Xining

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Xining Overview

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If you’re planning to travel from Xining, the capital of Qinghai Province, to Yunnan, one of China’s most culturally and geographically diverse provinces, this guide will help you plan your journey. From transportation options to the best times to visit, we’ve got you covered!

When and Where to Visit Yunnan

Best Time to Visit Yunnan

The best time to visit Yunnan depends on the region and the kind of experience you’re looking for:

  • Spring (March to May): Ideal for visiting Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang, as the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities. The Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces are also stunning during this time.

  • Summer (June to August): Great for exploring Shangri-La, Lijiang, and Xishuangbanna. However, this is also the rainy season in some parts of the province, so you may want to plan accordingly.

  • Autumn (September to November): The weather is cool and pleasant, making it a perfect time to explore Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La, and Three Parallel Rivers.

  • Winter (December to February): Ideal for avoiding crowds. Kunming remains temperate, and if you’re keen on seeing snow-capped mountains, consider visiting Shangri-La or Lijiang.

Top Yunnan Destinations

  • Kunming: Known for its mild climate, Stone Forest, and Dianchi Lake.

  • Dali: Famous for Erhai Lake, Cangshan Mountain, and the ancient Dali Old Town.

  • Lijiang: A UNESCO World Heritage city, home to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Black Dragon Pool.

  • Shangri-La: A Tibetan region with attractions like Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.

  • Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces: Stunning rice terraces with unique cultural and photographic value.

  • Xishuangbanna: Tropical rainforest and ethnic cultures, including the Wild Elephant Valley.

  • Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the world’s deepest and most beautiful gorges.

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

  • Three Parallel Rivers: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with pristine nature.

  • Lugu Lake: Known for the Mosuo people and their matriarchal society.

  • Puer: Famous for tea culture and beautiful landscapes.

Xining to Yunnan Transportation

Xining to Yunnan Travel by Flights

Flying is the most convenient way to get from Xining to Yunnan.

  • Xining to Kunming: There are direct flights from Xining Caojiabao International Airport to Kunming Changshui International Airport. The flight takes approximately 2.5 hours.

  • Xining to Dali/Lijiang: There are no direct flights, so you’ll need to connect through Kunming. The total flight time is around 4-5 hours.

  • Xining to Xishuangbanna: There are no direct flights, and you’ll need to fly via Kunming, taking around 4-5 hours.

Xining to Yunnan Travel by High-Speed Train

The high-speed train network in Yunnan is extensive, but there are no direct high-speed trains from Xining to Yunnan. You will need to transfer in major cities like Xi’an or Chengdu.

  • Xining to Kunming: The train journey can take around 20-22 hours with transfers.

  • Xining to Dali/Lijiang: The travel time by high-speed train, with transfers, will be around 22-24 hours.

  • Xining to Xishuangbanna: You may need to transfer twice, and the journey can take 24-28 hours.

Xining to Yunnan Travel by Normal Train

Normal trains are available but much slower than high-speed trains.

  • Xining to Kunming: A regular train ride takes around 30-34 hours.

  • Xining to Dali/Lijiang: The normal train ride takes approximately 34-38 hours.

  • Xining to Xishuangbanna: The journey by normal train can take up to 36-40 hours, with multiple transfers.

Xining to Yunnan Travel by Road

If you prefer driving, here are the approximate travel times:

  • Xining to Kunming: A road trip will cover about 1,800 km and take around 24-26 hours.

  • Xining to Dali/Lijiang: Expect a journey of approximately 2,000 km, taking 26-28 hours by road.

  • Xining to Xishuangbanna: The journey can take 28-30 hours, covering 2,300 km.

Xining to Yunnan Tours

Here are some of the best Yunnan tour packages you can choose from when traveling from Xining.

Top Yunnan Tour Packages from Xining

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

  • Day 1: Xining to Kunming – Arrive in Kunming and start your tour with Stone Forest and Dianchi Lake.

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

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

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

  • Day 8: Return to Xining.

Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces & Xishuangbanna (7 Days)

  • Day 1: Xining to Kunming – Arrive and explore Kunming.

  • Day 2-3: Kunming to Yuanyang – Visit the beautiful Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces and enjoy the sunrise.

  • Day 4-5: Yuanyang to Xishuangbanna – Explore the Wild Elephant Valley and enjoy the tropical rainforest.

  • Day 6-7: Discover more about Xishuangbanna‘s ethnic cultures, then return to Xining.

Tiger Leaping Gorge & Lijiang Adventure (6 Days)

  • Day 1: Xining to Lijiang – Explore Lijiang Old Town.

  • Day 2-3: Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge – Hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge and admire the stunning views.

  • Day 4-5: Return to Lijiang and visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

  • Day 6: Return to Xining.

Shangri-La & Three Parallel Rivers (9 Days)

  • Day 1: Xining to Kunming – Arrival and exploration of Kunming‘s famous spots.

  • Day 2-3: Kunming to Tengchong – Visit the Tengchong Volcanoes and Heshun Ancient Town.

  • Day 4-5: Kunming to Three Parallel Rivers – Explore the natural beauty of Three Parallel Rivers.

  • Day 6-9: Shangri-La – Dive deep into Tibetan culture, and visit Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.

  • Day 9: Return to Xining.

With multiple transportation options like flights, trains, and road trips, traveling from Xining to Yunnan is fairly accessible. Whether you’re visiting Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge, or exploring the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces, you can enjoy a variety of landscapes, cultures, and activities during your journey.

Choose from various tour packages to explore Yunnan’s natural wonders, ethnic cultures, and UNESCO-listed sites, and make your travel from Xining to Yunnan an unforgettable adventure!