Top Things to Do in Yunnan in Spring

When the ocean of blooming rape flowers appears in Luoping County, Erhai Lake, and Cangshan Mountain’s charms are bathed in warm sunshine, warm air crept into ancient towns in Dali and Lijiang, the flooded Yuanyang Rice Terraces create a reflecting pool effect, the grand Water-splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna brings new life to a tropical paradise, it is the time when the spring fairy awake in Yunan.

In spring(from March to May), Yunnan is bright, colorful, lively, and warm. If you’re looking for a breathtaking view, exciting outdoor activities, or diverse ethnic cultural experiences, Yunnan has it all. Read on to discover Yunnan’s spring highlights with us.

1. Marvel at Luoping’s Rape Flower Seas

Every year between February and March, millions of tourists descend upon the small county of Luoping in Yunnan to see the famed fields of rapeseed flowers. It’s extremely eye-catching when the vast fields of yellow rape flowers bloom under the blue sky there.

2. Catch the Splendid Scenery of Yuanyang Rice Terraces

Late November to April is the water season for Yuanyang Rice Terraces, making it the best time for photography and sightseeing. When the flooded rice terraces create a reflecting pool effect, it is also the time when the sea of clouds often appears, and the vast paddies are dotted with wild cherry blossoms, wild kapok, pink peach blossom, and white pear blossoms.

3. Encounter March Street Festival in Dali

The March Street Festival is a carnival of the Bai Ethnic Group in Dali which is held from the 15th to 21st of the Third Lunar Month (usually in April) at Dali Ancient City annually. During this period, tourists to Dali will encounter various local folk performances, including singing antiphonal songs, dancing as well as horse racing. And snacks from all around Dali can be found at the markets.

4. Visit Dongchuan Red Land – Photographers’ Colorful Paradise

A beloved paradise for photographers and backpackers, Dongchuan Red Land is hailed as “God’s Magic Palette”. Spring is the time when white buckwheat flowers and potato flowers spread all over the land, and the land is colored into patches of red, white, and green.

5. Join the Dai Water-splashing Festival in Xishuangbanna

Springtime is the dry season of Xishuangbanna when the temperature is comfortable and all jungle and rainforest exploration activities are good to do.

It is also the time you’ll encounter the annual Water-splashing Festival (celebrated from April 13 to 15), during which local Dai ethnic minority dress in their holiday best and decorate their houses with multicolored pieces of paper. Tourists can join them and indulge themselves in the fun-filled water splashing.

6. Visit Shangri-La and Tiger Leaping Gorge at the End of Spring

Spring is a good time to see the wildflowers in their full regalia all over the mountains and plains in Shangri-La. Pudacuo National Forest Park and the Little Zhongdian Flower Town are blanketed by clusters of azaleas, Stellera chamaejasme, etc. at this time.

For outdoor activity enthusiasts, March to May is also the best time to hike Tiger Leaping Gorge. Not only because of the perfect temperature for hiking, blooming flowers and flourishing forests, but also because it is the time to encounter the busy farming activities of local Naxi people.

7. Hike Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for the Great View of Snowcapped Mountains

November to April the next year is the best time to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for the stunning snow-covered landscape. Being blessed with clear weather and dry air, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is at its most charming when the snow mountain gleams white during that time.

8. Enjoy the Beautiful Lugu Lake Scenery

March to May is one of the best times to shoot brilliant pictures of the beautiful Lugu Lake. During that time, the emerald lake is like a clear mirror with the surrounding peach flowers and pear flowers blossoming happily, mountains reflecting in water…

Tourists can take a canoe or cycle around the lake to enjoy the surprisingly beautiful scenery. If you like, it is also possible to attend a bonfire party at a local Mosuo village and get close to their life.

9. Bike around Erhai Lake & Enjoy the Vivacious Scenery in Cangshan Mountains

March to May is the time when Dali is sunny, bright, and comfortable. Cangshan Mountain at this time starts blushing as the azaleas begin to blossom, and people can take Ximatan Cableway to reach the mountain top for stunning views.

For ultimate relaxation, you can bathe in the warm breeze and sunshine, and feel the tranquil spring by riding along the lakeside of Erhai Lake and appreciating the sparkling water.

Planning a Yunnan trip? You can either choose from one of our existing Yunnan tours or contact us to design a custom tour around your travel interests.