Written by Catherine |
Yunnan, literally means the south of colorful clouds, is a southwestern province of China. It’s said that Yunnan is a palette upset by God. A Yunnan trip is like an adventure to trace the scattered colors from the flowers thriving all the year round, the sacred white snow mountains, the red land in Dongchuan, the tropical rainforest, and the colorful costumes of local folks.
When talking about how to plan a trip to Yunnan, where to stay is an indispensable part, because it directly determines your travel quality. In Yunnan, many hotels themselves with delicate arrangements and decorations, form a stunning spectacle. You can always find a satisfactory hotel no matter in the vibrant capital city Kunming, or the renowned lakeside Dali, or the highlands of Shangri-La. Now, please read this Yunnan accommodation guide to find the best places to stay in Yunnan, as well as price ranges and booking tips.
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- Types of Accommodation in Yunnan
- How to Choose Where to Stay in Yunnan
- Where to Stay in Kunming
- Where to Stay in Dali
- Where to Stay in Lijiang
- Where to Stay in Shangri-La
- Tips for Booking Accommodation in Yunnan
- FAQs about Yunnan Accommodation
- Travel Yunnan with China Xian Tour
Types of Accommodation in Yunnan
As a time-honored travel destination, Yunnan boasts a wide assortment of hotels to meet the demands of different types of travelers. From high-end luxury resorts to stylish guesthouses, there is always one that suits you down to the ground.
Ancient-town Inns
It’s a popular choice among travelers, allowing them to savor local customs in Yunnan. The houses are mostly transformed from primitive folk residences, while remaining the original wood structures and courtyards. Each hostel has its own characteristics based on the preferences of the owner, but they are beautiful in common. Imagine that on an warm afternoon, you and your friends chat over a cup of tea in the tranquil courtyard filled up with flowers and jingling streams, how pleasant it is!
Boutique Chain Guesthouses
A majority of the boutique guesthouses are budget local brands in China distributed in the center of main travel destinations like Kunming, Dali and Lijiang and around transit hubs. They are usually designed elegantly and offer standardized service including B&B, housekeeping, morning call, laundry, etc. The best-known brands are Home Inn, Orange, Hanting Hotel and Ji Hotel.
Luxury Branded Hotels & Resorts
If you are seeking a one-stop hotel equipped with high-end facilities and considerate butler service, Yunnan will not disappoint you either. A number of international chain luxury resorts such as Hilton, Pullman, InterContinental, and Anantara can be found in Yunnan. Most of them are elaborately sited near prime scenic spots in Kunming, Lijiang and Xishuangbanna. With private swimming pools, gyms, large area of garden, and spa rooms, they are far beyond a place to spend nights, but more like a mature amusement park.
Camping Tents & Ecological Wood/Tree Houses
When it comes to family-friendly hotels in Yunnan, I will recommend the camping tents in Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Nujiang. With the advantageous locations, they provide a perfect angle to watch the starry sky and surrounding scenery. The thrilling night adventure is always what kids are longing for and can enhance parent-child relationship. The ecological wood or tree houses inside the Xishuangbanna Tropical Plants Garden and Pu’er Lesser Panda Manor are even more popular. The flourishing rainforest will come into view once you open the window. No kids can resist this kind of excitement to live in a natural forest I bet.
How to Choose Where to Stay in Yunnan
By travel style
Well, you need firstly to identify your travel purpose before deciding where to stay. Couples or honeymooners are advised to lodge at luxury hotels that offer high privacy. If travelling with kids, you need to take safety and kids-friendly facilities into prior consideration. Of course, family suites themed on cartoon characters are an ideal choice. Solo backpackers are advised to choose youth hotels where they can easily find a partner. For shutterbugs, hotels close to scenic spots are welcome for they provide easy access to the natural beauty.
By region
An optimum location can save you a lot of time and money for transportation. Therefore, no matter where you will go, try to stay as close to your travel destination as possible. The best area to stay in Kunming is the city center or hotels near metro stations and public bus stops. If you are traveling to Lijiang and Dali, it will be great to stay inside the ancient towns. You might deem that it’s too noisy, don’t worry, it’s also fine to stay at the outskirts. Tourists wishing to tour around the Erhai Lake and Lugu Lake do not miss the lakeside hotels that enjoy an advantageous location to watch sunrise and sunset. For adventurers heading for Shangri-La and Xishuangbanna, it’s advised to stay in the base camps so that they can carpool with others or join a tour group. For example, most travelers to Shangri-La will stay at the Old Town of Dukezong.
By budget
Depending on your travel budget, you have many options from high-end luxury to economic youth hotels. A high-end hotel costs more than CNY 800 per night, a comfortable mid-range hotel is between CNY 350 and 800, and a budget hotel only needs CNY 150-300, or even less.
Where to Stay in Kunming
Why Stay in Kunming
In terms of tourism, Kunming is less famous than other cities in Yunnan, but no one can ignore this city for its unique geographical advantages. As the capital city of Yunnan, it functions as a wonderful transport hub for flight and bullet trains. Most travelers will take it as the first or last stop in Yunnan for cheaper flight tickets to and from other cities. Compared with Lijiang and Shangri-La, the altitude of Kunming is lower. Staying in Kunming for one or two days to get used to the plateau environment can greatly reduce the risk of altitude sickness. What’s more, the spring-like weather in Kunming all the year round makes the city a warm harbour even in winter.
Which Areas to Stay in Kunming
1. Green Lake Park / City Proper
Best for: First-time visitors and slow travelers
The Green Lake Park at the old town of Kunming is endowed with unparalleled beauty, especially when flocks of black-headed gulls fly to here to spend winter. Staying in a hotel nearby allows you to take a casual citywalk to take a glance of Kunming’s scenery and explore the most authentic Yunnan cuisine in surrounding restaurants. The Panjiawan metro station is within walking distance, so it’s quite convenient to get around.
2. Kunming Railway Station / Nanping Pedestrian Street
Best for: Travelers needing to catch the early train, shopaholics
If you value more on urban convenience and wish to experience the bustling nightlife in Kunming, I will advise you to stay around the Nanping Pedestrian Street. It is the core commercial area in Kunming. A wander around will help you to locate the shopping malls, restaurants and recreational venues. This area is near the Kunming Railway Station. If you have an early train in the next morning, it’s undoubtedly a good choice to stay there.
3. Dian Lake Holiday Resort
Best for: Families on a sufficient budget
This area is a wonderful choice if you travel with kids and hope for a relaxing vacation. Facing directly to the vast Dian Lake and the Western Hills in the distance, the hotels offer a broad view and fresh air. High-end luxury hotels cluster here, providing superior swimming pools, spa rooms, and gardens.
Recommended Hotels in Kunming
- Grand Park Kunming (昆明君乐酒店) ★★★★★
- Address: No. 20, Honghua Bridge, WuhuaDistrict, Kunming.
- Highlights: Overlooks Green Lake Park, spacious rooms, easy access to downtown and main attractions…
- Price Range: CNY 800- 1,600
- Kunming UChoice Hotel (昆明希桥酒店) ★★★★
- Address: 1, West Jiangbin Road, Wuhua District, Kunming.
- Highlights: Within walking distance to Green Lake Park and Kunming Zoo, competitive price…
- Price Range: CNY 300 – 650
Recommended Kunming tours:
3 Days Kunming Tour with Stone Forest & Local Essence
4 Days Kunming Dongchuan Red Land Tour
Where to Stay in Dali
Why Stay in Dali
Dali is a city famed for its wind, flowers, snow, and moon. It will be a romantic experience to stay in Dali to fully take in the beauty of the peaceful Erhai Lake and snow-capped Cangshan Mountain. In Dali, it seems time goes slower than in other cities. You can spend a whole day reading a book on the open terrace of a guesthouse, cycling along the Erhai Lake, or just hanging around the Old Town of Dali. The inns rebuilt on the basis of traditional residences of Bai nationality are recommended for an in-depth dive into local Bai culture.
Which Areas to Stay in Dali
1. Dali Ancient Town and its surroundings
Best for: Young people enjoying rich nightlife
The lively atmosphere in Dali Ancient Town comes from rows of restaurants, bars, cafes, stores, and the cheerful melodies. You won’t feel boring whether in daytime or at night. The town is also the best place to set out for the Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake and the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple. You can conveniently rent a car or motorbike here.
2. The Banks of Erhai Lake
Best for: Families and lovers
Erhai Lake is one of the hottest destinations in Dali. Staying in the lakeside hotels means you can appreciate the scenery all day long. It’s also an unforgettable experience to stroll or bicycle along the banks with your lover. The surrounding vast area of rape flowers in spring and golden rice fields in autumn are also very enchanting.
Recommended Hotels in Dali
- Xilin Garden Yanbao Chengfu Inn (大理喜林苑客栈 严宝成府店) ★★★★★
- Address: No.3, Fuchunli Lane, Xizhou Town, Dali.
- Highlights: Restored Bai-style courtyard, mountain views, elegant garden, and local art décor.
- Price Range: CNY 1,200 – 3,000
- Nearby attractions: Xizhou Ancient Town
- Sky Valley Heritage Boutique Hotel (大理天谷喜院古迹精品酒店)★★★★
- Address: Xianglong Village, Sili Village Committee, Xizhou Town, Dali
- Highlights: A seclud,ed quiet retreat from the noisy city, a truly ancient building with a history over 140 years.
- Price Range: CNY 1,500 – 4,000
- Nearby attractions: Xizhou Ancient Town
Suggested Dali Tours:
3 Days Dali Tour Package with Memorable Experience
Where to Stay in Lijiang
Why Stay in Lijiang
As the absolute hub of tourism zones in northwest Yunnan, Lijiang is a perfect camp for one or two days side trip to the attractions like Lugu Lake, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. By using Lijiang as a base camp, you can travel flexibly without the hassle of carrying luggage everywhere.
Which Areas to Stay in Lijiang
1. Lijiang Ancient Town and its surroundings
Best for: First-time travelers loving bustling lifestyle
Aka Dayan Ancient Town, the Old Town of Lijiang is always crowded with tourists. Wandering around the Square Street and exploring the labyrinth lanes, you will find many characteristic handicrafts of local Naxi people. After a good rest, you can hang out to taste the most authentic food in Lijiang, like Naxi Roast Fish and Preserved Pork Rib Hotpot.
2. Shuhe Ancient Town
Best for: Those who want a slow-paced travel, budget travelers
In contrast with Lijiang Ancient Town, Shuhe Ancient Town is less commercialized and therefore quieter. It’s also more cost-efficient if you stay in Shuhe. You may cost less but enjoy better accommodation, for instance, larger rooms and more beautiful courtyards.
Recommended Hotels
- Amandayan(大研安缦酒店) ★★★★★
- Address: No. 29, Shishan Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang.
- Highlights: On the summit of Lion Mountain, offers a bird’s eye view of Dayan Ancient Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can be seen in the distance…
- Price Range: CNY6,000 – 15,000
- InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort (丽江和府洲际度假酒店) ★★★★★
- Address: 276, Xianghe Road, Gucheng District, Lijiang.
- Highlights: Adjacent to the south gate of Dayan Ancient Town, similar to a royal garden…
- Price Range: CNY 1,200 – 3,500
Top Lijiang tour: 3 Day Lijiang Tour with In-depth Naxi Culture Experience
Where to Stay in Shangri-La
Why Stay in Shangri-La
Shangri-La is the core Tibetan region in Yunnan, so the accommodation itself is a part of your cultural tour. The hotels in Shangri-La mostly follow classical Tibetan designs, decorated by colorful wood windows with flower patterns, brick fireplaces, and Thangka paintings. This gives you a great opportunity to fully indulge yourself in Tibetan culture. In Shangri-La, you can escape modern nightlife and experience the night in its pure, charming essence. When the sky is clear, the stars shine with such dazzling brilliance, making the cosmos feel within your reach.
Which Areas to Stay in Shangri-La
The only recommendation is staying inside the Dukezong Ancient Town, a living museum interpreting Tibetan culture. There are many restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and stores selling local products. If you decide to travel to Sumtseling Monastery, Potatso National Park, or Napa Lake, you can charter a car or carpool with others at the entrance of the town. The hosts of hotels in Dukezong are experienced and professional. They furnish the rooms with underfloor heating system or air conditioners. Some even provide pervasive oxygen supply, which is critical to getting recovered from high altitude sickness.
Recommended Hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La(香格里拉希尔顿花园酒店) ★★★★
- Address: No. 288, Kangzhu Avenue, Shangri-La.
- Highlights: A wonderful choice to cope with high altitude sickness, a 5-10 minutes walk to the east gate of Dukezong Ancient Town…
- Price Range: CNY 500- 1,000
- Arro Khampa Namsa L’ Heritage Hotel(香格里拉阿若康巴·南索达庄园) ★★★★★
- Address: Cangfang Street, Dukezong Ancient Town, Shangri-La.
- Highlights: Integrates Tibetan and Nepalese residence styles, expanded from a Tusi site owning a history of more than 130 years…
- Price Range: CNY 1,800 – 4,000
Recommended Shangri-La tour: 4 Days All-inclusive Shangri-La Highlights Tour
Tips for Booking Accommodation in Yunnan
- Use official websites to book hotels. Check the latest reviews to know about the shortcut of the hotel and see if you are fine with it.
- Some popular platforms for hotel booking in China include Trip.com, Booking.com, Agoda.com.
- Avoid unlicensed homestays for your safety concerns.
- Prepare for limited heating in winter. Confirm whether the hotel heating system works well before making your reservation.
FAQs about Yunnan Accommodation
What’s the best month to visit Yunnan?
The golden months to visit Yunnan are Mar to May and Sep to Nov. It’s not only because of the mild temperature, but also for the high visibility and charming scenery.
Do hotels in Yunnan accept credit cards?
International chain hotel brands (such as Hilton, InterContinental, Hyatt, and Shangri-La) and some domestic high-end hotels accept credit cards. They typically support international credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
Is heating available in winter?
Mid-range hotels and above are mostly equipped with heating systems or air conditioners, but some budget hotels may only have a heated blanket or electric heater.
Can I book local guesthouses online?
Yes, you can try to search on the hotel booking platforms or the official website of the guesthouses.
Are there family-friendly hotels in Lijiang and Dali?
Of course. Lijiang and Dali are the most popular travel destinations in Yunnan, abundant in hotels and guesthouses suitable for a family travel.
Travel Yunnan with China Xian Tour
Undoubtedly, Yunnan is a land favored by God. The diversified culture of 26 minority groups and the colorful scenery in different seasons are a magnet to worldwide travelers. If you would like to find more travel inspirations, contact online experts of China Xian Tour immediately to customize one itinerary best suits you!
