Hidden Gems Places To Visit in Yunnan, China

1. 5.0 Lijiang Romance Park (88 reviews)
   - Fantastic Show, great costumes, but only in Mandarin
   Thursday: 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Cabarets
   
   
   Large-scale song and dance "lijiang eternal love" is the soul of lijiang culture, with IMAX3D large visual, recreate the naxi genesis, "LuGu girl country", "caravan legend", "mu's residence brilliant", "yulong third country" lijiang one thousand years of history and tradition, such as lead audiences across the snowy mountains, in the domain of KuangYuan original conceptions, the mosuo flowers at the bank of lugu lake floor, in relying on the wind rain tea ma gu, the resplendent and magnificent mu's residence, and melancholy in the romantic feeling of yulong third country, in the idyllic shambhala meet a sentimental encounter, a beautiful moment. See more..
   
2. 5.0 Duoyishu (72 reviews)
   - Nice sunrise in rice field
   Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains • Geologic Formations
   
   
   Worth to see!! We were there in December - the rice fields were full of water - the sunrise was mirrored in the water. Must be very nice as well in other period. Enough space to see the sunrise (but this might have been caused by the Covid year). See more..
   
3. 5.0 Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute (70 reviews)
   - The Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute
   Thursday: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
   
   
   It is a wonderful place, the artists are wonderful, the embroidery arts are wonderful and unbelievable.We went there by bike. See more..
   
4. 5.0 Shangri-La Highland Craft Brewery (26 reviews)
   - Amazing place!
   Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries
   
   
   We are China's first fully licensed craft brewery located at the foot of the Shangri-La mountain range. In cooperation with Swiss and German beer experts, our beer is still brewed using traditional and manual methods, with special focus placed on the use of pristine resources. Our prime brewing ingredients are all local, including highland barley and alpine spring water. See more..
   
5. 4.5 Geothermal Scenic Area (95 reviews)
   - One day tour
   Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Hot Springs & Geysers
   
   
   This is a scenic trial walk, get to see the natural hot springs and forest. One of my favourite tourist attraction in tingchong Before you walk inside, there alot of aunti and granny tried to sell you eggs (¥5 for 4 eggs) because at the end of the trail walk. There is a spot where you use the natural hot steam to steam your eggs. If you going to support them rather buy from the old granny especially the one with grey hairs, because ¥5 might be nothing to us but it definately meant lot more for them. See more..
   
6. 4.5 Sipsongpanna Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Sciences (89 reviews)
   - Very very large
   Gardens
   
   
   Two large sections. So worth while getting the whole garden tram and do walks from certain stop points. See more..
   
7. 4.5 Zhu's Family Garden (Zhu Jia Huayuan) (89 reviews)
   - A Wealthy Families Garden
   Thursday: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Gardens
   
   
   A large garden of a wealthy merchant family. This one had a lot of appeal and enjoyed walking in there with my guide, he provided a lot of insight into this garden. A hotel is also inside here, but no real amenities for the hotel other than the beauty of the garden and surroundings. Worth the visit and to take photos. See more..
   
8. 4.5 SongZan LinSi ZangBao ZhanLanGuan (73 reviews)
   - A place not to miss
   Speciality Museums
   
   
   We wanted to visit this temple in this Tibetan setting and landscape and we didn’t regret at all! Beautiful location in a small village with many monks. Peaceful temple and a monk was blessing all the visitors. The walk to the temple was also so lovely. A place not to miss. I could go back there many times. See more..
   
9. 4.5 Fuxian Lake (71 reviews)
   - Beautiful beaches, scenic area
   Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water • Nature & Wildlife Areas
   
   
   Large, 212-square kilometre lake with clean, crystal clear, fresh-water. Lots of fun activities available. Lots of scenic places and photo ops. See more..
   
10. 4.5 Yunnan Nationalities Museum (61 reviews)
    - Great visit
    Thursday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums
    
    
    Amazing museum! Organized in terms of topic, for example costumes, jewelry, pottery, literature etc. Most signs and labels also have English translations, and are very clear and informative. The museum itself is also very nice, with open hallways and a garden in the centre. It's a good alternative to visiting the minorities village. See more..
    
11. 4.5 Heshun Hometown (56 reviews)
    - Ancient town (renewed)
    Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites
    
    
    Don't come expecting a true ancient village or small town that is untouched. The long arm of commercial tourism has reached here, as is the case in most parts of China. If you've been to the "old town" in Lijiang or Pingyao (in Shanxi,) you will be better prepared for what you will find here. There are, however, many peaceful vistas and interesting historical sights, many from WW 2. The rape flowers/weeds were also in full bloom (late February.) They have had four years of drought in much of Yunnan, so they are not tall, but are still rather pretty. Should mention that the famous library was closed for painting and minor repairs the day we were there. Of course plenty of jade and trinkets were for sale beside the streets. Only buy the jade if you know what you are doing. It's possible to spend the night here in a small guest house; lots of choices. You need to speak the language if you opt to do that. See more..
    
12. 4.5 Shangri-la Grand Canyon. Balagezong (54 reviews)
    - Excellent views
    Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • National Parks • Canyons
    
    
    Shangri-La Grand Canyon Balagezong, a national scenic area, lies at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet provinces, also, at the core area centrally of Hongshan in "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage Area, located in northwestern Shangri-La city Nissi country. It is about 45 minutes from Shangri-La city center (after the 214 State line Road, two road expansion). Its total area is about 176 square kilometers. Scenic Balagezong Snow Mountain is the highest point in Shangri-La County, 5545 meters above sea level; The southern water village is the lowest point, 2000 meters above sea level. their relative elevation is 3545 meters. Vertical perspective view of the topography and the climate is very prominent, which almost inclusive all the modern natural vertical type with three-dimensional ecological and landscape resources of Northwest Yunnan "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage.There are many viewpoints in Balagezong scenic. They distribute more concentrated, combination focused and in an orderly place, and have clear features of three-dimensional combination. It amazing at high, deep, dangerous and famous of odd, male, and especially. Also it encouraging people by spirituality, wonderful and beautiful. Set scenic snow-capped mountains, valleys, forests, lakes, meadows, pastures, rivers, villages as a whole, form a unique view with a set of various landscape and an overall experience. Its special geography and climate of different seasons in different places makes here lone spectacle views. "Gap in Gap, Gap has the Gap, Gap connected and criss-crossthe Cap" is a unique masterpiece King scenic of Shangri-La Grand Canyon, also the only Canyon area which can capable of Brahmaputra Grand Canyon. There are many amazing science in Balagezong. The masterpiece canyon mountains, the Millennium quiet quaint Tibetan tribes, the polar rippling holy glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and the unique natural pagoda recorded in "Tripitaka", which is th... See more..
    
13. 4.5 Shanghutiao Canyon (52 reviews)
    - After hiking the high passes, then to descend into the gorge
    Bodies of Water • Canyons
    
    
    A worthwhile visit although not as stunning as the higher mountain views in this area. As a solo traveller I didn't mind the various "toll payments" as you progressed into the gorge, although some larger groups expressed their disapproval quite loudly. It might have been avoided had a full list of prices simply been displayed on entering that area. People could well act irately as this subterfuge, but really it wasn't so much and the experience was quite enjoyable. See more..
    
14. 4.5 Dali University (44 reviews)
    - looks impressive
    Educational sites
    
    
    by a view from the street the university campus looks well designed and welcoming for students and visitors. See more..
    
15. 4.5 Thin Strip of Sky of Lijiang (44 reviews)
    - Simple but very attractive
    Thursday: 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Geologic Formations
    I was told by the local people that Baisha Towm is the birthplace of Naxi culture and the center of Southern Silk Road with 1200 years history. It has been famous for the ancient mural about 600 years and Baisha Naxi Embroidery Institute. I just spent 3 hours there, but it made me just feel like in so called Shangerila. Especialy I was moved by the skill and spirit of Naxi embroidery masters in the institute. It is very worthy to be there. See more..
    
16. 4.5 Natural Bridge of Xianggelila (43 reviews)
    - Swimming with our tour guide
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bridges
    
    
    Today, we had a wonderful walk trough the mountains and the monastery and finally we had a nice swim in the hot spring pool. Without this tourguide we didn't know this kind of place so we defenitly can recommend to go with a private tour guide who can show you some nice places including this water pool. If you're planning to visit Shangri-La, you should defenitely contact this guide! His number is 0086(for china) + 13988702359. See more..
    
17. 4.5 Honghe Hani Rice Terraces (41 reviews)
    - A Photographer's Dream!
    Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Geologic Formations
    
    
    Yuanyang Rice Terraces are a Hani ethnic minority’s masterpiece of ingenuity. In unique shapes and sizes with more than thousand years of history and 1000 and 2000 metres above sea level, they are a mosiac of colourful and breathtaking landscape of natural beauty. A UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, the 3 Must-See scenic areas are Duoyishu at sunrise, Bada in the day and Laohuzui (the Tiger Mouth) at sunset. For a vintage point of the magnificent view of shimmering gold, silver, black, brown and green, a 2-hour lead time and a camera tripod are important! See more..
    
18. 4.5 Jiulong Waterfalls (40 reviews)
    - Beautiful tiered waterfalls
    Thursday: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Bodies of Water • Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests • Waterfalls
    
    
    As I visited during the low peak season, getting there was challenging, as there wasn’t any direct public bus. I ended up taking 2 public buses plus a short private car ride to the top entrance. Entrance fee is 95rmb. I spent about 3 hours leisurely walking downhill to the bottom exit. By the way, both top and bottom serves as entrances as well as exits. As there was only 1 trail, exploring the area was easy. The tiered waterfalls were picturesque and beautiful, with many photography spots. Suggest to take the bamboo raft (10rmb per pax) which brings visitors closer to the waterfall for better view and photo shoots. Restrooms were located along the trail. Overall, highly recommended to visit. See more..
    
19. 4.5 Yufeng Temple of Lijiang (39 reviews)
    - Peaceful garden and Buddhist site
    Thursday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    This lamesary built in the Qing Dynasty has a 500 year old Camelia Tree which we did not see in full bloom but none the less quite a tree that was saved during the Cultural Revolution by a monk as he told them to chop himself down with a sword instead of the tree. There is a monument now to the monk. See more..
    
20. 4.5 Dali Erhai Tianjing Temple (37 reviews)
    - For views only
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites
    
    
    This is authentic but not really in operation. China is officially atheist so don't expect to see the real McCoy. There are still Buddhist monks but not all temples are being used for worship. See more..
    
21. 4.5 Jinji Peak (35 reviews)
    - Beautiful scenery in Jinji Peak
    Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Geologic Formations
    
    
    We choose the right time when all the flower are in the blooming time, there is a thicket to pay to enter 20 RMB, after you can walk or take a electric car for a addition fee or horse, cow riding. We choose to walk, even we have a 3 old boy... was worth the time... and make beautiful picture in the field.. highly recommend end of February star of March when the blooming season is See more..
    
22. 4.5 Haba Snow Mountain (33 reviews)
    - Haba Snow Mountain is recommended
    Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains • Forests
    
    
    Haba Snow Mountain is a junior snow mountain in China. The scenery is very good and it is worth visiting. Difficulty index: 6 stars, very suitable for beginner snow mountain lovers.I asked a guide 2300RMB for 3 days (including 3 days of accommodation, 3 days of food, 2 days of guide fees and 2 days of equipment costs), the guide is very good. One to one service. Recommended guide, name: Sha Feng: WeChat/Phone: 15184999194 See more..
    
23. 4.5 Bitahai Nature Reserve (31 reviews)
    - Prepare to walk
    Bodies of Water • Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests
    
    
    Bitahai Nature Reserve is a wonderful experience, even if it’s just for the ride getting there. Be prepared to walk along the edge of the lake for 4ks and all along wide decked paths. The flora and fauna is amazing. See more..
    
24. 4.5 Rhizome - Lijiang art center (30 reviews)
    - Fantastic place !!!
    Art Galleries
    
    
    It's a fantastic place to stay in Lijiang!! I am so glad that I chose this place. It's an art centre more than a hostel. Art Exhibition is all around and you still can find it from the hosts. The whole environment is extremely cozy, the sunshine, the dog, the cat, the kids , the friends here. And the delicate French breakfast made by Odile is fantastic yummy! I've fell in love with everything here! I will come back!!! See more..
    
25. 4.5 Qingxi Reservoir (30 reviews)
    - Relaxing and great view
    Bodies of Water
    
    
    I enjoyed my lunch overlooking the reservoir. People were enjoying swimming there, I guess the water wasn't too cold and there were several stalls selling inflatables to play with. There were food stalls there as well. I walked around the circumference and took some nice photos of the bridges and you can see the Snow Mountain from there too. See more..
    
26. 4.5 Vietnam Street (30 reviews)
    - Give it a try
    Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    We went here in the afternoon upon arrival from Kunning. This is a lovely place to stroll around to shop and buy the things See more..
    
27. 4.5 Luosi Field, Luoping (30 reviews)
    - Miss the canola flowers
    Points of Interest & Landmarks
    
    
    As I visited during the last week of March, the canola flowers were gone. As it was low peak season, I could not find public transport and had to hire a private car, which brought me to a viewing platform next to a main road. The view was nice, with the ringed fields like a snail. I am sure the scenery will be fantastic with canola flowers. Hence strongly advice to visit at the right season, preferably in Feb instead of March. See more..
    
28. 4.5 Shangri-La Zhongxin Town Church (29 reviews)
    - Definitely worth a visit
    Thursday: 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    We were warned off visiting Shangri La because there is 'not much left to see'. Quite the opposite. It's a fascinating city and this town church site is very charming. See more..
    
29. 4.5 Baoxiang Temple (29 reviews)
    - Welcome to Shibaoshan Singing Festival on 2nd Sep,2013!
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Observation Decks & Towers
    
    
    Shibaoshan Singing Festival starts on July 27 ( according to the Lunar Calendar).Thousands of local people and more and visitors are coming to Shibaoshan,they will play a dragon dance, make a camp fire, through a bamboo dragon into the fire, then dance and sing folk songs for three days as a celebration for a special event. You can learn the legend of Singing Festival in Baoxiangsi Temple in Shibaoshan Mt. There is a hall for the statues of Ten Boys and Ten Girls who fought with the dragon. If you want to feel the atmosphere of the singing festival, please come to visit us in Shibaoshan on Sep 2nd this year, because it is July 27 in the Lunar Calendar again! Check the legend of Shibaoshan Singing Festival on my next review. See more..
    
30. 4.5 Tuan Hill, Honghe (28 reviews)
    - Ancient Town - worthwhile a visit!
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mountains
    
    
    The little Ancient town, Tuan Shan, is definitely worth of a visit. Little yellow minivan / busses run from opposite the KFC near the Linann Hotel. They charge 5 RMB pp (Aug 15) and drive you all the way to the parking of Mission Hill (I.e) an other name for the place. The journey is about 13 km and the ride takes about 30 min. On the return journey it appears that the little busses seem to depart on the hour and half hour. The place has a number of English signs explaining the buildings. Entrance fee was 50 RMB pp and 25 RMB for students. We spent a few hours strolling through the village's old narrow streets and buildings. See more..
    
31. 4.5 Dongzhulin Temple (27 reviews)
    - Peaceful Temple
    Thursday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Observation Decks & Towers • Religious Sites
    
    
    I stopped at this place on my way from to Deqin, local driver suggested us to visit the temple. It was a very peaceful place and I enjoyed my time there. Inside there are Tibetan Buddhism statues. See more..
    
32. 4.5 Yunnan Railway Museum (27 reviews)
    - Excellent Railway Museum (Yunnan-Vietnam & Modern Day)
    Speciality Museums
    
    
    This museum caught my eye whilst browsing things to do in Kunming, and I'm so pleased that I decided to check it out. The initial galleries summarise the construction of the Kunming-Haiphong railway in the early 1900's, quite a magnificent feat considering the terrain, with some fascinating exhibits and pictiures. The large hall has an interesting collection of trains and rolling stock, particularly the rubber-tyred Michelin railcar. The final galleries review the current "Belt & Road" initiative of the Chinese Govt, not only aiming to cover all of China with a high speed rail network, but providing their railway technology to other countries as well. Everything is well laid out and documented in both English and Chinese. It is also great value at RMB10, or approx $1.50. A taxi from Kunming city centre takes about 15 mins and costs RMB10. Two hours is probably about right to cover everything adequately. See more..
    
33. 4.5 Four Scenic Resorts of Dali (25 reviews)
    - Dali
    Historic Walking Areas
    
    
    The old town, the lakes are very scenic. It feels more authentic then Lijiang. A trip to Dali by Melanie.5 Star China Holidays in UK See more..
    
34. 4.5 Beiyue Temple of Lijiang (25 reviews)
    - Temple Dedicated to A Hero
    Thursday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings
    
    
    This temple is in the Black Dragon Pond Park, was relocated and reconstructed here, have more than 300 years history, still well kept in excellent condition, worth the time to visit, a lady there may offer lighted incense to you to pay respect, don't accept it, as it may end up with money involve afterward, just act natural and refuse, this is one of a trick commomnly practice to get tourist money, don't fall for their game. See more..
    
35. 4.5 Weibao Mountain (23 reviews)
    - One can feel the peace and tranquillity.
    Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains
    
    
    To get to this place you have to a road that can be a bit hair raising in places, but once there it's all peace and tranquillity. Quite a bit of walking is then involved to reach the temples, but one can take it easy and savor the mountain's air and one doesn't have to see all the temples of this complex. See more..
    
36. 4.5 Weishan Ancient City (23 reviews)
    - So peaceful :)
    Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites
    
    
    Very peaceful small village with very nice old streets. Lovely small hotels il you stay in the old part of the city. We were alone when we visited the Confucius temple, an incredible time to rest and enjoy this wonderful place See more..
    
37. 4.5 Naxi Embroidery Shijia (23 reviews)
    - Extraordinary silk embroidery.
    
    
    
    Looks like photos. Also a school. See to believe it, each embroidery or picture takes months. Very interesting. See more..
    
38. 4.5 Dagunguo Scenic Resort (22 reviews)
    - Interesting place to visit
    Geologic Formations • Hot Springs & Geysers
    
    
    The main hot spring is about 98 degrees and you can cook eggs with its stream. It cost 5RMB to buy 4 eggs when you enter the scenic spots but 20RMB at the hot spring, so buy as many as you want before climbing to the main spot. The view on the way to the main spot was interesting as well. There were streams everywhere and you can smell sulfur. Many people say it is not a place to go during summer, probably so. It takes 25 minutes to get to the place from the town centre and about two hours to visit this place. And technically speaking, it is not a scenic resort but a scenic spot with a hot spring resort next to it, where you need to pay additional fees to enjoy it. We didn't choose to go to the hot spring resort because we get it in our hotel, but it should be relaxing. Overall, one should definitely go there if they visit Tengchong county, and, the eggs are yummy! (it tastes better than boiling with normal water at home.) See more..
    
39. 4.5 Naigu Stone Forest (21 reviews)
    - Relaxing day out
    Thursday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Geologic Formations
    
    
    Excellent walk around the whole park with some excellent views. Visited on the Sunday before National Day holiday and was very quiet. 60¥ for adults to enter and free for over 70s. You can do a long rigorous walk or a shorter trail depending on which paths you pick. 750¥ to hire a round trip private car from Kunming. No food or cafe available at the park, just vending machines with bottled drinks. See more..
    
40. 4.5 Puji Temple, Lijiang (21 reviews)
    - Puji Temple
    Thursday: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Religious Sites
    
    
    Impressive temple and pagoda, but far too many vendors selling the usual trinkets and useless souvenirs. See more..
    
41. 4.5 Yunnan Wildlife Park (21 reviews)
    - Best 'zoo' ever
    Zoos
    
    
    Not actually a zoo, more like going to Animal Kingdom at Disney World. All of the animals have lots of space, and there are tons of them, particularly tigers. For 10 yuan you can buy a piece of raw meat on a pole and go 'fishing' for tigers. Fun for both sides. Also, a safari ride through less dangerous animals. Get there early and you can pet a lion cub. They also have a panda, which I think is the only one in Kunming. This place is fun, not depressing like the Kunming Zoo. It is a little out of the way but completely worth it. Near the botanical expo, which is fun too, although not as good as the Wild Animals Park. See more..
    
42. 4.5 Bird Island, Lijiang (20 reviews)
    - 大象无形，印象丽江
    Thursday: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM Islands
    
    
    丽江是富有茶马古道文化底蕴的历史古城，千百年来，用那清脆的铃声吸引着无数游人的目光，走在丽江古城的街道上，不能用美来形容，那是一幅画，是一幅连绵的画，是一种古色古香的韵，清清的茶香，质朴的铃声，让你忘记忧愁和烦恼，把自己和神圣的雪山之神融为一体！ See more..
    

What's a Hidden gem?

We call places hidden gems that are new, extremely good, but are not that popular yet - you should check them out. The criteria is to have a rating of 4.5 or more and more than 20 reviews and less than 100 reviews.