Guiyang

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Guiyang Overview

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Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou Province, is known for its picturesque landscapes, minority cultures, and the famous Huangguoshu Waterfall. If you’re planning a trip to Yunnan, a province renowned for its rich diversity, stunning natural beauty, and vibrant cultures, this guide will help you plan your travel from Guiyang to Yunnan.

Best Time to Visit Yunnan

  • Spring (March to May): Ideal for exploring the outdoors with pleasant weather and blooming flowers.

  • Autumn (September to November): Great for sightseeing with cooler temperatures and clear skies.

Yunnan is a year-round destination due to its diverse climate, but spring and autumn are considered the most comfortable seasons for travel.

Guiyang to Yunnan Transportation

By Air

  • Flights: The fastest way to travel from Guiyang to Yunnan is by air. Direct flights are available from Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport to major cities in Yunnan.

    • Guiyang to Kunming: Flight duration is about 1.5 hours.

    • Guiyang to Lijiang: Flights take approximately 3-3.5 hours with one stop.

    • Guiyang to Shangri-La: Flights generally take about 5-6 hours with one stop.

    • Guiyang to Dali: Direct flights are available, and the duration is about 2.5-3 hours.

  • Booking: Flights can be booked online or at the airport. Be sure to check the flight schedules and availability.

By High-Speed Train

  • Guiyang to Kunming: High-speed trains between Guiyang and Kunming are very convenient, with a travel time of around 4.5 to 5 hours. The trains depart from Guiyang North Railway Station to Kunming South Railway Station.

  • Guiyang to Dali: You will need to transfer at Kunming, and the total travel time is around 7-8 hours.

  • Guiyang to Lijiang: This journey also requires a transfer at Kunming, taking around 9-10 hours in total.

By Normal Train

  • Guiyang to Kunming: The normal train journey takes about 9-10 hours.

  • Guiyang to Dali: With a transfer at Kunming, the journey will take approximately 13-14 hours.

  • Guiyang to Lijiang: Similar to Dali, this route takes about 14-15 hours with a transfer in Kunming.

By Road

  • Long-Distance Buses: Long-distance buses are available from Guiyang to Yunnan cities, with a journey time of about 10-20 hours depending on your destination.

  • Self-Drive: For those looking to take a road trip, traveling by car or motorcycle can take 16-24 hours to reach cities like Kunming, Dali, or Lijiang.

Top Yunnan Destinations & Suggested Tours from Guiyang

Kunming

  • Stone Forest: Explore the surreal limestone formations in this UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Dianchi Lake: A scenic lake surrounded by mountains, ideal for boat rides and relaxation.

  • Western Hills: Known for its hiking trails, historical sites, and panoramic views.

Dali

  • Erhai Lake: A beautiful freshwater lake offering boat rides and cycling paths.

  • Cangshan Mountain: Popular for hiking and offering great views of the surrounding areas.

  • Dali Ancient Town: A charming town rich in Bai ethnic culture.

Lijiang

  • Lijiang Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its traditional Naxi architecture.

  • Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: A famous peak offering cable car rides, hiking, and stunning views.

  • Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest gorges in the world, ideal for trekking and nature enthusiasts.

Shangri-La

  • Songzanlin Monastery: A Tibetan Buddhist monastery with impressive architecture and beautiful surroundings.

  • Pudacuo National Park: A nature lover’s paradise with lakes, forests, and diverse wildlife.

  • Napa Lake: A high-altitude lake surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces

  • Why Visit: Known for their breathtaking beauty, these terraces are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are perfect for photography, hiking, and cultural immersion in the Hani people’s agricultural life.

Xishuangbanna

  • Wild Elephant Valley: See Asian elephants and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

  • Jinghong: Visit the tropical rainforest and experience Dai culture.

  • Tropical Botanical Garden: Explore the diverse flora of the region.

Suggested Itineraries from Guiyang

Guiyang to Kunming Tour (4 Days)

  • Day 1: Arrive in Kunming, visit Stone Forest and Green Lake.

  • Day 2: Explore Dianchi Lake, Western Hills, and Yunnan Provincial Museum.

  • Day 3: Visit Golden Temple and local markets.

  • Day 4: Return to Guiyang or continue your journey.

Guiyang to Dali & Lijiang Tour (6 Days)

  • Day 1: Arrive in Dali, visit Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain.

  • Day 2: Explore Dali Ancient Town.

  • Day 3: Travel to Lijiang, visit Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

  • Day 4: Trek Tiger Leaping Gorge.

  • Day 5-6: Visit Shangri-La, explore Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.

  • Day 7: Return to Guiyang.

Guiyang to Shangri-La & Yuanyang (7 Days)

  • Day 1-2: Arrive in Shangri-La, visit Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.

  • Day 3-4: Explore the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces.

  • Day 5: Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge.

  • Day 6-7: Travel to Jinghong in Xishuangbanna, explore the tropical rainforest.

  • Day 8: Return to Guiyang.

Sample Tour Packages from Guiyang

Guiyang to Kunming Tour (4 Days)

  • Includes: Visit Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, and Western Hills.

Guiyang to Dali & Lijiang Tour (6 Days)

  • Includes: Explore Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, Lijiang Old Town, and Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Guiyang to Shangri-La Tour (7 Days)

  • Includes: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, and the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces.

Travel Tips for Your Yunnan Trip

Accommodation

  • Booking: Book hotels in advance, especially in popular cities like Kunming, Lijiang, and Dali. You can choose from budget hostels, boutique hotels, or luxury resorts.

Cuisine

  • Yunnan Cuisine: Be sure to try crossing-the-bridge noodles, wild mushroom hotpot, and steam-pot chicken.

Cultural Etiquette

  • Respect Local Traditions: Yunnan is home to many ethnic minorities, including the Naxi, Tibetan, and Bai people. When visiting villages and cultural sites, be respectful of local customs and practices.

Altitude

  • Some of the areas like Shangri-La and Lijiang are located at high altitudes. Take time to acclimatize and stay hydrated.

Traveling from Guiyang to Yunnan will allow you to explore the diverse landscapes, rich culture, and incredible natural beauty of this stunning region. With multiple transport options such as flights, trains, and buses, you can easily make your way to places like Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, nature adventures, or picturesque landscapes, Yunnan has something for everyone!