Spring Festival Tour of Yunnan: Enjoy a Colorful Journey

1. Highlights of Spring Festival Tourism in Yunnan

(1) Pleasant Climate

The weather during the Spring Festival in Yunnan is generally favorable for travel, making it a warm and comfortable "warm south". The temperature in most parts of the province is relatively suitable, with ample sunshine during the day, warm but not too hot, and a gentle breeze mixed with the fragrance of flowers and plants. However, there is a significant temperature difference between morning and evening, so tourists need to prepare accordingly and bring suitable clothing to cope with temperature changes. For example, inKunming, the temperature fluctuates relatively significantly during the Spring Festival, with the largest fluctuation on New Year's Eve, where the temperature remains around 3 to 12 degrees Celsius, mainly cloudy; Starting from February 12th, the temperature has significantly increased, and the warm weather is suitable for outdoor activities. In the southern regions of Yunnan Province, areas such as Xishuangbanna, Honghe, and even river valleys can experience temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius

(II) Rich Activities

1. Cultural activities are diverse and exciting, such as "Appreciating New Year paintings to celebrate the New Year" and "I do practical things for the people - culture enters every household", attracting many tourists and citizens to stop and create a strong New Year atmosphere. These activities not only enrich people's spiritual and cultural life, but also promote the excellent traditional Chinese culture while inheriting public order and good customs
2. The scale of cultural and artistic performances is grand, and state-owned cultural and artistic troupes in the province have entered crowded places such as scenic spots, airports, ancient cities, and towns, holding a total of 145 online and offline public welfare performance activities with 455 performances. Showcasing the diverse ethnic and historical cultures of Yunnan to tourists through immersive experiences. At the same time, over 100 exhibitions of art, photography, and calligraphy works have been held in various cultural venues, with nearly 3 million visitors both online and offline
3. There are many highlights of the New Year theme activities for intangible cultural heritage. A total of 268 "Intangible Cultural Heritage Celebrating the New Year" themed practical activities were held in the province, with a total of 6.051 million participants, all of which are the highest in history. Activities such as Qujing Thousand People Dragon and Lion Dance, Pu'er Ximeng Wa Ethnic Wooden Drum Dance, and Lincang Gengma Dai Deer Dance fully showcase the unique charm of Yunnan's intangible cultural heritage
4. The ethnic festival activities have achieved good results, holding 39 ethnic minority festival activities such as Miao Flower Mountain Festival, Daily Water Splashing Festival, Dai Culture Festival, Jingpomu Nao Zongge, Lijiang Bangbang Festival, Lisu Kuangshi Festival, Dai Chongpai, etc., integrating with agricultural tourism, sports tourism, and cultural tourism, continuously attracting traffic and gathering popularity. Among them, theChuxiongYi ethnic group in the provinceLeft foot danceseries of activities attracted millions of people to participate, and the Yingjiang Jingpomunao Song Festival attracts tens of thousands of people every day

(III) Diverse Cuisine

1. Yunnan's cuisine is rich and diverse, full of regional characteristics. Laba is an important part of Yunnan people's New Year's Eve dinner. Different regions have their own flavors of Laba, such as Lijiang's fragrant Laba, paired with steamed rice cakes; Nuo Deng from Dali is leading a wanderer with fiery legs; In Xishuangbanna, there are unique Dai style cured meats roasted with banana leaves. In addition, there are traditional delicacies such as Babaofan (Rice pudding with eight-delicious ingredients), steamed pork with rice flour, steamed pork with plum sauce, fried crisp meat, long dishes, Steamed chicken in casserole, etc
2. Food streets in different regions have their own characteristics. Nanping Street Xiangyun Street Baoshan Street Nanqiang Street in Kunming is the largest and most famous commercial food district in Kunming, with Xiangyun Food City as the main hub, featuring dozens of Yunnan style and local snacks.; Renmin Road in Dali has the smallest restaurant in Dali, distinctive Western restaurants, and various exquisite handicraft shops; Sifang Street in Lijiang is known as the "Rice Noodle Street" due to the abundance of delicious rice noodles; The Dai style barbecue at the riverside night market in Xishuangbanna is the most famous; There are also many delicious foods near the ancient city of Dukezong in Shangri La. These food streets allow tourists to taste the local cuisine while also experiencing the local customs and traditions

2. Recommended Spring Festival tourist attractions in Yunnan

(1) Kunming attractions

1. Kunming World Expo Park: Kunming World Expo Park is bustling during the Spring Festival, with dazzling lights and millions of colorful lights and over a hundred lantern sets decorating the park like a dream. Temple fairs and flower fairs add a strong festive atmosphere, with activities such as playing steel flowers, admiring thousands of lanterns, visiting temple fairs, and tasting delicious food making tourists linger and forget to leave. Here, natural landscapes and light shows are perfectly integrated, showcasing Yunnan's characteristics, Chinese style, and world-class garden and horticultural charm
2. Yunnan Ethnic Villages: Yunnan Ethnic Villages showcase the customs and folk culture of various ethnic groups in Yunnan. During the Spring Festival, the village is newly decorated and filled with Chinese New Year customs. The traditional folk activities such as welcoming guests with New Year's wine, welcoming ceremony, and dancing in Guozhuang are exciting and diverse. Tourists can deeply experience the ethnic folk culture of the plateau and appreciate the joyful performances of various ethnic minorities. This is an excellent place to learn about the diverse culture of Yunnan and is loved by tourists
3. Jiaozi Snow Mountain: Jiaozi Snow Mountain is famous for its high mountain lakes, ice and snow world and other landscapes. The winter sedan chair snow capped mountains are covered in silver, and the spectacle of rime is like a fairy tale world. This is the highest mountain peak in Kunming city and an important hiking and skiing destination in Yunnan Province. Tourists can take the cable car to enjoy the magnificent scenery of snow capped mountains and the charming sea of clouds, and feel the charm of nature
4. Jindian Scenic Area: Jindian Scenic Area has beautiful natural scenery, with lush trees covering the sky and flowers blooming. Thousand acres of tea flowers are the highlight of the scenic area, and the Spring Festival is the best viewing period, with various colors of tea flowers such as red, white, and pink blooming in competition. In addition, the "Golden Hall Temple Fair" on the ninth day of the first lunar month is a well-known traditional folk festival of the Spring Festival in Kunming. Folk activities such as stilt walking performances and lantern performances are rich and colorful. Tourists can enjoy spring outings, visit temple fairs, burn incense and pray for blessings
5. Heilongtan Park: Heilongtan Park consists of a group of ancient buildings and two major scenic spots, "Longquan Exploring Plum Blossoms", and is a large plum blossom viewing destination in the southwest region. During the Spring Festival, plum blossoms are in full bloom, and tourists can enjoy the "Longquan Plum Exploration" and also have the opportunity to admire the magnificent scenery of "double plum" of preserved plum blossoms and plum blossoms. The Longtan Temple Fair is also held at this time, with lion and dragon dance performances, specialty snacks, and more, allowing tourists to enjoy the joy to the fullest
6. Dianchi Lake: Dianchi Lake is a national scenic spot with clear and transparent blue water, and magnificent lake and mountain scenery. In winter, thousands of red billed gulls gather here, becoming a major landscape. The scenery of Nandianchi Wetland Park is charming, with dense reeds, secluded boardwalks, and swaying trees, like a fairyland on earth. This is a popular destination for winter vacation tourism during the Spring Festival
7. Kunming's eight fun attractions have received high praise: Kunming World Expo Park is highly praised for its unique design and lighting performances. The annual lantern festival content constantly changes, bringing unforgettable experiences to tourists. Yunnan Ethnic Village, as an excellent place to learn about Yunnan's diverse culture, is loved by tourists. Jiaozi Snow Mountain attracts numerous tourists with its magnificent natural scenery and rich outdoor activities. The tea flowers and temple fairs in Jindian Scenic Area, as well as the plum blossoms and temple fairs in Heilongtan Park, have left a deep impression on tourists

(II) QujingLuoping

Qujing Luoping has the largest rapeseed flower scenic area in the country, with 1 million acres of rapeseed flowers blooming one after another during the Spring Festival, which is breathtaking. The best viewing points are Jinjifeng Cong area and Niujie Screw Field. In the Jinjifengcong, the parking lot is filled with vehicles from all over the world. The scenic area has added flower walking trails and internet celebrity check-in points, as well as a helicopter flower viewing project, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in and experience the flower sea. The rapeseed fields in Luoping not only have a vast area, but also complement the unique karst topography. In the golden sea of flowers, there stand cone-shaped small peaks, which can be called the masterpieces of nature. Tourist Ao Zhuoqi, who drove from Guangdong, was deeply attracted by the beautiful scenery here, and Ms. Luo, a tourist from Hunan, also praised Luoping's rapeseed flowers endlessly. To ensure the safety and stability of the cultural and tourism market during the Spring Festival holiday, Luoping County has launched a special campaign to rectify the market order of the tourism industry throughout the county, optimize the tourism service environment, and improve the quality of tourism services

(III)HongheYuanyang

Yuanyang Terraced Fields are a world cultural heritage site. During the Spring Festival, it is the irrigation season, and the layers of terraced fields are filled with clear rainwater. Under the sunshine, they shimmer and reflect the blue sky and white clouds, like huge mirrors. The scenery is stunning. Duoyi Tree is a landmark attraction of Yuanyang Terraced Fields, known as the "place closest to the sun". In the early morning, when the first ray of sunlight falls on the earth, the terraced fields are dyed golden yellow, the sea of clouds churns, and the rosy glow is magnificent. Tiger Mouth is the best place to enjoy the sunset. In the evening, as the sun sets, the afterglow falls on the terraced fields, dyeing them a golden red color, like a dream

(IV)DaliScenic spots

1. Visit the ancient city: Walk in Dali Old City and feel the history and culture of the ancient city. Walk in the ancient streets and alleys of Xizhou Ancient Town, enjoy the memorial archway of Sifang Street, and appreciate the traditional Bai architectural style. Visit Chongsheng Temple, watch the magnificent three towers, and feel the leisurely pace of life in Dali Old City
2. Cycling along Erhai Lake: Cycling by Erhai Lake, feeling the gentle breeze brushing your face. In Shuanglang Ancient Town, admire the waterfront architecture, get close to seagulls, enjoy the panoramic view of Cangshan from afar, and take photos of internet celebrities. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, immersing people in the embrace of nature
3. Visiting Jizhao Temple: Jizhao Temple is known as the "most beautiful nunnery in China", and it is quiet and peaceful here. Tourists can taste vegetarian food, copy scriptures, feel inner peace, and stay away from the hustle and bustle of the city
4. Appreciating Cherry Blossoms in Wuliang Valley: The winter and spring cherry blossoms in Wuliang Valley seamlessly connect. During the cherry blossom season, it is easy to encounter sunrise and sea of clouds, like a fairyland on earth. Pink flowers cover the mountains and fields, making people feel like they are in a pink ocean

(V) Lijiang Scenic Spots

1. the Old Town of Lijiang: the Old Town of Lijiang is suitable for leisure and leisure, to experience slow life. Find a small fresh inn to stay and enjoy the sunshine, snacks, and bar. Wandering through the streets and alleys of the ancient city, experiencing its history and culture, listening to street performers' performances, and enjoying leisurely time
2. Lugu Lake: Lugu Lake is far away from the hustle and bustle, preserving the traditional matrilineal social form. In winter, Gesang flowers still bloom here, creating picturesque scenery. Tourists can take a stroll by the shores of Lugu Lake, appreciate the lake and mountains, and feel the peaceful atmosphere. You can also rent a small boat to go boating on the lake and feel the coolness of the water. Alternatively, you can visit Mosuo households, taste Mosuo cuisine, and experience the unique charm of Mosuo culture<
3. Xuesong Village: Xuesong Village is located at the foot of a snowy mountain, peaceful and quaint. This is one of the birthplaces of the Naximu Tusi, where American explorer Joseph Locke once lived. Tourists can experience the authentic Naxi lifestyle here and learn about the historical origins of Naxi culture

III. Precautions for Spring Festival Tourism in Yunnan

(1) Planning Travel

During the Spring Festival, Yunnan tourism is popular, and tourists must understand the weather, transportation, hotels, scenic spots, and other conditions in advance before traveling. Yunnan is located on a plateau with variable weather and large temperature differences between morning and evening. For example, during the Spring Festival in Kunming, the temperature fluctuates significantly. Tourists can use weather forecast software to monitor the weather changes in real time and bring suitable clothing. During the day, they can wear T-shirts with thin jackets, long skirts, etc. At night, they need to change into long pants, long sleeved thick jackets, sweaters, and take measures to protect themselves from the sun and keep warm. At the same time, planning the travel time and route in advance, avoiding peak travel periods as much as possible, and staggered travel can effectively avoid traffic congestion. When choosing a mode of transportation, attention should be paid to traffic safety. When traveling by motor vehicle, fasten your seat belt throughout the journey, prevent fatigue driving and drunk driving, and ensure safe and civilized driving

(II) Safe Travel

It is crucial to strengthen safety awareness during the journey. Pay attention to safeguarding personal belongings and valuables, and refrain from actions that may endanger your own and others' safety. When participating in high-risk activities such as high-altitude, high-speed, diving, rock climbing, bungee jumping, and exploration, one should consider their own health condition and not blindly pursue excitement. Do not illegally enter undeveloped areas that are not open to the public, and do not go to "wild scenic spots" and "wild" internet celebrity check-in spots that lack security guarantees. Tourists should pay attention to fire safety when engaging in outdoor tourism activities. They should not smoke, have picnics, or use open flames in areas with dense vegetation, leaves, or other flammable materials, or in places with fire prevention signs. For example, in areas such as Cangshan and primeval forests, do not go too deep. If someone advises you to turn back, be sure to listen, otherwise there is really a risk to your life

(III) Standardized Travel

When participating in group travel, it is necessary to choose a legitimate, qualified, and reputable travel agency, sign an effective and standardized travel contract, clearly stipulate the travel itinerary arrangement, service standards, and the rights and obligations of both parties in the contract, and actively purchase travel accident insurance. According to the quality of tourism products and services, reasonably estimate the tour group fee, do not blindly pursue "low prices", and avoid falling into the trap of "unreasonable low price tourism". Raise awareness of prevention and participate cautiously in travel activities organized by groups such as "outdoor groups" and "WeChat groups". It is important to check whether the organizers have travel agency qualifications to prevent being deceived. Taking the information released by the Yunnan Travel Agency Association as an example, the cost of a 5-night 6-day tour (single car, single trip) from Kunming to Dali to Lijiang includes tourist attraction tickets (Shilin Scenic Area, Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas, Yulong Snow Mountain - including Impression Lijiang Live Performance, Yunshanping Cableway), transportation (6 days), meals (10 meals), accommodation (5 nights), comprehensive service fee (6 days), tour guide service fee, and insurance fee. The reference cost starts at 2100 yuan/person

(IV) Civilized Travel

During the travel period, tourists should take the first responsibility for their own health, pay attention to personal hygiene, and scientifically and reasonably take necessary protective measures. Consciously abide by the Convention on Civilized Conduct of Chinese Citizens in Domestic Tourism and destination laws and regulations, respect local customs, religious beliefs, and observe social order and good customs. Take care of the ecological environment and cultural relics and historic sites, consciously do not spit everywhere, do not litter, do not trample on green flowers, do not depict climbing trees, do not scribble at will, reduce the frequency of use of disposable items, avoid the use of non biodegradable plastic products, vigorously promote the traditional virtues of thrift, practice the "Clean Your Plate Campaign" and "public chopsticks and spoons", and establish a new trend of civilization, health and green tourism

(V) Rational Travel

During the travel process, if encountering sudden danger or unexpected events, one should remain calm and take active self rescue and mutual rescue measures, quickly evacuate the dangerous area, and call the police for help if necessary. In case of disputes over tourism service quality, it is important to remain calm, understand each other, be humble, and pay attention to collecting and preserving evidence. You can promptly call the 12345 government service hotline to report the situation. Do not interfere with others' travel activities, do not engage in extreme behaviors such as leaving the group or refusing to board the plane (car), which may further expand losses. Reasonably safeguard your own legitimate rights and interests in accordance with the law. Yunnan Province has implemented a "30 day no reason return" policy for tourism shopping. Group tourists who meet the return conditions within 30 days from the date of purchase (not customized products, no physical or chemical changes caused by human factors, etc.) can submit a return application online through the "Yunnan Travel" app and return mini program, or call the 12345 government service hotline to apply for a return. They can also bring the goods to the shopping merchant for on-site return. Tourists who need return consultation and services can find dedicated staff at the "Tourist Return Center Service Points" established in airports, major train stations, and tourist concentration areas throughout the province to provide consultation and operational guidance

IV. Summary of Spring Festival Tourism in Yunnan

Yunnan attracts many tourists with its unique charm during the Spring Festival. The rich activities, beautiful attractions, and delicious food are unforgettable. Although there are some precautions, as long as you plan well, you can have a pleasant Spring Festival holiday in Yunnan