Yunnan in Spring: Flowers, Festivals and What to Expect
Golden Tropics Travel · Updated
Spring is Yunnan’s dry season, with long sunny days, blue skies and flowers across the province. From late winter to April, it is one of the most rewarding times for a first visit.
Flowers and blossom
In eastern Yunnan, the rapeseed fields of Luoping turn the hills bright yellow, usually from February to March. In Kunming, the cherry blossoms at Yuantong Temple and other city parks usually bloom around March.
In the Yuanyang rice terraces, the flooded terraces reflect the sky from winter into early spring, before the new rice is planted.
Clear days in Dali and Lijiang
Spring often brings clear views of Cangshan Mountain over Erhai Lake in Dali, and of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above Lijiang. The air is dry and the sun strong, so bring sunscreen and sunglasses.
Dali is known for its strong spring winds, especially around February and March, so a windproof jacket is useful.
The Water-Splashing Festival
In mid-April, the Dai people of Xishuangbanna in southern Yunnan celebrate their new year with the Water-Splashing Festival, when locals and visitors splash water on each other for good luck. It is lively and joyful; keep your phone in a waterproof pouch.
Weather and packing
Days are warm and pleasant, but mornings and evenings are cool, especially at higher places such as Lijiang and Shangri-La. Dress in layers.
- Light layers and a warm jacket for early mornings
- A windproof jacket for Dali
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Lip balm and moisturiser for the dry air
- Comfortable walking shoes for old towns and viewpoints