Yunnan’s top 3 regions to escape summer heat

While much of China "burns" in scorching heat, Yunnan stands out with its enviable "cool summer mode", becoming a poetic escape for travelers.

Since the start of summer vacation, tourists in Yunnan have surged, with Southeast Asian visitors flocking in via the China-Laos Railway. In the first half of July, the Mohan border gate saw nearly 10,000 passenger entries.

Sights in central Yunnan's Kunming

Yunnan’s popularity is not just attributed to easy transits and open policies—it’s also blessed with unbeatable weather. In July, the province’s average temperature was a mild 21.9°C, while Kunming, the Spring City, enjoyed temperatures between 18°C and 28°C.

Here, there’s no sticky humidity—just like natural air conditioning at 20°C. From alpine lakes to tropical rainforests and ancient towns to hidden valleys, the temperature is almost the same.

 

Sights in west Yunnan's Dali  

Recently, Yunnan rolled out its "Cool Summer & Mushroom Delights" tour, highlighting three prime summer retreats: Northwest Yunnan, Central Yunnan, and East Yunnan. The three regions are inviting international travelers to their cool weather and wild mushrooms.

Northwest Yunnan

Lijiang is famed for its majestic snow-capped mountains. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain remains icy year-round, and it is surrounded by lush forests, meadows, and streams—a breathtaking landscape.

 

Sights in northwest Yunnan's Lijiang

In Dali, the perpetual snow on Cangshan Mountain’s top contrasts with blooming flowers at the mountain foot, while Erhai Lake shimmers under moonlight, creating a dreamy scene.

Visitors in Baoshan city can soak in hot springs to relax and rejuvenate. It’s perfect for summer wellness.

Central Yunnan

Kunming's Dianchi Lake is where tourist stroll by and cool breezes make it an ideal summer escape.

 

Sights in central Yunnan's Yuxi

In Yuxi, the star is the Fuxian Lake, China’s deepest freshwater lake. With crystal-clear waters visible even meters deep, the lake has soft sandy shores.

East Yunnan

The Wumeng Mountains in Zhaotong offer dramatic vistas, lush greenery, and fresh air—a natural "oxygen bar".

In Qujing, rolling grasslands like the Huize Sea of Grass turn the city into a place of pastoral dream in summer, when the land is dotted with wildflowers and grazing livestock.

 

Sights in northeast Yunnan's Zhaotong  

Wenshan prefecture is famous for its thousands of lotus fields, where the plant blooms in red, pink, and white. The flowers dazzle against emerald hills.

This summer, embrace the cool in Yunnan!

By Gateway reporters