Weather
1. What are the Best Seasons to Visit?
Yunnan Province is in a tropical climate zone and the weather across the province is diverse. The average temperature is between 19-22℃（66.2 F-71.6 F）during the hottest month, and 42.8 F-46.4 F during the coldest .
Kunming, the capital, has mild, spring-like weather year round. Lijiang Ancient City has a colder climate. Dali's weather is similar to Kunming, and Xishuangbanna is hot for most of the year.
2. Where to visit in different season?
Best Places to Visit in Spring: Dongchuan Red Land, Stone Forest, Dali Old Town, Cangshan Mountain, Luoping Rape Flowers.
Best Places to Visit in Summer: Lugu Lake, Lijiang Ancient City, Erhai Lake.
Best Places to Visit in Autumn: Pudacuo National Park, Dongchuan Red Land, Songzanlin Monastery.
Best Places to Visit in Winter: Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Kunming Green Lake.
Visa
1. Do I need a Visa to visit Yunnan?
A Chinese visa and a valid passport are required documents for most overseas visitors entering China's mainland.
But passport holders of the 53 qualifying countries can be granted a visa-free stay of up to 144 hours if they transfer via Kunming Changshui Airport on the way to a third country. During the stay, they can leave the airport, making it possible to conduct a layover tour.
Find out more here: 144-hour Visa-free Transit in Kunming (Link to the page of Visa & Customs)
2. When should I apply for a Visa?
The best time to apply for your Chinese visa is 1-2 months before your travel date, the sooner the better.
The Chinese visa is generally valid for 3 months from the issue date to enter China. Please apply for your visa within 3 months of entry into China according to your travel itinerary. You need to avoid the visa expiring, or incurring extra costs for urgent processing.
3. Can I extend my Visa duration in China?
The permitted duration of stay of Chinese visas are generally up to 30 days. If you need to stay longer, please apply to the local public security bureau in China for an extension.
Overseas visitors who would like to stay in China beyond the duration of their visa need to do this. The visa extension application form should be submitted seven days before expiry.
Those who want their visa to be extended should provide the following evidential materials:
1. Valid passport and visa
2. A completed application form for the visa extension
3. Reason for the extension
The length of the extension depends on the type of visa, but multiple entry visas cannot be extended.
You are advised not to overstay the duration of your visa or fail to apply for an extension before your visa expires, as you will risk being heavily fined and have your travel plans disrupted.
Transportation
1. Where is Kunming airport located and how do I get to downtown?
Kunming Changshui International Airport is located 28 km (17 miles) northeast of Kunming city center near Jinma and Biji Archway in a graded mountainous area about 2100 meters above sea level. It takes about 40 minutes to reach it by car or taxi.
Kunming Airport has an effective, comprehensive transport system. Travelers can get to Kunming city by car, taxi, airport shuttle buses or metro from the airport.
2. Can I buy tickets at Kunming Nan Railway Station?
Yes indeed. There are many trains from Kunming to Yunnan's main cities along the whole province, such as Dali, Qujing, Lijiang, Chuxiong,Puzhehei and so on.
3. What do I need to book train tickets in Yunnan?
Valid ID is required for booking train tickets in China, including:
1) Passengers from Hongkong SAR ,Macau SAR and Taiwan Province: Mainland travel Permit
2) Foreign Passengers: Passport
4. How far in advance can I book train tickets?
Train tickets in China are released online 30 days before departure. At train stations and ticket agencies, tickets go on sale 28 days in advance. And it is recommended that you book tickets as early as possible, especially during Chinese holidays and peak periods.
Others
1. Do hotel rooms in Yunnan have internet access?
Most 5-star hotels and many 4-star hotels have internet access in their guestrooms or free WiFi in the lobby. In addition, almost every hotel of 3-stars and above has a business centre, with computers and internet access.
2. What should I take along while traveling to Yunnan?
It is recommended to bring your passport and visa, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, bottled water, mobile phone and camera.
3. Can I use my credit card for purchases in Yunnan?
Most of the internationally accepted credit cards are usable in China. They include: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diner's Club, and the JCB card of Japan.
Credit cards are accepted only in large shopping malls and stores. Look out for card symbols in shops and hotels, indicating that they are accepted.
For non-UnionPay methods, there might be limited acceptance especially in small-scale stores. So, have some cash on hand too.
4. How do you exchange currency in Yunnan?
Overseas visitors can bring cash and exchange it for RMB at the Bank of China and at hotels. Credit cards can also be used.
5. What are the safety concerns in Yunnan?
Yunnan is a safe destination and people are very friendly to foreign guests. Nevertheless, you can never be too careful when traveling in a new environment. Always take good care of your passport and other possessions while traveling.
Police Emergency Number:110
Ambulance Service Number:120
Fire Emergency Number:119
6. What languages are spoken in Yunnan?
English is not popularized in Yunnan. There are many dialects and most local people can speak Mandarin. However, if you travel deep into the ethnic inhabited areas, you might need to communicate through body language and feel the hospitality of the diverse ethnic groups.
7. What time zone is Yunnan in?
Yunnan observes China Standard Time (CST), which is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).