China travel answer · Destinations
How many days should I spend in Yunnan?
Reviewed 2026-09-19 · Conditions and policies can change
Direct answer
6-8 days recommended is a practical starting point for Yunnan. Add time if you prefer slower travel, photography, day trips or a lighter daily schedule.
What to know
- ●Use the core stay to cover Stone Forest (Shilin), Lijiang Old Town, Erhai Lake.
- ●Arrival and departure times can reduce the amount of useful sightseeing time.
- ●Lijiang Old Town is best early morning before crowds
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