Yunnan Travel Tips
1. What is the weather like in Yunnan and when is the best time to travel there?
Yunnan Province is located in a tropical zone and has quite diverse weather. Kunming, the capital, has wonderful weather year round. Winter is usually rainy, which makes it feel colder than it is. Lijiang Ancient City has a rather cold climate, Dali's weather is similar to Kunming, and Xishuangbanna is hot most of the year.
2. What should I take along with while traveling to Yunnan?
It is recommended that you bring comfortable shoes. You will undoubtedly be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Sunscreen is recommended, as well as carrying bottled water with you. If you are a photography lover, do not forget your camera, film, and batteries, or you will never forgive yourself because there are so many things to do in Yunan.
3. What kind of vehicles is available for getting around in Yunnan?
In Yunnan, there are many options for getting around, such as taxis, buses, minibusses, pedicabs and of course by your private driver. There are also cars and bikes for rent.
4. What are accommodations like?
There are many star rated hotels in the major cities or towns of Yunnan. Tiger Leaping Gorge, due to its rocky terrain only has guesthouses available. Although they lack many of the amenities found in star-rated hotels, the guesthouses are family run and quite clean.
5. What cuisine options are there in Yunnan? Are there other options besides only local foods?
The cuisine available in Yunnan is quite diverse. Because of the large ethnic minority population in Yunnan, the local food has an almost endless variety and is far more delicious than anything you can find in a "Chinese" restaurant in the west. We highly suggest you try the foods. We are fairly certain you will love it. There are also many Western restaurants in Yunnan as well as McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and KFC.
6. What are the currency and the ATM system in Yunnan like?
Foreign currencies cannot be used directly in Yunnan, but you can exchange your money at the many Bank of China outlets throughout the province. Most major hotels in Yunnan's larger cities will accept major credit cards. Your hotels also can change money for you and ATMs are easy to find.
7. Will there be problems with the language barrier?
Visitors to Yunnan do not need to worry about the language barrier. Each visitor will have an English-speaking tour guide, and most of the staff in the star rated hotels can speak English.
