Travel Budget for Yunnan Visit Yunnan on a Budget or Travel in Style

Yunnan, China
Asia / China / Southwestern China / Yunnan /
LijiangKunmingDaliJinghongDeqinShangri-LaTiger Leaping Gorge
Jump to  down-arrow

Yunnan is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Yunnan?

You should plan to spend around $4,079 (¥29,658) per day on your vacation in Yunnan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $1,934 (¥14,061) on meals
  • $632 (¥4,597) on local transportation
  • $2,397 (¥17,428) on hotels

A one week trip to Yunnan for two people costs, on average, $57,100 (¥415,212). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $4,079
    ¥29,658
  • One Week Per person
    $28,550
    ¥207,606
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $57,100
    ¥415,212
  • One Month Per person
    $122,358
    ¥889,740
  • One Week For a couple
    $57,100
    ¥415,212
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $114,201
    ¥830,424
  • One Month For a couple
    $244,716
    ¥1,779,480
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Yunnan cost?

A one week trip to Yunnan usually costs around $28,550 (¥207,606) for one person and $57,100 (¥415,212) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Yunnan on average costs around $57,100 (¥415,212) for one person and $114,201 (¥830,424) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Yunnan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Yunnan on average costs around $122,358 (¥889,740) for one person and $244,716 (¥1,779,480) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Yunnan expensive to visit?

Yunnan is a smaller destination that attracts a range of visitors, each with distinct travel styles, spending habits, and budgetary requirements. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

You may find Yunnan to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.

On average, budget travelers spend $1,172 (¥8,519) per day, mid-range travelers spend $4,079 (¥29,658) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $16,724 (¥121,609) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Yunnan.

Within Asia, Yunnan is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Yunnan.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Yunnan Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Yunnan?

The average Yunnan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Yunnan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Yunnan cost?

Yunnan on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$377
(¥2,740) 		$1,198
(¥8,714) 		$4,438
(¥32,273)
Local Transportation1 $161
(¥1,169) 		$632
(¥4,597) 		$2,895
(¥21,053)
Food2 $547
(¥3,974) 		$1,934
(¥14,061) 		$8,058
(¥58,593)
Entertainment1 $148
(¥1,076) 		$588
(¥4,275) 		$2,714
(¥19,734)
Alcohol2 $77-231
(¥560-1,680) 		$291-872
(¥2,113-6,340) 		$1,286-3,859
(¥9,354-28,061)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

When planning your trip to Yunnan, it's important to have realistic expectations about your budget. Many believe they can travel on a shoestring, but that often leads to either uncomfortable travel experiences or some surprisingly high expenses. Consider your vacation style. Do you enjoy staying in hostels, resorts, regular hotels, or vacation rentals? Are attractions and dining experiences a priority? These factors will affect how much you spend and your itinerary.

The Truth on Budget Travel

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $1,172 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. Most guests in Yunnan will want to take in the essential attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $4,079 per person, per day.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $16,724 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices.

Accommodation Budget in Yunnan

The hotel prices in Yunnan might surprise you. Some places charge much more for added luxury and amenities, especially during peak season. In the off-season, a room averages $, but during peak season, expect to pay around $. Prices vary from $ to $, but hostels are often cheaper. Booking in advance and traveling during the low season can help save you money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Yunnan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $2,397 (¥17,428). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $1,198 (¥8,714) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $1,198
    ¥8,714
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $2,397
    ¥17,428

Hotels in Yunnan

Looking for a hotel in Yunnan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Yunnan

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of ) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.



Transportation Budget in Yunnan

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $632 (¥4,597) per person, per day, on local transportation in Yunnan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Yunnan is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $632
    ¥4,597

By plane, Kunming Changshui International Airport is the newest airport of the province, located about 22 kilometers from the urban center of Kunming. There are a number of transfer buses available at the airport for taking visitors to hotels and passenger terminals in the downtown area. The airport provides non-stop service from Beijing, Xiamen, and other Chinese cities. There are also flights to Southeast Asia to places including Seoul, Hanoi, Bangkok, Vientiane, Mandalay, Yangon, and Dhaka.

Within the province, Kunming is the hub of train transport in Yunnan. Day and night trains now go both to Dali and Lijiang. Buses are also widely available from Kunming to just about every place in Yunnan.



Flights to Yunnan
How much does it cost to go to Yunnan? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Yunnan
The price of renting a car in Yunnan will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Yunnan

Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Yunnan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Yunnan is $1,934 (¥14,061) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $1,934
    ¥14,061

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Yunnan is around $1934 (¥14061) per person, with previous travelers spending from $547 to $8058. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Yunnan are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $193 to $580
  • Lunch: $290 to $773
  • Dinner: $580 to $1354
  • Coffee: $155
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $290

The people of Yunnan are accustomed to cooking and eating very spicy food. Beyond this, each area of the province has its specialties, for example, Shi Ping County is known for its tofu while Xinping County is known for its sauerkraut. Guo Qiao Mi Xian, a favorite throughout the province, is a local style of steamy noodles with a variety of vegetables, meats, and usually a raw quail egg. Another common specialty is RuBing, or Yunnan goat cheese, which is soft and usually served fried with vegetables, mushrooms, or meat. LaoNaiYangYu, or Grandmother's Potatoes, are also a Yunnan favorite, a kind of spicy mashed potato with green onions, as is SuHongDou which is a kind of deep fried kidney bean dish. Each city of Yunnan will have a variety of places to eat from sit down restaurants to street food. A few of the more frequented hubs include Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang.

Food & Dining Tips

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

Choose to carry a water bottle instead of buying drinks all day. It's a good choice for the environment.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Yunnan

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Yunnan typically cost an average of $588 (¥4,275) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $588
    ¥4,275

The sights of Yunnan Province are many and varied. Starting with the natural landmarks, one of the most popular is the stone forest of Shilin National Park near Kunming. Exhibiting unique karst topography, the cropping of large stones is listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Other notable natural sights include Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Cangshan Mountain, and Lugu Lake.

If its culture you seek, Yunnan is the most diverse province of China. Good places to immerse yourself in some of Yunnan's ethnic gems are the historic districts of the province. One such place is the Dali Ancient City, or Old Town, dating back to the early Ming Dynasty and ranking as one of the most noted historical and cultural cities in China. Huoguo Road, or Foreigner Street, is the central thoroughfare which is most frequented by tourists. From here the opportunity to explore is abundant with traditional architecture, heritage sites, local food and handicrafts, as well as plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants. The streets are paved with cobble and lined with traditional folk houses, temples, and workshops of the Bai ethnic minority. Much of the architecture is decorated with grey-green roof tiles, woodcarvings, colored patterns, as well as marble and wash drawings. Other cultural hubs like this can be found in Lijiang, Heshun, and Guandu.

Throughout the province, you are also bound to come across beautiful architecture both new and traditional. Temples and pagodas can be found in just about any city, usually painted brightly in reds and golds.



While in Yunnan, visitors have access to a full range of activities from hiking, backpacking, and camping in the rugged hills and swimming in pristine lakes to dining, shopping, touring, and entertainment in the cultural hubs and cities of the province. Just about any of the larger cities even have tours available for the visitors who prefer a more guided experience of Yunnan's sights and cultures. The province of Yunnan promises a spread of opportunities as many and varied as the people who inhabit the place itself.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Yunnan. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Yangshuo Hot Air Balloon Tour at Sunrise or Sunset for $385 details
  • Shangri-La’s Tiger Leaping Gorge: A Canyon Adventure for $93 details
  • Shangri-La Area Private Day Tour for $148 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Yunnan

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $581 (¥4,227) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Yunnan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $581
    ¥4,227
Nightlife Tips

The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.



Travel cost data last updated: Apr 2, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Yunnan

  • During , prices typically soar and the destination can feel quite crowded. For those looking to save money and have a quieter visit, the shoulder or low seasons are the way to go.
  • Adopting a slower travel pace can lead to significant savings, giving you the chance to appreciate the area's beauty. If your schedule is packed with activities, your expenses can add up quickly. Conversely, slowing down often leads to a more enjoyable experience and less money spent overall.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Yunnan offers limited public transit options. Having a pre-arranged ride, such as a private driver or tour, could be a wise choice. Just remember, this might take a toll on your budget in other areas.
  • If you were planning on staying in a hostel in Yunnan, you might want to reconsider. There aren't many options available, so finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment might be a better choice.
Traveling in Yunnan
Yunnan Lijiang, China

Located in southwestern China, Yunnan is a province known for its large number of ethnic minorities as well as its varied landscape from snow-capped mountains and rice terraces to lakes and deep gorges. It is also one of the most diverse provinces in China with the Northwest being heavily influenced by Tibet and the South being influenced by the cultures of Laos and Burma.



Regions

Yunnan covers a large area with varying landscapes, cities, towns, and communities. Kunming Prefecture is the heart of the province, with Kunming city being its capital. It is the main point of entry for most visitors with a good variety of accommodations and places to eat. Central Yunnan is west of Kunming with rugged hills that are popular with backpackers. The city of Dali is also located here. Eastern Yunnan is full of rolling hills and plateaus, while Southeastern Yunnan is extremely diverse with a mix of arid badlands, lush pine forests, barren hills, rice terraces, and tropical rainforests. The urban centers of the southeast are very compact and easy to get from one to the next, with Yuxi being the largest. Southern Yunnan is culturally and ethnically more a part of Southeast Asia, serving as a tropical escape where many Chinese residents flee from winter, while Western Yunnan is very rugged and former home of the famous Burma Road. And finally, there is Northwestern Yunnan which offers a sampling of Tibet in towering mountains and local culture.

Related:

Looking for a hostel in China?

Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com

Search for Travel Costs


All Countries
Tour Search

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.