapore, Thailand, the U.S. and other countries. If you have specific travel ideas or transportation preferences, our travel experts are happy to help you arrange the best transportation option for your needs.

    1. What are the best options for accommodation in Yunnan?

    Yunnan offers diverse accommodation options across its vast region. In Kunming, downtown areas feature convenient transportation and luxury hotels, while lakeside resorts near Dianchi Lake provide family-friendly stays with scenic views.

    In Dali, seaside B&Bs along Erhai Lake are top choices, with designer hotels in Shuanglang and Caicun offering rooms with star-gazing bathtubs. The ancient town preserves Bai-style guesthouses with traditional courtyard architecture.

    Lijiang‘s Shuhe Ancient Town showcases Naxi-style courtyard inns, while Dayan Ancient Town suits nightlife lovers. Luxury resorts at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’s base provide floor heating and oxygen supply.

    In Shangri-La, Tibetan-style boutique hotels within Dukezong Ancient Town offer family rooms and oxygen equipment, just steps from the Prayer Wheel.

    Xishuangbanna‘s rainforest treehouse hotels blend Dai architectural elements with modern design, featuring private pool villas immersed in tropical flora. Before booking your Yunnan tour, let us know your preferred hotel class (3 star, 4 star, or 5 star) and we can provide a list of hotels for your reference.

    1. What types of cuisine can I expect to try in Yunnan?

    Yunnan cuisine is rich and diverse, and here are some recommendations.

    Kunming

    • Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles: A signature Yunnan dish, Jianxin Garden is a well-known local brand.
    • Steam Pot Chicken: A specialty from Jianshui, cooked in a unique steam pot to retain the tenderness of the chicken.
    • Wild Mushroom Hot Pot: A seasonal dish available during the rainy season, recommended at Jun Gu Restaurant.
    • Tofu Pudding Rice Noodles: A combination of rice noodles and tofu pudding, served with a tangy and spicy flavor.
    • Cracked-Skin Buns: Features a crispy, flaky outer layer and a savory filling.

    Dali

    • Sour and Spicy Fish: Made with fish from Erhai Lake and stewed with sour tamarind, offering a tangy and spicy flavor with a hint of fruity aroma.
    • Rushan Cheese: Best enjoyed grilled and dipped in rose sauce, with a rich dairy flavor and a slightly charred taste.
    • Shengpi (Raw Pork): Thin slices of roasted pork served with a spicy dipping sauce, providing a unique crispy and refreshing texture.

    Lijiang

    • Smoked Pork Rib Hot Pot: A warming dish with savory smoked pork ribs simmered in broth, perfect for cold winter days.
    • Chicken Bean Jelly: A versatile dish that can be enjoyed cold with a tangy and spicy flavor or fried for a crispy texture.
    • Naxi BBQ: Tender and flavorful roasted meats, often seasoned with chili powder.
    • Lijiang Buns: Available in both sweet and savory flavors.

    Shangri-La

    • Butter Tea: A rich and savory drink that helps combat the dryness of the high-altitude climate.
    • Yak Meat Hot Pot: Served with a Tibetan-style broth and accompanied by barley cakes.
    • Tsampa: A traditional Tibetan food made from roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea, convenient and filling.

    Xishuangbanna

    • Dai-Style Spicy Chicken Feet: A tangy and spicy dish with a chewy texture, enhanced by the addition of lemon and bird’s eye chilies.
    • Pineapple Rice: A sweet and fragrant dish made from glutinous rice steamed with pineapple.
    • Lemongrass Grilled Fish: Grilled to perfection over charcoal, infused with the aroma of lemongrass.

    Others

    • Tengchong Rice Noodles: A local specialty, best enjoyed at Da Jiu Jia.
    • Jianshui Grilled Tofu: A must-try at the Ximen Night Market.
    • Buluruda: A unique dessert from Mangshi.
    • Rose Jam Yogurt: Perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
    • Tamarind Juice: A distinctive local beverage.
    1. Are there any day trip or excursions from Yunnan I shuold consider?

    Yunnan offers a variety of options for a one-day tour. You can explore the ancient towns of Lijiang and Dali, which are steeped in history and culture. The Stone Forest and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain provide stunning natural scenery. For those interested in local culture, there’s the Pu’er tea culture or coffee tours. The Nujiang Grand Canyon offers breathtaking views and outdoor activities. Each destination has its unique charm, making your one-day trip in Yunnan unforgettable.