By Theme

The Yunnan Loop

One province, four worlds: the Yunnan loop ascends 2,000 metres through eternal spring, Bai lakeshores, Naxi canal towns and Tibetan monastery country — the single most rewarding circuit for first-time explorers of China's southwest.

Kunming — the warm-up 1,900 M · ETERNAL SPRING

Green Lake mornings, mushroom hotpots and the Stone Forest's karst labyrinth — acclimatisation with flowers.

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Dali — lake civilisation ERHAI & THE BAI

130 km of car-free lakeshore, tie-dye villages and the Three Pagodas against Cangshan snow — the loop's slow movement.

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Lijiang — canal-town crescendo 2,400 M · NAXI CAPITAL

Snowmelt lanes at dawn, Jade Dragon's glacier cableway, Baisha's murals — the World-Heritage heart of the circuit.

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Tiger Leaping Gorge THE ADRENALINE BRIDGE

The Jinsha's 3,900-m trench between the towns — day-view it or trek the two-day high trail, the loop's wild interlude.

Full guide coming soon

Shangri-La — the plateau finale 3,300 M · TIBETAN YUNNAN

Songzanlin's golden roofs, Potatso's sacred lakes, the old town's giant prayer wheel — the loop tops out in another culture entirely.

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Traveller’s notes

Prices, opening hours, transport and policy details can change at any time — always verify with official sources before you travel. China Travel Co is an independent travel guide with no affiliation to, or endorsement from, any government body.

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