Yangzhou

Yangzhou Overview

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Are you planning a trip to Yunnan Province from Yangzhou, a historical city in Jiangsu Province? Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to travel from Yangzhou to Yunnan, including transportation options, when to visit, and popular tour packages that will help you make the most of your time in this enchanting region.


When and Where to Visit Yunnan

Best Time to Visit Yunnan

Yunnan offers a diverse range of landscapes and climates, so the best time to visit depends on your destination:

  • Spring (March to May): The weather is pleasant, making it a great time to visit Kunming (City of Eternal Spring), Dali, and Lijiang. You can also enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms in Lijiang and the Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces.

  • Summer (June to August): If you’re planning to explore Xishuangbanna, Lijiang, or Shangri-La, summer brings tropical rainforests and cool temperatures in the mountains. However, it’s the monsoon season, so expect occasional showers.

  • Autumn (September to November): The ideal time for outdoor adventures, especially for trekking at places like Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-La. The weather is mild and perfect for sightseeing.

  • Winter (December to February): If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy fewer tourists, winter can be a great option. Kunming remains mild, while Shangri-La and Lijiang offer serene, cold mountain air.

Popular Yunnan Destinations

  • Kunming: Known for its year-round mild climate and attractions like Stone Forest, Dianchi Lake, and the Western Hills.

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

  • Lijiang: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with a charming Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Black Dragon Pool.

  • Shangri-La: A picturesque Tibetan region, known for Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park.

  • Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces: A UNESCO-listed cultural site renowned for its stunning terraces and spectacular sunrises.

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

  • Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the deepest and most stunning gorges in the world, ideal for hiking.

  • Tengchong: Known for its volcanic landscapes and historical sites, like Heshun Ancient Town.

  • Three Parallel Rivers: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to some of the most pristine natural scenery in the world.

  • Puer: Famous for its tea culture and scenic mountain views.

  • Lugu Lake: Known for the Mosuo matriarchal society and its serene, crystal-clear waters.


Yangzhou – Yunnan Transportation

Here are the main ways you can travel from Yangzhou to Yunnan:

Yangzhou to Yunnan Travel by Flights

Flights are the quickest way to reach Yunnan from Yangzhou, especially to Kunming, the capital of Yunnan.

  • Yangzhou to Kunming: You can fly from Yangzhou Taizhou International Airport to Kunming Changshui International Airport. The flight duration is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

  • Yangzhou to Dali: There are no direct flights to Dali, so you would typically need to transfer in Kunming or Chengdu. The total travel time is around 5-6 hours.

  • Yangzhou to Lijiang: There are no direct flights to Lijiang, so you may need to connect through Kunming. The total flight duration will be around 5-6 hours.

  • Yangzhou to Xishuangbanna: You will need to fly via Kunming to get to Xishuangbanna. Total flight time is around 4-5 hours.

Yangzhou to Yunnan Travel by High-Speed Train

Taking the high-speed train is a comfortable and scenic option, though it can be time-consuming due to transfers.

  • Yangzhou to Kunming: There is no direct high-speed train from Yangzhou to Kunming, so you’ll need to transfer in Nanjing or Wuhan. The total travel time is approximately 15-18 hours.

  • Yangzhou to Dali/Lijiang: This journey involves at least two transfers, and the total travel time will be around 20-22 hours.

  • Yangzhou to Xishuangbanna: This requires multiple transfers and can take around 24 hours.

Yangzhou to Yunnan Travel by Normal Train

Taking a normal (slower) train is an option, but it will take longer than the high-speed train.

  • Yangzhou to Kunming: Normal trains can take 24-30 hours.

  • Yangzhou to Dali/Lijiang: This will take about 26-30 hours with transfers in Nanjing or Kunming.

  • Yangzhou to Xishuangbanna: Expect a travel time of 26-30 hours with multiple transfers.

Yangzhou to Yunnan Travel by Road

Driving or taking a bus from Yangzhou to Yunnan is a long journey but could be enjoyable if you love road trips.

  • Yangzhou to Kunming: The drive is around 1,700 km, taking 20-22 hours.

  • Yangzhou to Dali/Lijiang: Expect a road trip of 22-24 hours.

  • Yangzhou to Xishuangbanna: The road journey is about 2,000 km, which will take approximately 24-26 hours.


Yangzhou – Yunnan Tours

If you’d like to explore Yunnan with a guided tour, there are several exciting tour packages that depart from Yangzhou.

Top Yunnan Tour Packages from Yangzhou

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

  • Day 1: Yangzhou to Kunming – Arrival and visit to Stone Forest and Dianchi Lake.

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

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

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

  • Day 8: Return to Yangzhou.

Yuanyang Hani Rice Terraces & Xishuangbanna (7 Days)

  • Day 1: Yangzhou to Kunming – Arrival and sightseeing.

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

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

  • Day 6-7: Xishuangbanna – Visit Botanical Gardens, ethnic minority villages, and the Rainforest Ecology.

  • Day 7: Return to Yangzhou.

Tiger Leaping Gorge & Lijiang Adventure (6 Days)

  • Day 1: Yangzhou to Lijiang – Visit Lijiang Old Town and local attractions.

  • Day 2-3: Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge – Trekking in one of the world’s most stunning gorges.

  • Day 4-5: Lijiang – Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Glacier Park.

  • Day 6: Return to Yangzhou.

Shangri-La & Three Parallel Rivers (9 Days)

  • Day 1: Yangzhou to Kunming – Arrival and exploration.

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

  • Day 4-5: Kunming to Three Parallel Rivers – Explore the UNESCO-listed site and nearby attractions.

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

  • Day 9: Return to Yangzhou.


Whether you’re flying, taking the train, or embarking on a scenic road trip, traveling from Yangzhou to Yunnan is an exciting adventure. With this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the stunning landscapes, rich cultures, and fascinating history of Yunnan.

Opt for one of the curated tour packages to make your trip seamless and memorable. Yunnan is full of natural beauty, ancient traditions, and wonderful experiences waiting for you to discover.