How to Get to & around Yunnan

When traveling to Yunnan, this guide offers comprehensive transportation information including airports, train/high-speed railway stations, cabs, subways, buses, and travel tips, enabling tourists to plan their trips more efficiently and enjoy a smoother journey.

When traveling to Yunnan, understanding transportation information is crucial to planning your trip. As a major tourist province in China, Yunnan has a well-developed transportation network that includes a variety of travel modes, including airplanes, trains, buses, and local public transportation. Below is some key transportation information:

I. Airplane

Advantage: Airplane is the fastest way to travel to Yunnan. There are direct flights to major cities in Yunnan (e.g. Kunming, Lijiang, Dali) from major cities in China, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

Note: It is recommended to book air tickets in advance, especially during the peak season, so as to avoid full flights or rising fares.


II. Train

Advantage: Train is an affordable and relatively comfortable means of transportation. Yunnan's railroad network is relatively complete, and both high-speed railways and ordinary trains can reach Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and other cities.

Note: Train tickets need to be purchased in advance, especially during the tourist season. Train tickets are categorized into hard seat, hard sleeper, soft sleeper and other different grades, tourists can choose according to their own needs.


III. Automobile

Advantage: Car travel is suitable for short-distance or self-driving tourists. There are long-distance buses traveling between major cities in Yunnan, and the scenery along the way is beautiful, so you can travel while traveling.

Note: You need to familiarize yourself with the bus schedule and departure time in advance to ensure smooth travel. Long-distance bus tickets are usually purchased at the bus station.


IV. Local Public Transportation

Bus: Yunnan's major cities have a more developed bus network, which is one of the main choices for tourists traveling within the city.

Cab: Taxi is convenient, but need to pay attention to the choice of regular vehicles and confirm the meter meter.

Sightseeing bus: in the scenic area, tourists can choose to take the sightseeing bus tour, both convenient and time-saving.


V. Other transportation

Riding: Yunnan's beautiful natural scenery, suitable for cycling enthusiasts. In some scenic spots or around the city, tourists can choose to ride tours, experience a different travel fun.

Walking: For tourists who like to travel slowly, walking is also a good choice. Strolling in ancient cities and towns, you can better feel the local history, culture and customs.


VI. Special Tips

Plateau reaction: Yunnan is located in the plateau area, some tourists may experience plateau reaction. It is recommended that tourists make good physical Preparation Before Traveling, and carry the necessary medicines and oxygen equipment.

Transportation planning: when planning the trip, it is recommended to fully consider the advantages and disadvantages of various modes of transportation and their own needs, and reasonably arrange the time and route.


To sum up, when traveling to Yunnan, tourists can choose suitable transportation according to their own needs and actual situation. At the same time, pay attention to advance booking of air tickets, train tickets, etc., and understand the operating hours and fare information of local public transportation to ensure a smooth trip.

Note:The actual situation may change, please feel free to contact us for help.


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Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s): Shanghai
Date of Experience: May 08,2024
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Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s): Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of Experience: June 02,2025
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Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s): Zhangjiajie
Date of Experience: May 08,2025
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