Spring (3-5)

Yunnan in the spring (March to May) is a paradise for nature lovers. With its rich ethnic culture, diverse landscapes, and stunning floral displays, it offers an unforgettable experience. This guide will help you explore the best destinations, festivals, and travel tips for visiting Yunnan during its vibrant spring months.

Top Spring Destinations

Luoping (罗平) – The Sea of Rapeseed Flowers

  • Rapeseed Flower Fields: From late February to early March, the 800,000-acre golden sea of rapeseed flowers blooms, offering a breathtaking view as the flowers contrast with the dramatic karst peaks, creating a scene straight out of a painting.

  • Jiulong Waterfall Group: The spectacular ten-tier waterfall is even more stunning during spring, with rainbow hues reflecting in the mist when the water flow is abundant.

Dali (大理) – Lake and Countryside Beauty

  • Erhai Lake Cycling: In April, the wheat fields around Xizhou look like a scene from an animated movie. The batik fabrics at Yan Family Courtyard and the reflection of Cangshan Mountain make for a perfect blend of culture and nature.

  • Dali Ancient Town: At night, enjoy ethnic music bars along Foreigners’ Street and experience the Bai people’s “Three Courses of Tea” ceremony.

Lijiang (丽江) – A Blend of Nature and Culture

  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: In April, the snow line is clearly visible, and Blue Moon Valley’s lake sparkles like emeralds. Take the cable car to reach 4,680 meters for a panoramic view.

  • Lijiang Ancient Town: Sifang Street is dotted with cherry blossoms and rhododendrons. Experience Naxi ethnic dances and bonfire parties at night.

Kunming (昆明) – The City of Eternal Spring

  • Tulip Garden at Laoyu River: From February to March, 1.2 million tulips bloom in a colorful display, perfect for photography.

  • Seagulls at Dianchi Lake: Before May, you can feed the red-beaked seagulls. The Longmen Grottoes on Western Hills offer stunning views of Kunming city.

YuanYang (元阳) – Rice Terraces and Wildflowers

  • Mirror Effect in Rice Terraces: From March to April, the rice terraces are flooded, reflecting the morning mist and sunrise in the water. Duoyi Village is the best spot for sunrise views.

Spring Ethnic Festivals in Yunnan

March Festivals

  • Lisu Ethnic Knife-pole Festival

    • Date: 8th day of the 2nd lunar month (March 6, 2025)

    • Location: Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture

    • Highlight: Watch brave warriors climb knife poles barefoot and perform fire-walking to showcase the Lisu people’s courage.

  • Zhuang Ethnic San Yue San Festival

    • Date: 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month (April 1, 2025)

    • Location: Wenshan Zhuang and Miao Autonomous Prefecture

    • Highlight: Enjoy dragon worship ceremonies, singing competitions, and shuttlecock games. Young couples often use songs to express their feelings.

April Festivals

  • Dai Ethnic Water Splashing Festival

    • Date: April 13-15 (Dai New Year)

    • Location: Xishuangbanna (Jinghong), Dehong (Mangshi), Lincang (Gengma)

    • Highlight: This lively festival involves bathing Buddha statues, joyful water fights, and prayers to wash away bad luck.

  • Bai Ethnic March Street Festival

    • Date: 15th to 21st day of the 3rd lunar month (April 27 – May 1, 2025)

    • Location: Dali Ancient Town

    • Highlight: This ancient trade market features horse races, the King’s Whip Dance, and Bai cuisine, including milk fan (ru shan) and cold chicken rice noodles (liang ji mi xian).

  • Lahu Ethnic Gourd Festival

    • Date: April 8

    • Location: Lancang County, Pu’er

    • Highlight: Celebrate with singing, dancing, and a rice-pounding competition, honoring the Lahu people’s myth of being born from a gourd.

  • Blang Ethnic Sang Kang Festival

    • Date: April 9-11

    • Location: Menghai County, Xishuangbanna

    • Highlight: A New Year celebration with traditional songs and dances, and prayers for a good harvest.

May Festivals

  • Bai Ethnic Rounding Three Spirits Festival

    • Date: 23rd to 25th day of the 4th lunar month (May 20-22, 2025)

    • Location: Villages around Erhai Lake, Dali

    • Highlight: This cultural event features a procession of songs and dances in the fields.

  • Hani Ethnic Ku Zha Zha Festival

    • Date: Last month of the lunar calendar (pre-celebration in late May, 2025)

    • Location: Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture

    • Highlight: This farming festival celebrates rice terrace culture with activities like swinging and grinding the autumn grain to pray for a good harvest.

Recommended Travel Routes

5-Day Essential Tour

  • Day 1: Kunming (Dianchi Lake, Old Street)

  • Day 2: Luoping (Rapeseed Flower Fields)

  • Day 3: YuanYang (Rice Terraces)

  • Days 4-5: Dali + Lijiang

7-Day In-Depth Tour

  • Days 1-2: Kunming (Tulips, Dongnan Flower Market)

  • Days 3-4: Dali (Erhai Lake, Ancient Town)

  • Days 5-6: Lijiang (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Ancient Town)

  • Day 7: Shangri-La (Songzanlin Monastery)

Practical Tips

  • Clothing: Be prepared for large temperature fluctuations between day and night. Pack a windbreaker, and for trips to the snow-capped mountains, a down jacket is recommended.

  • Transportation: The bullet train from Kunming to Dali or Lijiang takes about 2.5 hours. Renting a car around Erhai Lake is recommended for the best experience.

  • Money-Saving Tip: Traveling during the off-peak season (March to May) can save you up to 50% on accommodation and transportation costs.