Xiamen

Xiamen Overview

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Xiamen, a beautiful coastal city in Fujian Province, offers easy access to Yunnan, a province known for its diverse ethnic cultures, stunning landscapes, and natural beauty. Planning a trip from Xiamen to Yunnan will take you through several transportation options and exciting tour packages to explore cities like Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La.


When and Where to Visit Yunnan

Best Time to Visit Yunnan

  • Spring (March to May): Ideal for exploring cities like Kunming (famous for the Stone Forest and Dianchi Lake) and Dali (with its Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain). The pleasant weather makes outdoor activities enjoyable.

  • Summer (June to August): Best for visiting Xishuangbanna, Shangri-La, and Tiger Leaping Gorge. However, expect occasional rains in lower-altitude areas like Kunming.

  • Autumn (September to November): Perfect for trekking and exploring places like the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces and Three Parallel Rivers. This is also a great time for cultural visits to Dali and Lijiang.

  • Winter (December to February): A quieter season to explore Lijiang and Shangri-La, where the cold adds a magical charm to the landscape, and the snow-covered mountains are breathtaking.

Top Yunnan Destinations

  • Kunming: Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” it’s home to Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, and the famous Western Hills.

  • Dali: Famous for its Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain, offering a relaxed and charming environment.

  • Lijiang: A UNESCO-listed ancient town known for its Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Black Dragon Pool.

  • Shangri-La: Tibetan culture and natural beauty await, with sites like Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.

  • Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces: A UNESCO Heritage site with stunning landscape views, especially at sunrise.

  • Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the world’s deepest gorges, offering a thrilling trekking experience with spectacular views.

  • Xishuangbanna: Tropical paradise, home to the Wild Elephant Valley and Dai culture, along with beautiful rainforests.

  • Tengchong: Famous for volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and Heshun Ancient Town.

  • Three Parallel Rivers: A UNESCO World Heritage site, known for pristine natural beauty, deep valleys, and Tibetan culture.

  • Jinghong: The capital of Xishuangbanna, offers tropical gardens, rivers, and rich ethnic culture.


Xiamen to Yunnan Transportation

Xiamen to Yunnan Travel by Flights

  • Xiamen to Kunming: There are direct flights from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) to Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG). Flight time is approximately 2.5 hours.

  • Xiamen to Dali/Lijiang/Shangri-La: While direct flights are rare, you can fly to Kunming and transfer to Dali, Lijiang, or Shangri-La. Total flight time from Xiamen to Dali or Lijiang via Kunming is around 4.5 to 5.5 hours.

  • Xiamen to Xishuangbanna: Flights to Jinghong (Xishuangbanna) are available with a transfer in Kunming, with a total flight time of approximately 4.5 hours.

Xiamen to Yunnan Travel by High-Speed Train

  • Xiamen to Kunming: There are no direct high-speed trains from Xiamen to Kunming, but you can take a train from Xiamen to Guangzhou, then transfer to a high-speed train to Kunming. The total journey will take around 12-14 hours.

  • Xiamen to Dali/Lijiang: You can travel by high-speed train to Kunming, then transfer to a regular train or bus to Dali or Lijiang. The journey time will be approximately 16-18 hours.

  • Xiamen to Xishuangbanna: Similarly, you will need to transfer in Kunming, and the total travel time will be around 18-20 hours by train.

Xiamen to Yunnan Travel by Normal Train

  • Xiamen to Kunming: A regular train from Xiamen to Kunming will take approximately 20-24 hours.

  • Xiamen to Dali/Lijiang: You will need to transfer in Kunming for a total travel time of around 24-26 hours.

  • Xiamen to Xishuangbanna: The journey to Xishuangbanna involves transfers, and it will take approximately 22-24 hours.

Xiamen to Yunnan Travel by Road

  • Xiamen to Kunming: If you choose to drive, the journey covers approximately 1,500 km and will take around 16-18 hours.

  • Xiamen to Dali/Lijiang: The road trip will take about 18-20 hours, depending on traffic conditions.

  • Xiamen to Xishuangbanna: The road trip will be about 1,800 km, and will take around 20-22 hours.


Xiamen to Yunnan Tours

Here are some exciting Yunnan tour packages from Xiamen to various cities and attractions.

Top Yunnan Tour Packages from Xiamen

Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La (8 Days)

  • Day 1: Xiamen to Kunming – Arrive in Kunming and explore Stone Forest and Western Hills.

  • Day 2-3: Kunming to Dali – Visit Dali Old Town, Erhai Lake, and Cangshan Mountain.

  • Day 4-5: Dali to Lijiang – Explore Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Black Dragon Pool.

  • Day 6-7: Lijiang to Shangri-La – Enjoy Tibetan culture at Songzanlin Monastery and explore Pudacuo National Park.

  • Day 8: Return to Xiamen.

Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces and Xishuangbanna (7 Days)

  • Day 1: Xiamen to Kunming – Explore Kunming and visit Stone Forest.

  • Day 2-3: Kunming to Yuanyang – Visit the spectacular Hani Rice Terraces and stay overnight for an early morning visit to the terraces.

  • Day 4-5: Yuanyang to Xishuangbanna – Discover Wild Elephant Valley, tropical rainforest, and Dai culture in Xishuangbanna.

  • Day 6-7: Explore more of the region before returning to Xiamen.

Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lijiang Adventure (6 Days)

  • Day 1: Xiamen to Lijiang – Visit Lijiang Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

  • Day 2-3: Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge – Enjoy a scenic hike along the gorge with magnificent views.

  • Day 4: Return to Lijiang for sightseeing.

  • Day 5-6: Explore Shuhe Old Town and nearby areas before returning to Xiamen.

Shangri-La & Three Parallel Rivers (9 Days)

  • Day 1: Xiamen to Kunming – Discover Kunming’s major attractions, including Dianchi Lake and Western Hills.

  • Day 2-3: Kunming to Tengchong – Explore Tengchong’s volcanic landscape and Heshun Ancient Town.

  • Day 4-5: Kunming to Three Parallel Rivers – Visit this UNESCO Heritage site.

  • Day 6-9: Shangri-La – Discover Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, and explore the Tibetan region.

  • Day 9: Return to Xiamen.


Xiamen to Yunnan offers multiple transportation options, including flights, high-speed trains, regular trains, and road trips. Whether you’re planning to explore Kunming, trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge, or immerse yourself in the cultural richness of Shangri-La, Yunnan is an incredible destination. With well-planned tours, you’ll be able to enjoy everything that this magical province has to offer.

Happy travels as you plan your trip from Xiamen to Yunnan! Let me know if you need more details or assistance with any specific tour.